Ina Garten’s Perfect Ultimate Tuna Melts Recipe For Lunch

Ultimate Tuna Melts represent a classic comfort food with unexpected gourmet potential.

Seafood enthusiasts know these sandwiches deliver serious flavor beyond ordinary lunch fare.

The rich combination transforms basic ingredients into something surprisingly sophisticated and memorable.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can elevate a traditional recipe into something special.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of tender fish, melted cheese, and crisp bread textures.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients make these sandwiches stand out from standard deli offerings.

Smart preparation techniques ensure maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort: crisp up those edges and enjoy!

How to Make Ina Garten’s Gooey Tuna Melts

Step 1: Prepare Tuna Mix

• Finely chopped celery
• Sliced scallions
• Chopped fresh dill

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Blend mayonnaise and anchovy paste (optional), then fold into tuna until well combined.

Step 2: Setup Bread Base

Turn broiler to high setting. Toast bread slices until golden brown. Arrange toasted bread on a clean baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of tuna mixture across each bread slice, covering entire surface. Sprinkle grated cheese over tuna, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Create Golden Melts

Place baking sheet under broiler. Cook for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully. Remove when cheese turns bubbly and develops a beautiful golden-brown color. Cheese should be melted and slightly crispy on edges.

Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm and cheese is still gooey. Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality canned tuna for best flavor. Fresh herbs make a significant difference in taste profile.

Tips to Perfect Melted Cheese and Crispy Bread

• Select Premium Tuna: Choose high-quality tuna packed in olive oil to elevate the entire sandwich's flavor profile and ensure a rich, luxurious taste.
• Master Perfect Bread Toasting: Create a golden, crispy base that supports the tuna mixture without turning soggy, providing a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Grate for Guaranteed Melt: Transform Swiss cheese into fine shreds for seamless melting that blankets the tuna with smooth, even coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
• Broil with Precision: Monitor the sandwiches closely during the final moments of cooking, preventing cheese from burning and maintaining a perfectly melted topping.
• Finish with Fresh Microgreens: Sprinkle delicate microgreens at the last second to introduce a vibrant, crisp element that brightens the entire sandwich's taste and visual appeal.

Store Leftovers Without Losing That Crunch

• Freeze: Seal Ultimate Tuna Melts in heavy-duty freezer bags to preserve maximum flavor and texture. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a labeled bag. Freeze flat to save space and maintain sandwich integrity. Consumption is best within one month for optimal taste.
• Refrigerate: Store completely cooled tuna melts in sealed glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor transfer and keeps sandwiches fresher longer. Stack carefully to prevent crushing delicate ingredients. Consume within 2-3 days for peak quality and food safety.
• Reheat: Restore crispy texture by using an oven or toaster oven instead of microwave. Preheat to 350°F and place sandwiches on a wire rack for even heating. Warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bread becomes golden.

Tuna Melt Add-Ons That Change the Game

• Mediterranean Melody: Swap dill for chopped fresh oregano and add crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar. Incorporate diced kalamata olives into the tuna mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Mix in diced jalapeños and replace mayonnaise with chipotle mayo. Top with pepper jack cheese and sprinkle with chopped cilantro after broiling for a zesty kick.
• Herbed Salmon Switch: Substitute canned salmon for tuna and add fresh chives and parsley. Use gruyère cheese and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on bread before adding the fish mixture for extra depth.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier version. Add diced avocado and mix in some hemp seeds for additional nutrition. Top with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a creamy finish.

Final Bite of Ultimate Tuna Melt Magic

Coastal elegance meets comfort in Ina Garten’s ultimate tuna melts.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate this classic sandwich beyond ordinary lunch fare.

Delicate herbs and tangy anchovies create complex flavor profiles that surprise palates.

Crisp celery and sharp scallions provide textural contrast against melted cheese.

When golden cheese cascades over herbed tuna, culinary magic happens – you’ll want to savor each bite, share with friends, and bookmark this recipe for future delicious moments.

Why Ina Garten’s Tuna Melts Are Truly the Ultimate

• Flavor-Packed Seafood Sensation: Ina Garten's ultimate tuna melts burst with zesty, fresh ingredients like dill, scallions, and lemon juice that elevate the classic sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners without complicated cooking techniques.
• Texture Lover's Dream: The combination of crispy toasted bread, creamy tuna mixture, and melted golden cheese creates a delightful contrast of textures that makes each bite incredibly satisfying and crave-worthy.
• Quick Culinary Comfort: With a total preparation and cooking time of less than 10 minutes, these tuna melts offer a speedy solution for hungry home cooks seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

What You’ll Need for Ina’s Tuna Melt

• Tuna: Tender and flaky protein base, prefer solid white albacore for best texture and mild flavor.
• Anchovy Paste: Optional umami booster, adds depth and richness to tuna mixture.

• Celery, Scallions, Dill: Crisp vegetables and herb that provide freshness, crunch, and bright herbal notes.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that holds tuna mixture together, adds richness and smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that balances flavors and adds zesty freshness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste profile.

• Bread: Sturdy base for tuna mixture, choose a solid white or sourdough for best results.
• Cheese: Melting cheese that creates golden, crispy topping, cheddar or gruyere work perfectly.

Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Ultimate Tuna Melts combine classic comfort with gourmet flair, blending rich, flaky tuna with melted cheese on perfectly toasted bread. Savory, satisfying, and simple, these melts promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 jars (6 to 8 ounces/170 to 226 grams) imported tuna packed in olive oil, drained
• 4 large slices bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White
• 4 ounces (115 grams) Swiss cheese, such as Emmentaler, grated

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ½ cup (120 ml) diced hearts of celery (¼-inch pieces)
• ½ cup (120 ml) minced scallions (3 scallions, white and light green parts)
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) minced fresh dill
• 1 ounce (28 grams) microgreens

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ cup (180 ml) good mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) anchovy paste (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate the canned tuna into delicate, uniform flakes using a fork within a medium-sized mixing bowl. Incorporate finely chopped celery, sliced scallions, and fresh dill, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Season the tuna mixture with freshly squeezed lemon juice, adding 1½ teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) of salt and ¾ teaspoon (3.75 milliliters) of ground black pepper. Whisk together mayonnaise and anchovy paste until smooth, then gently fold into the tuna blend.
3. Activate the broiler and set to high heat. Toast bread slices in a standard toaster until golden brown, then arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Generously spread an equal portion of the prepared tuna mixture across each bread slice, ensuring complete and even coverage. Sprinkle grated cheese over the tuna, making certain the entire surface is completely blanketed.
5. Position the baking sheet under the broiler, monitoring closely. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a light golden-brown color and slight bubbling texture.
6. Remove from broiler, let cool for 30 seconds, then transfer to serving plates. Slice diagonally if desired and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Select Premium Tuna: Elevate your melt by choosing high-quality tuna packed in olive oil, ensuring rich flavor and perfect texture that transforms the entire sandwich experience.
• Perfectly Crisp Bread Base: Create a golden, crunchy foundation by thoroughly toasting bread until it reaches a beautiful amber color, preventing any potential sogginess and providing a satisfying crunch.
• Masterful Cheese Grating: Grate Swiss cheese finely to achieve seamless melting and complete coverage over the tuna mixture, distributing flavor evenly across every bite.
• Broiler Precision Matters: Keep a vigilant eye during the 1-2 minute broiling process, preventing cheese from burning and ensuring a beautifully melted, golden-brown top.
• Fresh Microgreen Finale: Delicately sprinkle crisp microgreens moments before serving to add a burst of freshness and vibrant green color that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 60mg