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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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