Two favorite food groups, merged together. I used to love these sandwiches as a kid, and was inspired by a Karen Tedesco recipe in Better Homes and Gardens to make this slightly more fancy version with tarragon. Do you like tuna melts? If so, how do you like yours? Please let us know in the comments.
Video: How to Make Tuna Melts
Likewise, if you can only find tuna canned in water, drain the liquid from the tuna and add a tablespoon or so of extra virgin olive oil. Chunk light tuna can make a mushy tuna salad, so look for solid tuna. The brands of canned tuna we most often use are Wild Planet Albacore Solid Wild Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil. You can also find good options at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. It might take some experimenting before you find a brand you like.
The Secret to a Toasty Tuna Melt
A tuna melt is more or less a deluxe grilled cheese. Spread the outside of the bread with butter so it gets golden-brown and toasty in the skillet. The other secret? Don’t rush it! We all know how disappointing it is to burn a sandwich. Take it easy and use medium heat, which will get that bread nice and toasty – and melt that cheese – without burning the bread.
Swaps & Substitutions
Use fresh or dried dill instead of the tarragon.Use Swiss, Havarti, provolone, muenster, or orange cheddar instead of the white cheddar cheese.Use a minced shallot or sliced chives instead of the green onion.Add some diced celery or water chestnuts for crunch.Use sturdy rye or whole wheat bread.Add a chopped hard boiled egg to the tuna salad.
More Favorite Tunafish Recipes!
Tuna Macaroni Salad Tuna Burgers with Dill Olive Mayo Tuna and Tomato Pasta Casserole Avocado Tuna Salad Best Ever Tuna Salad
