Tuna Melt

Yield: 4 sandwiches | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 minutes per sandwich

There’s a vintage diner in my town that my husband and I frequent on the weekends, and I swear they serve the most amazing tuna melt I’ve ever eaten. This recipe re-creates that magic with the perfect mix of veggies, seasonings, and plenty of tuna and melty cheese!

INGREDIENTS

2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained

½ small red onion, finely diced

½ celery stalk, finely diced

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon horseradish mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 slices sourdough bread

4 slices cheddar cheese

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened

DIRECTIONS

  1. Place the tuna in a medium bowl and mash with a fork. Add the onion, celery, and parsley.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
  3. Place two slices of bread on a clean work surface. Scoop 4 to 5 tablespoons of the tuna onto one slice of bread and top with 1 slice of cheese. Butter the second slice of bread and place on top.
  4. In a medium skillet, melt ½ tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add the sandwich, butter-side up.
  5. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned, then flip and cook on the second side for 2 to 3 minutes more, until browned.
  6. Set the sandwich on a plate to cool slightly.
  7. Repeat to make 3 more sandwiches. (You can also use a larger skillet and cook two sandwiches at a time.) Cut in half and serve.