Tuna Melt Sandwich
A quick, satisfying tuna melt sandwich combining creamy, seasoned tuna and melted cheddar cheese on crispy buttered bread. Ideal for gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free and egg-free diets, this 10-minute recipe is a perfect protein-packed meal for lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Nonstick Griddle or large skillet
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Bread Knife
Ingredients
- 5 oz canned wild albacore tuna well-drained
- 3 to 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 dill pickle spears finely chopped (or substitute with 2 tablespoons pickle relish)
- ¼ teaspoon steak seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices gluten-free bread Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Loaf recommended
- Softened butter for spreading
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, gently break up the drained tuna with a fork. Add mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and the steak seasoning. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy, ensuring each bite will have balanced flavor.
- Butter the Bread: Take each slice of bread and spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side. This will create the crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place two bread slices on a clean surface, butter side down. Evenly divide the tuna mixture on top of these slices. Then, place a slice of cheddar cheese over each tuna layer. Finally, top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the hot surface. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottoms are a deep golden brown. Flip the sandwiches gently and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the second side is crisp and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally for easy serving. Enjoy immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Pickle Options: For convenience, use dill pickle relish instead of mincing fresh pickles. This saves time and blends smoothly into the tuna mixture.
- Steak Seasoning Swap: If you don’t have homemade steak seasoning, a quality store-bought blend like Tone’s Beef Seasoning works great to enhance flavor.
- Bread Choices: Opt for gluten-free bread varieties that hold up well to grilling to avoid sogginess. Canyon Bakehouse Heritage Loaf is a top pick.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese slices and a vegan mayo substitute to adapt this recipe for dairy-free diets.
- Cooking Tips: Keep the heat at medium to ensure the bread crisps slowly while the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
