So simple to make and yet so filling, cheesy and delicious, this tasty tuna melt with its perfectly toasted exterior and creamy and cheesy interior will have you wanting this every day. If you love tuna, cheese and any kind of toasted bread then this is the perfect recipe for you.
This sandwich requires only a few ingredients but packs a punch when it comes to taste. The crisp yellow bell peppers not only add crunch but also a refreshing sweetness.
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Ingredients
This tuna melt requires only few ingredients that you may just find already in your pantry.
- yellow bell peppers - these are more fragrant than the green ones and have a pleasant sweet taste.
- purple onions - not only do they add crunch and taste but also some colour to melts otherwise this will just be different shades of beige.
- spring onions - these provide another subtle onion flavour as well as some colour contrast.
- canned tuna flakes in oil - the main star of this dish.
- sliced cheese - necessary else this is just a tuna sandwich.
- parmesan cheese - for incredible umami flavour but also... more cheese!
Instructions
Drain the tuna from can and place into a bowl.
In the bowl add the chopped onions, chopped bell peppers, spring onions, parmesan, mayonnaise as well as the pepper mix.
Mix all the ingredients until uniformly combined. Taste for salt and adjust accordingly.
Spread the mixture on a slice of bread making sure that the spread is even.
Add slices of your favourite cheese.
Place a slice of bread on top of the cheese and butter the top.
Place in a wide frying pan, butter the other side and toast both sides until light brown and the cheese has melted.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sliced cheese - this can be substituted with any cheese that melts well, either sliced or grated.
- Red bell peppers - you can either add to or substitute the yellow peppers with red ones or with green ones (which are flavourful). The green peppers can sometimes be bitter or not as flavourful depending on where you get them from.
- Canned tuna in water - if you are looking for a healthier alternative to canned tuna in oil and you can use canned tuna in water. Just be sure to drain properly so your melt doesn't become soggy.
Storage
The best way to eat these tuna melts is fresh out of the pan - when the cheese is still gooey and the bread still has crunch.
If you do have any leftovers wrap them in some aluminium foil and then store them in the fridge. Once ready to heat, take them out of the foil and toast them over low heat so that the tuna filling gets warm and the cheese can melt again. But also so that the bread doesn't get burnt.
Tip
- When toasting the bread, butter only on one side initially and then place that side down so it is touching the pan. Now butter the side facing up. Why? This simply prevents you from touching both sides if they are both buttered.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favourite drinks to serve with tuna melts:
Easy and Quick Tuna Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 canned tuna in oil approx 180 grams
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper chopped
- ½ purple onion chopped
- 1 handful spring onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise heaped
- 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns ground
- salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon parmesan heaped
- 8 slices cheese
- margarine or butter for toasting bread
Instructions
- Drain the oil from the tuna and place in a bowl.
- Add bell peppers, onions, spring onions, parmesan, pepper and mayonnaise to the tuna and mix.
- Add salt to taste and adjust accordingly.
- Spread the tuna mix on a slice of bread and make sure it is even.
- Add two slices of cheese per bread slice and then put another slice of bread on top.
- Butter the bread and place the buttered side into a pan.
- Butter the other side of the bread and toast both end over low heat until brown or until the cheese has melted. See note 1.
Video
Notes
- Buttering bread this way will prevent you from getting butter or margarine all over your fingers.
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