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Tuna Melt (1960s)

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Tuna Melt
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Tuna Melt

Tuna Melt (1960s)

Savor the scrumptious fusion of tuna, melted cheese, and tangy mayo in this delectable tuna melt recipe – a satisfying meal for any occasion!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Sandwiches

Equipment

  • Normal Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Slices Sandwich Bread
  • 4 – 1 Oz. Slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also works.
  • 5 Oz. Canned Tuna in Water Drained
  • 6 Tbsp Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp Minced Onion Red, White or Yellow
  • 1 Tbsp Finely Diced Celery
  • 1 Tbsp Pickle Relish or Finely Diced Pickle Dill or Sweet (I Prefer Dill)
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions
 

  • Set the cheese out so it begins to come to room temperature.
    4 – 1 Oz. Slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • After draining the canned tuna, use a fork to break it into small chunks and transfer to a mixing bowl.
    5 Oz. Canned Tuna in Water
  • Mix in the celery, onion, pickle, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, two pinches of pepper and 2 Tbsp of the mayo. Test for more salt and pepper and then set this mixture (tuna salad) aside.
    6 Tbsp Mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp Minced Onion, 1 Tbsp Finely Diced Celery, 1 Tbsp Pickle Relish or Finely Diced Pickle, 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice, Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Begin building the melts. Spread 1/8 of the remaining mayo on one side of a slice of bread and place it (mayo side down) in a cool skillet/pan. Place the pan on your stove and turn the heat to medium or medium/low (depending on how powerful your stove is). The ultimate goal is to get everything melty inside the melt without over-toasting the bread.
    4 Slices Sandwich Bread
  • While the pan begins to heat up, build the rest of the sandwich. Add another 1/8 of mayo to the second side of bread while it sits in the pan. Add a slice of cheese on top of that, then half of the tuna salad. Top with another slice of cheese.
  • Add 1/8 of mayo to a second slice of bread and place it, mayo side down, onto your under-construction sandwich. Press down just a bit to help mash everything into place.
  • Add another 1/8 of mayo to the second side of this second piece of bread (that will be the lubrication for when you flip the sandwich over.
  • After the sandwich is assembled, go ahead and flip it. Press down one more time to help mesh everything together – being careful not to squeeze the insides out of the sandwich.
  • Flip the sandwich every 1-2 minutes until both pieces of bread are nicely toasted, the cheese is melted and the tuna salad is hot.
    Remember, the goal is not to burn the bread while everything cooks. Flipping the sandwich can help prevent burning to some degree.
  • Serve right away with your favorite sandwich sides (note: if you cut the sandwich, be sure to let it rest 4-5 minutes beforehand. Otherwise, it could get a little runny).

Notes

Pro tip – you can make the tuna salad in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for a day or two. If you do this, you should let it come to room temperature before making the Tuna Melts. Cold tuna salad might not be heated through before the bread begins to burn. 
Ways to amp up the flavor:
Try a light schmear of Dijon or spicy mustard on each inside of the bread. This will add a little more tang/bite to break up all that cheese and mayo.
Also try adding thin slices of onion, pickle, jalapeño or tomato – but be careful not to add too much, or the sandwich will get pretty messy pretty quickly. 
Another great option is to add a few dashes of buffalo sauce, either in or on the tuna salad. If you do this, my vote is on Monterey Jack for the cheese choice. 
Keyword Cheese, Classic, Grilled, Hot, Melt, Sandwich, Timeless, Tuna

Embark on a flavorful journey with our Tuna Melt recipe—a classic that’s stood the test of time. This delightful creation has become a staple in households and diners across the world.

A Brief History of This Hallowed Melt

The exact date and location of the invention of the tuna melt remain uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. As canned tuna gained popularity in the 1930s, Americans started using it as a filling for sandwiches. This eventually led to the creation of the tuna salad sandwich. One legend alleges the Tuna Melt’s accidental beginning in the 1960s at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Charleston, S.C. As the story goes, a cook accidentally spilled a bowl of tuna salad onto a sizzling grilled cheese sandwich. Not wanting to waste the food, the cook instead served it to a customer who had ordered both dishes.

Timeless Taste

Though the details might be a bit hazy, the tale of the tuna melt’s accidental invention adds to its allure. Today, it remains a beloved and timeless sandwich. Creamy tuna, melted cheese, and toasted bread create a true favorite for sandwich enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The star of the show is canned tuna, a convenient and versatile ingredient that takes center stage in this recipe. Mixed with mayo, celery, and seasonings, the tuna salad forms a flavorful base. Piled high on a slice of bread, topped with melted cheese, and toasted to perfection, the Tuna Melt emerges as a comforting, melty masterpiece.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of tuna or a newcomer to its wonders, the Tuna Melt offers a delightful twist. If you’ve enjoyed this, consider venturing into the world of classic Tuna Casserole, a hearty dish with pasta and creamy sauce. Or, try my personal concoction—the TBT (Tuna Bacon Tomato) Melt, a delectable medley of flavors that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

As you savor each bite of the Tuna Melt, relish in its timeless appeal and the nostalgia it brings. It’s indeed a dish that has transcended generations, providing a quick and satisfying meal that never goes out of style. So, whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or enjoying it as a comforting dinner, the Tuna Melt is a culinary classic that continues to stand tall in the realm of delicious simplicity.

Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/

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