Cheesy Tuna Melt Delight 🥪🐟

This twist on the classic tuna melt elevates the traditional sandwich into a cozy comfort food treat! The aromatic spices and cheesy goodness make for a delectable and hearty meal. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, this recipe can be customized with additional toppings or variations to suit your taste. Pair it with a side of crispy chips or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal! 🥗🍟

Ingredients

For the tuna filling

• 1 can of tuna (drained, approximately 5 oz)
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

For the assembly

• 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or rye works well!)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of your preference)
• 1 tablespoon of butter for grilling
• Optional: sliced tomato and fresh spinach leaves

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, relish, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

🥄 Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise or mustard based on your preference for creaminess or tanginess!

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter one side of each slice of bread.

3. Place two slices of bread in the skillet, buttered side down. Top each slice with the tuna mixture, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the tuna. If you're adding tomato and spinach, layer them on top of the cheese.

4. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.

5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.

🔥 If the bread is browning too fast, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt fully.

6. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Cut in half and serve hot!

🍽️ A perfect dip into some spicy mustard or a creamy dressing adds a delightful twist!

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the tuna mixture for some heat. 🌶️
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate a teaspoon of dried dill or parsley into the tuna for an extra flavor boost!
• Low-carb: Substitute bread with a portobello mushroom cap or lettuce wraps for a delicious low-carb option.
• Air Fryer: Prepare your tuna melt in an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-6 minutes on each side for a crispier outer layer.

Whichever variation you choose, this cheesy tuna melt is sure to be a favorite! Enjoy! 🥪💖