Best 7 Italian American Style Tuna Melts Recipes

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Indulge in the classic comfort food of Italian-American Style Tuna Melts, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These delectable sandwiches feature hearty tuna salad enveloped in melted cheese, nestled between perfectly toasted bread. Embark on a culinary journey with three enticing variations: the Traditional Tuna Melt, a timeless classic with a blend of tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion; the Italian-Inspired Tuna Melt, a flavorful twist infused with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese; and the Spicy Tuna Melt, a fiery delight with a kick of jalapeño peppers and chipotle mayonnaise. These versatile sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch, a casual dinner, or a fun party appetizer. With easy-to-follow instructions and a detailed ingredient list, this recipe guide will empower you to recreate these beloved tuna melts in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven or panini press, and prepare to savor the irresistible goodness of Italian-American Style Tuna Melts.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

TUNA MELT RECIPE



Tuna Melt Recipe image

This classic tuna melt recipe is an easy, affordable, and satisfying lunch or dinner that's ready for the table in less than 30 minutes!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 (5 ounce) cans tuna fish in water, drained really well and flaked ((we like solid white albacore tuna in water))
¾ cup finely diced celery
½ cup mayonnaise ((we prefer Duke's brand mayo))
1 ½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish ((or sub with dill pickle relish))
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
8 slices thick white bread or 4 English muffins, split
2 tomatoes (about 1 lb.), sliced ¼-inch thick ((optional))
8 slices sharp cheddar cheese ((or sub with provolone, Swiss, American, or other favorite cheese))

Steps:

  • Prepare tuna salad by stirring together tuna, celery, mayonnaise, pickle relish, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
  • Arrange bread or English muffins on a rimmed baking sheet. Place about 6-inches from the broiler and toast until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Spread about ½ cup of tuna salad over each slice of toast, top with sliced tomato, then the cheddar. Broil 6-inches from the heat until the cheese is melted and starting to brown, about 3-6 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 tuna melt, Calories 550 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 33 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 79 mg, Sodium 1088 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4 g

MEDITERRANEAN TUNA MELTS



Mediterranean Tuna Melts image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 7-ounce cans oil-packed light tuna (preferably Italian)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 whole pitas, each split into 2 rounds
4 ounces muenster or halloumi cheese, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups baby arugula
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Drain the tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil. Toss the tuna, reserved oil, 1/4 cup parsley, the olives, red onion, the juice of 1/2 lemon, the smoked paprika, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Spread the tuna salad on 4 of the pita halves; top with the cheese and the remaining pita halves.
  • Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. One at a time, add the sandwiches and cook until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toss the arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, the remaining 1/4 cup parsley, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil and the juice of the remaining 1/2 lemon in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Cut the tuna melts into wedges. Serve with the arugula salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 707, Fat 38 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Cholesterol 106 milligrams, Sodium 1198 milligrams, Carbohydrate 44 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 52 grams

TUNA MELT



Tuna Melt image

Legend has it that the tuna melt was accidentally invented in the 1960s at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Charleston, S.C., when the cook didn't notice that a bowl of tuna salad had tipped over onto a grilled cheese. We may never know if this story is true, but there's no doubt that the tuna melt has become a classic American diner food. This recipe adds chopped cornichons and whole-grain mustard for a satisfying crunch and vinegary element. Extra-sharp Cheddar is a must, and as with grilled cheese, the key to achieving perfectly melted cheese and golden bread is to toast the sandwich over medium-low heat. If you prefer an open-face tuna melt, skip the top piece of bread and place the sandwich on a sheet pan under the broiler until the cheese melts.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, weeknight, sandwiches, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 (6-ounce) cans solid, water-packed tuna, drained
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped cornichons or small kosher dill pickles
3 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 packed tablespoon minced fresh dill (optional)
2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices rye or sourdough bread, cut 1/2-inch thick
8 sandwich slices extra-sharp Cheddar (or 6 ounces shredded)
4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, plus more as needed

Steps:

  • Place the tuna in a medium bowl and flake with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, cornichons, red onion, lemon juice, dill (if using), mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Depending on the size of your bread, spoon 1/3 to 1/2 cup tuna salad on each of four slices of bread, heaping it in the middle slightly. Divide the cheese among the sandwiches, tearing and arranging the cheese to fit neatly. Place a piece of bread on top of each and generously spread the top piece of each sandwich with about 1/2 tablespoon butter.
  • Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-low. Place two sandwiches, buttered-side down, in the skillet, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bottom pieces of bread are golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, spread the top of the each sandwich with another 1/2 tablespoon butter. Carefully flip the sandwiches, turn the heat to low, and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes, until the bottoms are browned and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining two sandwiches and serve immediately.

ITALIAN TUNA SALAD



Italian Tuna Salad image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 slices jarred sweet and hot cherry peppers, chopped
2 slices jarred sweet and hot cherry peppers, chopped
1 to 3 kalamata or nicoise olives, pitted and chopped
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
One 7-ounce jar Italian tuna packed in oil, drained
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
White bread, such as Wonder Bread, crusts removed and quartered, for serving
Sesame crackers, for serving

Steps:

  • In a bowl combine the mayo, capers, relish, mustard, peppers, olives, eggs and tuna. Mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on the quartered white bread and the sesame crackers.

ULTIMATE TUNA MELTS



Ultimate Tuna Melts image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (6 to 8-ounce) jars imported tuna packed in olive oil, drained
1/2 cup (1/4-inch) diced hearts of celery
1/2 cup minced scallions, white and light green parts (3 scallions)
3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup good mayonnaise, such as Hellmann's
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
4 large slices bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White
4 ounces Swiss cheese, such as Emmentaler, grated
1 ounce microgreens

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, flake the tuna finely with a fork. Add the celery, scallions, and dill, and continue mixing and fluffing with the fork until combined. Add the lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Combine the mayonnaise and anchovy paste, if using, and mix into the tuna.
  • Preheat the broiler. Toast the bread in a toaster and place the slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Spread a quarter of the tuna mixture thickly and evenly on each piece of bread, covering the entire slice. Sprinkle the cheese evenly on the 4 sandwiches, covering the tuna completely. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to brown. (Watch it carefully!) Sprinkle with the microgreens and serve hot.

ITALIAN TUNA SALAD MELTS



Italian Tuna Salad Melts image

This recipe was adapted from Rachel Ray's magazine, and is a nice alternative to the everyday "canned tuna and mayo" we're all so used to. These are wonderful, and they are full of nice chunks of veggies in every bite. The shredded baby spinach gives the salad a wonderfully fresh look and taste.

Provided by Kozmic Blues

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 15m

Yield 4 sandwiches, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 garlic clove, minced
salt
1 lemon, juice and zest of
1 teaspoon thyme or 1 teaspoon dill
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
1 (14 ounce) can water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 cups Baby Spinach, chopped
fresh ground pepper, to taste
4 English muffins, split
1 large tomatoes, cut into 8 slices
8 slices provolone cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler to high and position a rack 5 to 6 inches from the heat source. Place the minced garlic in a medium bowl and combine with the lemon juice and zest and the thyme.
  • Whisk in the olive oil.
  • Add the tuna and flake it with a fork, mixing it with the dressing.
  • Add the chopped artichokes along with the onion, celery and baby spinach.
  • Toss the salad to combine and season with salt and lots of pepper.
  • Place the English muffins on a rimmed baking sheet and toast under the broiler.
  • When golden, remove the baking sheet and top each half with a slice of tomato.
  • Using an ice cream scoop, make a mound of the tuna and pile 1 mound on top of each of the 8 tomato slices.
  • Top the tuna with a slice of provolone cheese and return to the oven to melt the cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.5, Fat 32.4, SaturatedFat 12.6, Cholesterol 76.1, Sodium 1194.6, Carbohydrate 43.1, Fiber 8.8, Sugar 5.8, Protein 45.1

ITALIAN-STYLE TUNA SANDWICH



Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich image

Though an American cook (or even a French one) usually adds mayonnaise to the bowl when dressing canned tuna for a sandwich, Italian cooks invariably anoint theirs with olive oil instead. Capers, olives and anchovy often join the festivities; here they are combined with garlic and parsley to make a zesty salsa verde. Choose the best quality Italian or Spanish canned tuna-the extra cost is well worth it. The other essential ingredient is freshly baked bread, like a good crisp baguette or crusty ciabatta roll.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, lunch, quick, sandwiches, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup Italian parsley leaves, washed and dried
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup roughly chopped green olives, such as Castelvetrano
3 or 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped capers
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper
1 baguette or 4 ciabatta rolls
Handful of lettuce leaves, arugula or watercress
8 ounces best quality oil packed tuna, drained, in large chunks
4 hard-boiled eggs
Salt and pepper
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced, optional

Steps:

  • Make the salsa verde: Whiz parsley leaves and 1/2 cup oil in a food processor or blender to a pesto-like consistency, then transfer to a small bowl. (Alternatively, chop parsley by hand and combine with oil.) Add garlic, chopped olives, anchovies, capers, lemon zest and red pepper to parsley mixture and stir well. Season with salt if necessary and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Thin with more oil as desired.
  • Cut baguette crosswise into 4 equal pieces, then split each lengthwise with a serrated knife. (If using rolls, split each lengthwise.) For each sandwich, lay bread flat, crust side down. Spread cut sides with 2 tablespoons salsa verde. Put a few lettuce leaves on 1 piece of bread and arrange 2 ounces of tuna over lettuce. Top tuna with 1 egg, quartered. Season egg lightly with salt and pepper. Add sliced serrano chile, if using. Drizzle with a little more salsa verde, then press sandwich closed.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 530, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 725 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

Tips:

  • Choosing the right tuna: Opt for tuna packed in olive oil or water for a healthier option and avoid tuna packed in mayonnaise.
  • Preparing the tuna: Drain the tuna well and flake it into small pieces using a fork.
  • Using quality bread: Select a sturdy bread that can hold up well to the filling, such as sourdough, French, or Italian bread.
  • Creating a creamy sauce: Use a combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to create a flavorful and creamy sauce.
  • Adding cheese: Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
  • Grilling the sandwich: Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a lightly oiled skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
  • Serving the sandwich: Serve the tuna melt immediately with your favorite sides, such as chips, salad, or soup.

Conclusion:

The Italian-American style tuna melt is a delicious and versatile sandwich that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. With its combination of savory tuna, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different bread types, cheeses, and seasonings to create your own unique tuna melt recipe. Whether you prefer a classic tuna melt or a more adventurous variation, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your grill, and indulge in the deliciousness of an Italian-American style tuna melt!

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