Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts

Ina Garten’s Ultimate Tuna Melts is made with imported tuna packed in olive oil, diced celery, minced scallions, fresh dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Swiss cheese. This delicious Ultimate Tuna Melts recipe creates a hearty lunch that takes about 12 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

This Ultimate Tuna Melts Recipe Is From Modern Comfort Food Cookbook by Ina Garten

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 (6 to 8-ounce) jars imported tuna packed in olive oil, drained (170 to 226 grams)
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced hearts of celery (¼-inch pieces)
• ½ cup (120 ml) minced scallions (3 scallions, white and light green parts)
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) minced fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¾ cup (180 ml) good mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) anchovy paste (optional)
• 4 large slices bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White
• 4 ounces (115 grams) Swiss cheese, such as Emmentaler, grated
• 1 ounce (28 grams) microgreens

How To Make Ultimate Tuna Melts?

1. Mix the Tuna: Flake the tuna finely with a fork in a medium bowl. Add the celery, scallions, and dill, mixing until combined. Stir in the lemon juice, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Combine the mayonnaise and anchovy paste (if using), then mix into the tuna.
2. Prepare the Bread: Preheat the broiler. Toast the bread in a toaster, then place the slices on a sheet pan in a single layer. Spread a quarter of the tuna mixture thickly and evenly on each slice of bread. Top with the grated cheese, covering the tuna completely.
3. Broil the Melts: Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to brown.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Good Quality Tuna: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture. The better the tuna, the better your melts will taste.
• Toast the Bread Well: Make sure to toast the bread until it’s golden and crispy before adding the tuna mixture. This helps the bread hold up under the toppings and prevents it from getting soggy.
• Grate the Cheese: Use grated Swiss cheese rather than sliced cheese for even melting and better coverage over the tuna mixture.
• Watch the Broiler Closely: Broil the sandwiches for only 1 to 2 minutes, and keep a close eye on them. Cheese can quickly go from melted to burnt.
• Add Microgreens Just Before Serving: Sprinkle microgreens on the sandwiches right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Ultimate Tuna Melts cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, move them to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

• Calories: 440
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 23g

Try More Ina Garten Recipe:

• Ina Garten Seared Tuna & Avocado Rolls
• Ina Garten Goat Cheese Toasts
• Ina Garten Fig & Cheese Toasts