Description
A delicious twist on the classic tuna melt, featuring anchovies for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water or oil, drained
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped dill pickles, optional
- 4 slices sourdough or thick-cut sandwich bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp olive oil, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, minced anchovies, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, black pepper, and chopped pickles, if using. Mix gently until creamy but still slightly chunky.
- Prepare the bread. Spread softened butter evenly over one side of each bread slice. These buttered sides will form the crispy exterior.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Place two slices of bread butter-side down. Add one slice of cheddar cheese to each, divide the tuna mixture between them, then top with provolone or Swiss cheese and the remaining cheddar. Cover with the other bread slices, butter-side up.
- Heat the skillet. Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little olive oil if desired, although the butter on the bread is usually sufficient.
- Toast the sandwiches. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese has melted. Reduce the heat if the bread browns too quickly.
- Rest and slice. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 1 minute. Slice in half and serve while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Start with two anchovy fillets: They add deep, savory flavor without overpowering the tuna. Taste before adding any salt.
- Drain the tuna well: Excess liquid can make the bread soggy.
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts smoothly and creates a gooey center.
- Cook over medium-low heat: This allows the cheese to melt before the bread becomes too dark.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the tuna filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg