Transform your everyday tuna sandwich into a gourmet café-style experience with this Golden Crisp Tuna Melt Panini. This elevated comfort food combines flaky tuna, melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread for a quick yet satisfying lunch that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
What’s So Special About This Dish?
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and common ingredients
- Customizable – Works with different cheeses and add-ins
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make the tuna mixture ahead
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Mix in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and use provolone cheese
- Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, corn, and pepper jack cheese
- Classic Diner: Include diced celery, pickles, and American cheese
- Light Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese
Serving and Storage
Serve your tuna melt panini immediately while the cheese is still melty, alongside a crisp pickle spear and kettle chips. For best results, prepare the tuna mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh off the panini press, you can reheat leftover sandwiches in a toaster oven for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
- Panini press or large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 cans (5 oz/142g each) solid white tuna in water, drained
- 1/3 cup (80ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup (25g) finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons (30g) finely diced red onion
- 4 slices (4oz/113g) sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well (2 minutes)
- Spread butter on outside of bread slices
- Layer each sandwich: bread (butter side down), 2 slices cheese, half the tuna mixture, bread (butter side up)
- Heat panini press to medium-high (3 minutes)
- Place sandwiches in press, close lid, and cook until golden brown and cheese melts (6-8 minutes)
- If using skillet, cook 4 minutes per side, pressing down with spatula
Recipe Notes
Can prep tuna mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
For extra crunch, add sliced pickles or potato chips inside sandwich
Store leftover tuna mixture in airtight container for up to 3 days
Nutrition Information
485
28g
32g
24g
3g
75mg
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