The Tuna Melt from Earl of Sandwich features a savory blend of tender tuna salad mixed with melted cheddar cheese, nestled between toasted artisan bread, offering a warm and satisfying combination of creamy and crispy textures.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (if shredding cheddar cheese)
- Bread knife
- Toaster or Panini press (or grill pan)
- Spatula (for handling sandwich)
- Plate
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) canned tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 slices artisan bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
When preparing your tuna salad, ensure the canned tuna is thoroughly drained to prevent sogginess in the sandwich. Finely chopping celery and red onion enhances the texture and flavor balance, while fresh lemon juice brightens the mixture. Use good quality artisan bread and either sliced or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for optimal melt and taste. Butter the outside of the bread evenly to achieve a golden, crispy crust when toasted or grilled. Perfect your Tuna Melt from Earl of Sandwich copycat by focusing on these ingredient details to recreate the rich, creamy, and crispy experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped red onion, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
- Lay out slices of artisan bread on the cutting board.
- Evenly spread the tuna mixture onto two slices of bread.
- Top each with cheddar cheese (sliced or shredded).
- Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Butter the outer sides of each sandwich with unsalted butter.
- Preheat a toaster, panini press, or grill pan.
- Place sandwiches on the hot surface and grill until bread is golden and cheese is melted, flipping with a spatula if needed.
- Remove sandwiches, slice with a bread knife if desired, and serve on a plate.
Substitution
The Tuna Melt from Earl of Sandwich copycat menu replicates the classic blend of creamy tuna salad and sharp cheddar melted to golden perfection on toasted artisan bread. If you don't have artisan bread, sturdy sandwich bread or sourdough make excellent alternatives that hold up well to grilling. Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy flavor without sacrificing creaminess. Cheddar cheese can be replaced with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss to adjust the flavor profile. When melting the cheese, use a toaster oven or grill pan if you don't have a panini press, applying steady heat to avoid burning the bread while achieving gooey cheese.
Tips
Ensure the tuna is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy sandwiches and balance the mayonnaise and lemon juice to keep the filling moist but not runny. Butter the outsides of the bread evenly to achieve a golden, crispy crust without burning. Use medium heat when grilling to melt the cheese completely while allowing the bread to toast properly. You'll find using a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich helps maintain its shape and prevents the filling from spilling out.
Nutritions
The Tuna Melt provides a rich source of protein from the 8 oz of tuna, supporting muscle repair and growth, while the cheddar cheese adds calcium essential for bone health. Each sandwich contains healthy fats from mayonnaise and unsalted butter, contributing to satiety and energy. The addition of celery and red onion offers minimal calories but adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Your meal balances macronutrients, delivering a creamy and crispy texture with nourishing ingredients.
Storage
Store your leftover Tuna Melt sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to prevent the tuna salad from spoiling and to keep the bread from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, reheat in a toaster oven or panini press to restore the sandwich's crispy texture and melted cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the tuna salad while adding a tangy flavor. Use pepper jack or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a different cheesy profile. Try toasting the artisan bread before assembling the sandwich to enhance crunchiness and prevent sogginess. You can also add sliced tomatoes or pickles inside your Tuna Melt for a fresh, zesty contrast.
Allergies
The Tuna Melt contains common allergens such as canned tuna, which is a fish allergy risk, and mayonnaise that often includes eggs. The cheddar cheese and butter may also pose problems for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. You should carefully check each ingredient if you have specific food allergies to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Tuna Melt from Earl of Sandwich features perfectly toasted artisan bread layered with creamy melted cheddar cheese and a flavorful tuna salad, creating a balanced combination of textures and flavors. This sandwich uses high-quality, fresh ingredients that elevate the classic tuna melt experience. You will appreciate the rich taste and satisfying crunch that make it a standout menu item. Trying to make a copycat at home allows you to customize the ingredients while enjoying a delicious, sandwich shop-quality meal.