Quick Tuna Melt Recipe – Easy Ciabatta Sandwich Idea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Tuna Melt Recipe – Easy Ciabatta Sandwich Idea

Hey everyone! Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best, right? This quick tuna melt recipe is exactly that – a total lifesaver when you’re craving something comforting and delicious, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I first made this when my kids were little and needed a fast, satisfying lunch. It’s been a family favourite ever since! Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tuna melt isn’t your average sandwich. Using ciabatta bread takes it to another level – that slightly chewy texture is perfect for holding all the melty goodness. It’s super quick to whip up, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s totally customizable! You can adjust the spice level, swap out the cheese, or even use different types of bread. Honestly, it’s a winner all around.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing tuna melts:

• 170 gram canned tuna chunks (drained)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 1 tbsp green chilli (finely chopped)
• 1 small tomato (finely chopped)
• Pepper to taste
• 4 ciabatta bread slices
• Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar cheese (grated)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Ciabatta Bread: Seriously, don’t skip the ciabatta if you can help it! It’s got a lovely texture that holds up really well to the filling. But if you can’t find it, any sturdy bread will do.
• Cheese Choices: I love using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for the ultimate melt. Swiss cheese is also fantastic – it adds a lovely nutty flavour. Feel free to experiment!
• Mayonnaise Variations: Classic mayonnaise works great, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try Kewpie mayo! It’s a Japanese mayo that’s super creamy and adds a unique tang. A little sriracha mayo also adds a nice kick.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven’s grill function. This is key for getting that bubbly, golden-brown cheese.
2. Drain the tuna really well and flake it into a bowl. Nobody likes a soggy tuna melt!
3. Add the mayonnaise, chopped onion, green chilli, and chopped tomato to the tuna. Give it a good mix, and season with pepper to your liking.
4. Butter each slice of ciabatta bread and toast them in a pan until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Spread the tuna mixture evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
6. Generously top with your grated cheese. Don’t be shy!
7. Place the sandwiches under the preheated grill until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – it only takes a few minutes!
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overload the sandwiches with filling, or they’ll be hard to eat.
• Using good quality cheese makes a huge difference in the flavour.
• Grilling is the fastest way to melt the cheese, but you can also bake the sandwiches at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: For a mild melt, skip the green chilli. For medium heat, use half a chilli. And for a fiery kick, add a whole chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes!
• Cheese Variations: Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for a different flavour profile.
• Bread Variations: Whole wheat or sourdough bread are both delicious alternatives to ciabatta. My friend swears by using brioche for an extra indulgent treat!

Serving Suggestions

These tuna melts are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a side!

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice.
• Some crispy potato chips or fries are perfect for dipping.
• A bowl of tomato soup is a classic pairing.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, these are best enjoyed immediately. But if you must store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The bread will likely get a little soggy, but they’ll still be tasty! Reheat in a pan or under the grill.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this sandwich best served immediately? Absolutely! The bread will get soggy if it sits for too long.
• Can I use other types of fish? Yes! Salmon or mackerel would also be delicious in this recipe.
• What’s the best way to prevent soggy bread? Drain the tuna really well, and don’t add too much mayonnaise. Toasting the bread properly also helps.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the tuna mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. But assemble and grill the sandwiches just before serving.
• What cheese melts the best on a tuna melt? Mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss are all excellent choices. They all melt beautifully and have great flavour.