If you’re craving something cozy, packed with flavor, and utterly irresistible, these Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe are exactly what you need. This dish combines the comfort of a classic tuna melt elevated with an aromatic blend of fresh thyme, chives, and parsley, plus the creamy, melty goodness of fontina cheese. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack, these sandwiches bring vibrant freshness and warm indulgence all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tangy lemon juice that brightens the tuna to the rich, melting fontina cheese and rustic bread that provides the perfect crunchy base, every item here is simple yet essential.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness that binds the tuna salad perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tangy kick that lifts the flavors.
- Lemon juice: Injects fresh citrus brightness to keep things lively.
- Fresh thyme: Offers an earthy, fragrant note that complements the tuna.
- Fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony sharpness for balance.
- Fresh parsley: Provides herbaceous freshness and color.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- White albacore tuna: The star protein, packed with flaky, satisfying texture.
- Rustic French or Italian loaf bread: Thick slices create a sturdy, crunchy shell.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for that golden, toasty crust on each sandwich.
- Shredded fontina cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, nutty warmth.
- Tomato slices: Bring juicy sweetness and fresh texture to the melt.
How to Make Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herb-Infused Tuna Salad
Start by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, the finely chopped fresh thyme, chives, parsley, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Gently fold in the thoroughly drained white albacore tuna, ensuring every bite bursts with herbaceous zest mixed with creamy tuna goodness. This fresh herb infusion is the heart of the Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe, making the familiar tuna melt feel extraordinary.
Step 2: Assemble Your Sandwich Layers
Next, spread softened unsalted butter on one side of each bread slice to guarantee a golden-brown crunch. On four slices, layer a generous amount of shredded fontina cheese, followed by a scoop of the fresh herb tuna salad, then beautifully thin tomato slices, and finish with more fontina cheese for that irresistible melt. Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outwards. This layering ensures every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, fresh, and crispy textures.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden and Gooey
Warm a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread turns a stunning golden brown and the fontina cheese oozes delightfully. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese fully melts. This step creates the signature warm, toasty exterior and gooey interior that define the Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once perfectly toasted, remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them sit for a minute to set. This keeps the layers intact as you bite in. Serving them immediately while warm ensures you get that delicious contrast of melted cheese, fresh herbs, tangy tuna, and juicy tomato in every mouthful.
How to Serve Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of garnish elevates your Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe beautifully. Try a sprinkle of extra freshly chopped herbs on top for added color and aroma, or a few cracks of black pepper for a subtle spicy finish. A wedge of lemon on the side can offer guests an optional zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crunchy potato chips and a crisp dill pickle spear complement these sandwiches perfectly, adding a contrasting crunch and tang. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes in the tuna salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, cut the sandwiches diagonally to showcase the melty cheese and bright tuna filling. Serve stacked or on a rustic wooden board to highlight the fresh, artisanal vibes of this Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe. You could also accompany them with small ramekins of your favorite dipping sauces, like aioli or spicy mustard, for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 2 days, although the bread might lose a bit of its original crunch.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze fully assembled Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe, as the fresh herbs and tomatoes lose texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the tuna salad and assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet over low heat to slowly melt the cheese again while crisping the bread, or pop them into a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of fontina?
Absolutely! While fontina melts nicely with a mild nutty flavor, sharp white cheddar or mozzarella are great alternatives. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the tuna’s flavor.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
Rustic breads like French baguette, Italian ciabatta, or Pugliese work wonderfully thanks to their sturdy yet airy texture. They hold up well to melting cheese and moist tuna salad without becoming soggy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the fontina for a dairy-free melting cheese and use a vegan butter alternative for toasting. The fresh herbs and tuna salad remain just as flavorful in dairy-free form.
Is fresh tuna a good substitute for canned albacore tuna?
Canned white albacore tuna is recommended for this recipe due to its flaky texture and convenience, but if you want to use fresh tuna, sear it lightly, flake it, and chill before assembling. It adds a different but lovely texture.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the tuna salad?
Definitely! Dill, basil, or tarragon would all play nicely with the fresh herbs already included. For a bit of heat, try a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to elevate your Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the comforting warmth of Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. The fresh herbs brighten the rich tuna, while the fontina brings luscious meltiness that hugs every bite. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, I promise these sandwiches will become a favorite you return to again and again. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Tuna Melt Sandwiches with Fresh Herbs and Melted Fontina Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Tuna Melt recipe combines creamy tuna salad with melted fontina cheese on rustic bread, creating a warm, satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Fresh herbs and tangy mayonnaise mix add a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces white albacore tuna, thoroughly drained
Sandwich
- 8 slices rustic French or Italian loaf bread (such as ciabatta or Pugliese), 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese (or sharp white cheddar)
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced (8 slices)
Instructions
- Prepare tuna salad: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, finely chopped fresh thyme, chives, parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold in the drained tuna until evenly mixed.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side of four slices, layer shredded fontina cheese, a generous portion of the tuna salad, and tomato slices. Add another layer of cheese on top, then cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.
- Cook sandwiches: Heat a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the tuna melts immediately, optionally with potato chips and a dill pickle spear for a classic accompaniment.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and better browning.
- If fontina cheese is unavailable, sharp white cheddar is a good substitute.
- Ensure tuna is well drained to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Adjust cooking time based on skillet heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts.
- Adding lemon juice to tuna salad brightens the flavors and balances the richness of mayonnaise.
