The Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts Recipe is creamy, cheesy and delicious. These melts combine tuna salad with melted cheese on crusty bread.
They are perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. I love how easy it is to make Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts at home.
Many people search for how to make Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts because it tastes restaurant-style but is simple. With fresh ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe gives a warm, comforting meal for family or friends.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight. I wanted a meal that was fast but satisfying. The tuna mixed with creamy mayo and tangy mustard smelled amazing.
When I put the cheese on top and baked it, the kitchen filled with a cheesy aroma. My family loved the warm, gooey melts.
The bread was crisp and the tuna was flavorful. Since then, I make this recipe often for lunch or dinner. It is now a favorite in my home.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Lunch / Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Oven or broiler
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices thick crusty bread (like sourdough)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. Make the Tuna Salad
In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, onion and celery. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will give a golden, crisp texture when baked.
4. Assemble the Tuna Melts
Place bread on the baking sheet, butter side down. Spread the tuna salad evenly on top. Place a slice of cheddar cheese over each sandwich.
5. Bake the Melts
Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Bread should be crisp and lightly golden on edges.
6. Serve Warm
Remove from oven carefully. Let cool for a minute. Serve immediately with sides of your choice like salad or pickles.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts
- Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Drain tuna very well to avoid soggy bread.
- Use crusty bread to hold the salad and cheese properly.
- Spread butter evenly for golden, crispy bread.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the tuna salad; bread may get soggy.
- Skipping butter; melts may not crisp properly.
- Baking too long; cheese may burn or bread becomes hard.
- Not draining tuna; adds extra moisture.
- Using low-quality bread; affects texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts with a side salad, pickles or potato chips. Add fresh fruit or coleslaw for a light touch. They are perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Each bite combines creamy tuna, tangy cheese and crisp bread, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Variations You Can Try
- Add sliced tomato or avocado on top before baking.
- Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different taste.
- Mix in a teaspoon of pickle relish into the tuna salad.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
- Use whole-grain or rye bread for a healthier option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Assemble melts fresh before baking for best texture.
- Reheat pre-assembled melts in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving for long; bread may get soggy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Health Benefits
Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts are rich in protein from tuna and cheese. Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Adding vegetables like celery and onion increases fiber and vitamins.
Using whole-grain bread can provide extra nutrients. This recipe balances flavor with nutrients, making it a wholesome and filling meal for lunch or dinner.
Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans 5 ounces each tuna, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices thick crusty bread like sourdough
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Make the Tuna Salad
- In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, onion and celery. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Bread
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will give a golden, crisp texture when baked.
Assemble the Tuna Melts
- Place bread on the baking sheet, butter side down. Spread the tuna salad evenly on top. Place a slice of cheddar cheese over each sandwich.
Bake the Melts
- Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Bread should be crisp and lightly golden on edges.
Serve Warm
- Remove from oven carefully. Let cool for a minute. Serve immediately with sides of your choice like salad or pickles.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Drain tuna very well to avoid soggy bread.
- Use crusty bread to hold the salad and cheese properly.
- Spread butter evenly for golden, crispy bread.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Read More: Ina Garten Spinach Quiche Recipe
FAQs about Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, cook and flake fresh tuna. Cool before mixing with mayonnaise and mustard. Flavor will be slightly richer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Prepare tuna salad a few hours in advance, but assemble and bake melts just before serving. Bread stays crisp this way.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, add extra slices or shredded cheese for a cheesier melt. Just monitor baking time to prevent burning.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute tuna with chickpeas mashed with mayonnaise and mustard. This keeps a creamy, protein-rich filling.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Tuna melts taste best fresh. Freezing may change texture of bread and cheese. Prepare salad in advance, then assemble fresh.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts Recipe is quick, easy and delicious. With simple ingredients, you can make a warm, cheesy and flavorful meal at home.
If you want to learn how to make Ina Garten Ultimate Tuna Melts, follow these steps for perfect results.
This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner or a casual weekend treat. The creamy tuna, melted cheese and crisp bread make it a family favorite every time.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!