 |
I haven’t made tuna melts in years. Over 10 years, would be my best guess. But my son remembers them and he loved them. They weren’t fancy. It was the cheapest tuna, mixed with mayonnaise and pickle relish, spooned onto plain white bread, and topped with an American cheese slice. I baked them in the oven on a baking sheet until the cheese melted. The same way my Dad made them when I was a kid.
Sunday Supper this week was all about “Retro Recipes”. And that’s when I decided to finally give into my son. But rather than going completely old school with them, I decided to try something new — I made what I call Grown-Up Tuna Melts.
My Grown-Up Tuna Melts are made with solid white albacore tuna, chopped red onion, chopped celery and chopped banana peppers. The bowl I used was one of the silver metal bowls that my Dad used to always make tuna salad in when I was younger. Seeing this bowl always reminds me him making his tuna sandwiches, so using it in my kitchen for tuna is my little tribute to him.
I also mixed in mayonnaise and lemon juice, plus seasoned it with freshly ground salt and pepper.
Rather than plain white bread, I used a San Francisco style sourdough bread. The mixture was divided among 4 slices of sourdough, which were placed on a baking sheet. I added 2 tomato slices to each tuna melt and then 2 slices of provolone cheese to each.
The Tuna Melts are baked in oven until hot, melted and starting to brown.
When I pulled them out of the oven, I was happy. They looked so good and after I tasted them, I decided that the changes I made not only had me enjoying these tuna melts, but had me happy enough with them to put them on the menu more often.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces solid white albacore tuna, packed in water and drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (may wish to use more or less)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped banana pepper rings
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 8 slices tomato
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, onion, celery, banana peppers and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Lay bread on baking sheet. Spoon and divide tuna mixture on the bread slices. Top each tuna melt with two slices of tomatoes and then 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is hot, bubbly, and starting to brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
--You may wish to use more, or less, mayonnaise. I have actually found 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons to be the amount our family likes best.
I shared my retro recipe re-do, and there is lots of other food bloggers participating in Sunday Supper who are also sharing retro makeovers OR some are sharing the original retro recipe. Either way, you’ll find lots of blasts from the pasts in this list below — check them out and tell them I sent ya!
Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:
- Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
- She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles
Sunday Supper Retro Salads:
- Coca-Cola Salad by Magnolia Days
- Salmon Salad | Retro Tuna Salad by Family Foodie
- Ambrosia Salad by Simply Gourmet
- Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Maple Bacon Dressing by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Carrot & Raisin Salad by The Roxx Box
- Sweet & Smoky Broccoli Salad by In The Kitchen with KP
Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:
- Italian Style Bread by The Meltaways
- Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast by Pescetarian Journal
- Grown-Up Tuna Melts by Home Cooking Memories
- English Muffin Pizzas by Comfy Cuisine
- Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake by Mooshu Jenne
- Grown-Up Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup by Catholic Foodie
- Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam by What Smells So Good?
SundaySupper Main Dishes:
- Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
- Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
- Nana’s Marinated Beef Roast by Supper for a Steal
- Chorizo Scotch Eggs by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Maryland by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Mushroom Stroganoff by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Dairyfree Toast Hawaii by Galactosemia in PDX
- Porcupine Meatballs by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Chicken Kiev by The Urban Mrs.
- Salmon Quiche with Preserved Lemon by Shockingly Delicious
- Steak Diane by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Fried Chicken only in the Oven by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Hambak Steak a.k.a. Salisbury Steak by Kimchi Mom
- Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Kicked Up Meatloaf by Curious Cuisiniere
- Shrimp Scampi (a lighter version) by Kudos Kitchen
- Old-Fashioned Pork Chops by My Trials in the Kitchen
- Jägerschnitzel by Sustainable Dad
- Healthier Hamburger-Corn Noodle Casserole by The Weekend Gourmet
- Inspired by Tuna Noodle Casserole by Cookistry
- Chicken-N-Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole by The Messy Baker Blog
- Souper Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes by Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Meatloaf that will make you swoon and Datz the truth by Midlife Roadtrip
- Spaghetti with Currywurst Sauce by Masala Herb
- Tator Tot Casserole by NeighborFood
Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:
- Smokey Braised Red Cabbage by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Classic Corn Casserole by The Foodie Army Wife
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Mem’s Broccoli Casserole by Momma’s Meals
Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:
- Peachy Keen Tutti-Frutti Jello by La Cocina de Leslie
- Old School Boozy Rum Cake by Webicurean
- Individual Baked Alaskas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Rainbow Jello by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
- Pineapple Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Creamy Dairy Free Fresh Orange Julius With Coconut Milk by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Refrigerator Strawberry Cheesecake by There and Back Again
- Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Juanita’s Cocina
- Boston Cream Pie by Gotta Get Baked
- Coca-Cola Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
- Jello Poke Cake by Flour On My Face
- Devil’s Food Cake by Maroc Mama
- Bread Pudding with Pecans by Basic and Delicious
- Victoria Sponge Cake by The Lovely Pantry
- A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake by Ninja Baking
- Post War Apple Pudding by My Cute Bride
- Layered Mini Chocolate Banana Cakes by Big Bears Wife
- Raspberry Jam Cakes by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
- Cocktail: Moscow Mule by Crazy by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Linked to: Delicious Dishes Recipe Party
|
You Might Also Like:
Brandie Valenzuela is a food blogger and writer at Home Cooking Memories. She lives in Las Vegas, NV where she enjoys cooking, baking, modern-day recipe keeping and making everyday memories with her family. She is known to have an extremely normal obsession with cupcake liners, ribbons and office supplies.
I love tuna melts. My Mom owned a restaurant and this was a Friday special on the menu. I love that yours are open-faced. That first picture drew me right in! YUM
Sherron@SimplyGourmet recently posted..265. Ambrosia Salad #SundaySupper #RetrorRecipe
Those look fabulous! I love the bread and the additions. I have never tried banana peppers in tuna but I will now.
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog recently posted..A Retro Throwback of Tuna Noodle Casserole for #SundaySupper
I would definitely enjoy that tuna melt. Great recipe!
BusyWorkingMama recently posted..Weekend Fun at Home
I’m plain drooling over these! Pinned!
Jen @JuanitasCocina recently posted..Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake ~ Retro Recipes #SundaySupper!
Melty cheese…. yum yum yum!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal recently posted..Nana’s Marinated Roast Beef | Retro #SundaySupper
I have to be honest: the phrase “tuna melt” doesn’t always bring forth images and memories of deliciousness, but your version?!?! They have me drooling. They look so bubbly, golden, and perfect. I might just be a believer now. Want!
Katie recently posted..She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs for #SundaySupper
I LOVE this!!!! And I love that you added tomato..I totally grew up on this!
Samantha @ FerraroKitchen recently posted..Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner for #SundaySupper
These came out awesome Brandie! Love the additions in the tuna salad and the memories of mixing it in the bowl your Dad used!
Love the pepper rings!
Sarah recently posted..Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam (Retro #SundaySupper)
Mmm, cheesy. I love tuna melts. These look amazing.
Jennie @themessybakerblog recently posted..Chicken & Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole ~ #SundaySupper
This makes me hungry for a tuna melt.
DB-The Foodie Stuntman recently posted..#SundaySupper Cocktail: Moscow Mule
I haven’t had a tuna melt in a while, but I do love them–when I was in high school, I’d make tuna melts as snacks for me and my friends! Think this may need to be lunch today!
Anne @ Webicurean recently posted..Old-School Boozy Rum Cake #SundaySupper
I’ve never had a tuna melt sandwich. Can you believe it? I love cold tuna sandwiches but never fancied warm tuna but your version is making me hungry! I will have to try the next time I make tuna.
Arlene @FlourOnMyFace recently posted..Jello Poke Cake Retro Recipes #SundaySupper
I have never in my life had a tuna melt – these look SO good!
Conni Smith recently posted..Corn Casserole | It’s a Culinary Trip down Memory Lane for #SundaySupper
What a great twist and grown up version of an old classic!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts recently posted..Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic #SundaySupper
I am still one to make a tuna melt on a night when I am too busy to really cook. Your grown up version looks delicious-I’ll have to remember the recipe the next time I’m making these!
Hezzi-D recently posted..Porcupine Meatballs #SundaySupper
I’ve never had a tuna melt I liked. This one looks pretty darn good.
Chris Baccus recently posted..Jägerschnitzel for #SundaySupper
I love tuna but never had a tuna melt. Might have to make these with a lot of red onion.
Jenne recently posted..#SundaySupper – Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake
In a word: YUM! Your blog, with classic recipes, is so appropriate for this #SundaySupper challenge. Thanks for sharing.
Alaiyo Kiasi recently posted..Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast for #SundaySupper #RetroRecipes
That blistered cheese is calling my name! Great way to eat your tuna!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen recently posted..Chicken Maryland with Corn Red Pepper Pudding and Fried Bananas #SundaySupper
I can imagine how delicious it is when the cheese melt in our mouth…..yum! Great choice of bread too!
Faye Leong recently posted..Old Fashioned Pork Chops #SundaySupper
Lovely twist on the classic. Great addition with the tomato.
Susan recently posted..Chorizo Scotch Eggs #SundaySupper
Seems like it tastes good and I really love the awesome look of this dish, I really love to try this. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Danyelle Franciosa recently posted..Brisbane Bifold Doors Nathan – Quality Brisbane Bifold Doors Supplying Nathan Area
I love this post! I think we all have childhood meals that our parents threw together because they were quick, easy and cheap. Sometimes they still taste amazing now and bring back all those nostalgic feelings, and sometimes you wonder “how in the heck did I love this as a kid?” Your grown up, gourmet version of the tuna melt looks phenomenal! I love all the changes you made and would happily eat this.
You reminded me that I haven’t had tuna melt in forever! Maybe not quite 10 years though
I’m also a creature of habit and make the same dishes over and over again. When I find something I love eating, I eat it until I abuse the recipe. I had to stop eating greek yogurt because I ate it for a year straight with my lunch (not kidding either! At least they had a variety of flavors). Anyway, thanks for reminding me that tuna melts do exist and that I’ll be buying bread, cheese, and tuna soon.
Carla recently posted..Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits for Retro #SundaySupper
I love tuna salad & tuna melts. Your grown up version looks very good
~ Bea
Bea recently posted..Dairyfree Toast Hawaii for #SundaySupper
I love that you jazzed up a boring tuna melt. This is fancy schmancy! I may have to lift my pinkey while eating it. But I am making this dish for sure!
The first tuna melt I ever had was at the restaurant around the corner from where I worked way back in the 80′s. Since then I’ve always loved tuna melts. And I have a confession…I’ve never made them. That means I haven’t had one in forever. I need to make this retro dish for the first time. I’m loving your recipe with the banana peppers in the mix. Yum!
Renee recently posted..Walnut Olive Oil Cake
love tuna melts thanks for sharing.
Cindys Recipes recently posted..Tropical Shrimp Salad and Coconut Oil Giveaway
These look so melty and toasty! Warm tun isn’t my favorite, but I certainly wouldn’t turn these down! YUM!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) recently posted..Oven Baked Brown Rice Perfect Every Time
I’ve never had a tuna melt but this recipe is making me want to try one soon! I love how you made it into a grown-up version. Sounds delicious with all the new additions you added!
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron recently posted..Mexican Potato Kale Soup
Tuna melts remind of a great NYC diner…any of them! I like the addition of the red onion and banana peppers. Damn…now I want one!!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) recently posted..Thursday Three – Cookies, Cooking Videos, and Skating
I’ve never eaten a tuna melt, mostly because it scares me! Your dish looks really delicious however – I might be willing to give it a shot.
These tuna melts would be just perfect for breakdast!