This Grown-Up Tuna Melts recipe – with banana peppers, sourdough bread, provolone cheese, tomatoes and more – is my retro recipe makeover of the simple Tuna Melts that my Dad used to make us when I was a kid.
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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.
Ingredients Needed for Grown-Up Tuna Melts:
- Solid White Albacore Tuna (12oz)
- Mayo (1/3 Cup)
- Red Onion (1/4 Cup – Finely Chopped)
- Celery (1/4 Cup – Finely Chopped)
- Banana Pepper Rings (1/4 Cup – Finely Chopped)
- Lemon Juice (2 Teaspoons)
- Salt & Pepper
- Sourdough Bread (4 Slices)
- Tomato (8 Slices)
- Provolone Cheese (8 Slices)
Cooking Equipment needed for 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.
Grown-Up Tuna Melts Recipe
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Grown-Up Tuna Melts Recipe
Description
This Grown-Up Tuna Melts recipe – with banana peppers, sourdough bread, provolone cheese, tomatoes and more – is my retro recipe makeover of the simple Tuna Melts that my Dad used to make us when I was a kid.
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.
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Want more recipes using canned tuna? I recommend the “200 Best Canned Fish and Seafood Recipes: For Tuna, Salmon, Shrimp, Crab, Clams, Oysters, Lobster and More” cookbook by Susan Sampson. It has 200 ways to transform the canned tuna and various seafoods into delicious dishes.
Want More Retro Recipes?
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!
Retro Appetizer Recipes:
- Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
- She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles
Retro Salad Recipes:
- 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
- The Best Broccoli Salad by Small Town Woman
Retro Breads and Sandwich Recipes:
- 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?
Retro Main Dish Recipes:
- Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
- Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
- Nana’s Italian Steak Pot Roast by Give Me Meatloaf
- 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 The Daring Gourmet
- 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
Retro Side Dish Recipes:
- 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
Retro Dessert Recipes
- 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
- Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Back To My Southern Roots.
- 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
Retro Cocktail Recipes:
- Moscow Mule by Crazy Foodie Stunts
T. Farmer says
OMG…so very yummy! I added more mayo, used hot banana rings and Dave’s Killer Bread and the flavor was so good. My husband and I loved it. Will definitely be making again and again.
Amrita says
i love tuna :p
btw thanks for sharing
Katie says
This looks so good – I love a toasty tuna melt! Thanks for sharing this at Turn It Up Tuesday!
Frugal Hausfrau says
Yum! They do look marvelous! Thanks for bringing this by Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Ashleigh says
OMG I love tuna melts! I had everything laying around except the bread you used, so I used a tuscan style pane bread from Trader Joe’s. Instant flashback to my childhood! Thanks for sharing!
Teresa says
The tuna melt sandwiches look soooo good! Pinned and recipe printed!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
These look delicious, and I love that you made them open faced. Great dinner idea!
Medeja says
These tuna melts would be just perfect for breakdast!
Amanda @ MarocMama says
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.
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
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!!
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron says
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!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
These look so melty and toasty! Warm tun isn’t my favorite, but I certainly wouldn’t turn these down! YUM!
Cindys Recipes says
love tuna melts thanks for sharing.
Renee says
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!
Sarah says
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!
Bea says
I love tuna salad & tuna melts. Your grown up version looks very good 🙂 ~ Bea
Carla says
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.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
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.
Danyelle Franciosa says
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!
Susan says
Lovely twist on the classic. Great addition with the tomato.
Faye Leong says
I can imagine how delicious it is when the cheese melt in our mouth…..yum! Great choice of bread too!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
That blistered cheese is calling my name! Great way to eat your tuna!
Alaiyo Kiasi says
In a word: YUM! Your blog, with classic recipes, is so appropriate for this #SundaySupper challenge. Thanks for sharing.
Jenne says
I love tuna but never had a tuna melt. Might have to make these with a lot of red onion.
Chris Baccus says
I’ve never had a tuna melt I liked. This one looks pretty darn good.
Hezzi-D says
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!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
What a great twist and grown up version of an old classic!
Conni Smith says
I have never in my life had a tuna melt – these look SO good!
Arlene @FlourOnMyFace says
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.
Anne @ Webicurean says
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!
DB-The Foodie Stuntman says
This makes me hungry for a tuna melt.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Mmm, cheesy. I love tuna melts. These look amazing.
Sarah says
Love the pepper rings!
Patti says
These came out awesome Brandie! Love the additions in the tuna salad and the memories of mixing it in the bowl your Dad used!
Samantha @ FerraroKitchen says
I LOVE this!!!! And I love that you added tomato..I totally grew up on this!
Katie says
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!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
Melty cheese…. yum yum yum!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
I’m plain drooling over these! Pinned!
BusyWorkingMama says
I would definitely enjoy that tuna melt. Great recipe!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
Those look fabulous! I love the bread and the additions. I have never tried banana peppers in tuna but I will now.
Sherron@SimplyGourmet says
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