Start with a craving for a lunch with a crisp crunch, a hit of flavor, some meatiness, and a last bite that leaves you satisfied. Next search out great ingredients. A local sharp white cheddar that was the first sample you asked to try and in the end you buy that one – but only after tasting the whole spread the cheese-lady has to offer. Pick some green onions from your garden.
Choose the sweet & hot mustard from the store that the other customer looking at the mustard suggests if you do not already have your own favorite.
Next is the art of selecting an apple. The fool-proof method entails nothing but simply flicking a series of apples and choosing the one with the highest tone. If you are tone deaf, bring a friend along! Since working at my local super market, Pacifica Farmer’s Market, when I was 16 and learning this method of apple selecting, it has never failed me.
End with picking out a good bread. I chose a sliced sprouted wheat which had that three elements I was looking for: 1. Sight; it looked good to me, 2. Nutrition; it will make me feel good, 3. Touch; it is a bread that a New Yorker would never toast.
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The Perfect Tuna Melt Sandwich
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
Description
A California-inspired tuna melt featuring sharp white cheddar, sweet & hot mustard, and crisp Fuji apple slices for a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can (165g) white chunk tuna
- 2 tbsp (28g) green onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp (21g) sweet & hot mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 slices sprouted wheat bread
- 1 tbsp (14g) organic butter
- 1/3 Fuji apple, thinly sliced
- 2 slices sharp white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Empty the can of white chunk tuna into a bowl and carefully mix in the chopped green onion, sweet & hot mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Be gentle to maintain the tuna’s texture.
- Spread the tuna mixture evenly onto one slice of sprouted wheat bread.
- Top the tuna mixture with thin slices of Fuji apple and then place the slices of sharp white cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with the second slice of bread to form a sandwich.
- Melt the organic butter on a griddle over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwich on the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the griddle, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use a sharp white cheddar for a robust flavor.
- The Fuji apple adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness that complements the savory tuna.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more sweet & hot mustard.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
- Reheat on a griddle to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this tuna melt include thin slices of Fuji apple?
The Fuji apple adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness that complements the savory tuna. I have a fool-proof apple-selection method — I flick apples and choose the one with the highest tone — which tells you how seriously I take the apple choice in this recipe.
What kind of bread should I use?
I use sprouted wheat bread, chosen for three reasons: it looked good, it was nutritious, and it has a texture a New Yorker would never toast — meaning it is sturdy and hearty enough to hold the tuna mixture and sliced cheese through griddling without getting soggy.
Can I reheat leftovers, and how?
Reheat on a griddle to maintain the sandwich’s crispness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day — this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.
Mine came out soggy in the middle, i think my bread was too soft so ill try sourdough next time.