Tex Mex Tuna Melts
User Reviews
5
Tex Mex Tuna Melts
Description
This recipe mixes drained tuna with a combination of diced vegetables and seasonings including chili powder, salt, and black pepper, along with mayonnaise for creaminess. The mixture is spread evenly over slices of whole grain bread, and topped with grated cheese. Baking until the cheese melts ensures a warm, gooey topping that complements the textured tuna blend beneath.
The small dice of bell pepper, jalapeño, and onion provide fresh crunch and heat contrasts, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness. Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor with a herbal note. The use of whole grain bread gives a hearty base that holds the tuna topping well.
These tuna melts work well for a convenient meal that reheats reasonably, though the texture is best fresh from the oven. Garnishes such as additional cilantro, red onion, and hot sauce allow customization of flavor intensity and freshness.
The notes suggest preparing the tuna mixture a day ahead for convenience, with caution to drain excess liquid to avoid soggy bread. This preparation technique helps maintain the quality of the melt after baking.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. white albacore tuna drained (or two 5-oz cans, canned; packed in water
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup corn frozen
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and finely diced, small
- 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped, fresh
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 6 lices whole grain bread
- 4 oz. Monterey jack cheese or cheddar, or any Mexican cheese blend, grated
- cilantro for serving (optional, chopped fresh cilantro; chopped red onion
- red onion
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, for easier cleanup.
- Mix drained tuna, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, frozen corn (1/2 cup), diced jalapeño, fresh cilantro (1/4 cup), mayonnaise (1/2 cup), chili powder (1/2 teaspoon), kosher salt, and black pepper together in a medium bowl, breaking up the tuna into smaller pieces as you go using a fork.
- Place the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet. Top each evenly with the tuna mixture.
- Top each bread evenly with the grated cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tuna melts are hot.
- Serve garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, red onion, and/or hot sauce, if desired.
Notes
- The tuna mixture can be made up to a day ahead; drain excess liquid before assembling to keep the melts from becoming soggy.
- Reheat leftovers gently, noting they won’t be as crispy but still enjoyable.
- Nutrition info excludes optional garnishes and added seasoning; adjust accordingly if tracking intake.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6tuna melts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 294 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1tuna melt | |
| Calories | 294kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 48mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 444mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 228mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 595IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 17.9mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 149mg | 15% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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