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    Home » Main Dish

    Tuna Melt Panini

    Published: Sep 19, 2022 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · Leave a Comment

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    A fun twist on the classic sandwich, this Tuna Melt Panini starts with a crunch and ends with a cheesy, flavor packed tuna mixture in the center! 

    a sliced tuna melt panini on a press

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    Tuna and Cheese Melt Panini

    Years ago, I was scrolling through Facebook and came across a post from a neighbor that was selling her panini press. I had wanted to try one out but didn’t know if I wanted to commit to yet another kitchen appliance that I may or may not use down the road.

    Since the deal was one I couldn’t pass up, I purchased it, came home, and immediately set out trying my first panini. I kept it simple with only some turkey, cheese, and mayo. The bread crisped up perfectly, everything melted together, and I knew paninis were my new favorite lunch option!

    Tuna Melts are something I grew up enjoying, so I knew I just had to make one into a panini. Using a few simple ingredients, this came together in no time and was packed with flavor! Anytime that tuna craving hits, I simply pull out my press, throw a few ingredients together, and these paninis are ready in no time! Definitely a tried-and-true family favorite!

    melted cheese over tuna on a ciabatta roll

    What is a Panini?

    A panini or panino is a sandwich made with Italian bread. They are sometimes served warm after grilling or toasting. In many English-speaking countries, the name panini is given to a grilled sandwich made from any type of Italian bread, typically Focaccia or Ciabatta.

    Why I love this recipe:

    • Quick – Only 10 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a busy weekday lunch, and you can even make the tuna mixture in advance, for meal prep.
    • Healthy – Lots of protein and fairly low in calorie. Use tuna packed in water or in the pouch.
    • Family favorite – This is a great change from normal lunch sandwiches, and adults and kids love it!

    tuna combined with mayonnaise, seasonings, and more in a bowl

    Ingredients Needed for a Tuna Melt Panini:

    • Tuna- I use the pouches as they are much easier. Simply open the pouch, pour into a bowl and add ingredients. No draining necessary.
    • Cottage cheese- feel free to use low-fat to save on calories
    • Mayonnaise- I use avocado oil mayonnaise, use whatever you have on hand
    • Purple onion- diced finely
    • Lemon juice- fresh is best
    • Dijon mustard– you can even use jalapeno mustard for an added kick
    • Focaccia bread- or Ciabatta rolls work great too
    • Sliced Cheese- I love cheddar cheese, pepperjack, American, or Provolone cheese on these, use whatever you prefer though

    How to make a Classic Tuna Melt

    1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients minus the bread and cheese.
    2. Spoon tuna mixture onto one side of the bread.
    3. Place one slice of cheese on top of tuna and cover to create sandwich.
    4. Preheat your panini press or griddle.
    5. Place sandwich on to press and close lid. Allow to cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sandwich is toasted. *If using a griddle or pan, cook on each side for a few minutes, to toast evenly.
    6. Remove from griddle/press and serve.

    Storage Instructions

    To Make Ahead: The tuna filling can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Great for meal prep and quick lunches.

    To Store: Keep the tuna mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    a cheese slice placed on top of tuna

    Recipe Variations

    • Cheese: Use your favorite kind of cheese–pepper jack, American, or any kind will work!
    • Bread: Any crusty bread works great. Ciabatta rolls are my go-to, but Focaccia works, Artisan, and more!
    • Toppings: Keep it simple with the ingredients below or jazz it up by adding tomato, avocado, bacon, sprouts, jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy tuna melt.
    • Air Fryer Tuna Melt: Air fry at 370 for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted rather than using a panini press.
    • Tuna Melt Wrap: Add tuna mixture and cheese to a tortilla and fold like a burrito. Cook on a skillet over medium heat until toasted on all sides and the cheese is melted.
    • Seasonings: Feel free to use any extra seasoning desired. I love adding Everything but the Bagel Seasoning to this!

    Do I have to use a Panini Press?

    Nope! If you don’t have a press, don’t worry! Below are some simple instructions on how to adapt this recipe!

    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for a minute or two, so it has time to heat fully.
    • While skillet is heating, butter the bottoms of two of the sandwiches and place into the hot pan.
    • Place a heavy piece of cookware over the panini (cast iron works great for this) and press down firmly. Allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crunchy.
    • Butter the tops of the panini and flip. Set cookware back on top, pressing down to flatten further. Cook for a minute or so and remove from heat.

    More Recipes to try

    Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole- a quick and family friendly casserole made conveniently in the Instant Pot

    BEST EVER Tuna Casserole- a one pan meal, this casserole is loaded with goodies and packed with flavor

    Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado Panini- this classic panini is layered with shaved turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh avocado slices

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    melted cheese over tuna on a ciabatta roll
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Classic Tuna Melt Panini Recipe

    Tuna Melt Panini's are easy to make at home! Make some tuna salad, sandwich with cheese, and toast. Makes a simple lunch or a light dinner.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: lunch, Main Course
    Keyword: cheese, panini, sandwich, tuna, tuna melt
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 214kcal
    Author: The Cookin' Chicks

    Equipment

    • Panini Press
    • Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients

    • 6 oz tuna *drained
    • 1/3 cup cottage cheese
    • 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 1/4 cup onion *finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 loaf Foccacia bread *cut into desired size sandwiches, also slice in half to fill with tuna
    • Sliced Cheese *any works, we use American

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, combine all ingredients minus the bread and cheese.
    • Spoon tuna mixture onto one side of the bread.
    • Place one slice of cheese on top of tuna and cover to create sandwich. 
    • Preheat your panini press or griddle. 
    • Place sandwich on to press and close lid. Allow to cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sandwich is toasted.
    • *If using a griddle or pan, cook on each side for a few minutes, to toast evenly. 
    • Remove from griddle/press and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

    Recipe updated 9/19/2022

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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