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Tuna melt toastie cut in half on a white plate with rocket, showing a creamy tuna filling and golden toasted bread

Budget Tuna Melt Toasties

A cheap, quick tuna melt made with simple ingredients. Crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes for an easy meal.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Western
Keyword: budget lunch, cheap meal, Easy tuna sandwich, tuna melt toastie
Servings: 2
Author: Kate Brodhurst

Ingredients

  • 185g can tuna, drained and flaked
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ small onion, finely diced
  • 4 slices bread of choice
  • cup grated cheese or 2 cheese slices

you will also need

  • Butter or oil, for cooking
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and finely diced onion. Mix well until fully combined. Season lightly with salt and pepper if needed. The mixture should be creamy but not too wet.
  • Lay out the bread slices on a flat surface. Spoon the tuna mixture evenly over two slices, spreading it right to the edges. Top with grated or sliced cheese, then place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
  • Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the underside is golden and crisp.
  • Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden and the cheese has melted. Lower the heat slightly if the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts.
  • Remove from the pan and let rest for 1 minute before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Measurements: We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml & 1 cup =  250 ml.
  2. Drain the tuna well: Press out as much liquid as you can so the filling stays creamy, not watery.
  3. Use the right heat: Medium heat works best. Too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts.
  4. Choose a good melting cheese: Tasty, cheddar, or a blend all melt well and give the best texture.
  5. Add extra flavour if you have it: A squeeze of lemon, a little mustard, or some chopped herbs lifts the filling.
  6. Make it your own: Add corn, capsicum, or even a little chilli if you want more flavour and texture.