Stanley Tucci, the beloved actor and culinary connoisseur, has once again delighted fans by sharing his latest winter comfort meal—this time, a simple yet ingenious tuna melt that has become his ultimate quick and easy lunch. True to form, Tucci transforms what might seem like an ordinary sandwich into a dish that feels effortlessly refined.
In his latest Instagram post, Tucci reminisces about his first encounter with a tuna melt during his college years. Initially, the idea of combining tuna salad with melted cheese struck him as strange—even unappetizing. But curiosity got the better of him, and after just one bite, he realized the brilliance of the combination. Since then, the tuna melt has been a staple in his lunch rotation, beloved for its simplicity and comfort. “It’s genius,” Tucci remarks, summing up the sandwich’s appeal in just two words.
The preparation, as Tucci explains, couldn’t be easier, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of your time. The base is tuna in brine or water—Tucci recommends opting for the whitest tuna you can find for the best flavor and texture. He combines this with finely diced red onion and celery for crunch, plus mayonnaise, salt and a touch of pepper to create a perfectly balanced tuna salad. For the cheese, Tucci prefers Emmentaler, a Swiss cheese that melts beautifully and complements the tuna’s savory richness. (It also happens to be the cheese Ina Garden prefers for tuna melts!)
The real debate, however, lies in the pickles. Tucci prefers to keep them on the side, appreciating their tangy bite as a refreshing contrast to the creamy sandwich. On the other hand, his wife insists they belong inside, where their sharp acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and mayo. Whichever camp you fall into, there’s no denying that pickles—whether tucked inside or served alongside—bring an extra layer of flavor that elevates this simple dish.
To assemble the sandwich, Tucci smears a generous layer of tuna salad on his bread and adds two slices of cheese to cover the surface. After closing his sandwich, he spreads butter on the outside of the bread to ensure a golden, crispy finish and places it in a panini press for 2-3 minutes. The result is a gooey, toasty masterpiece that’s sliced down the middle and served warm. The whole process takes about five minutes, making it an ideal lunch for busy days when you need something hearty and satisfying.
In addition to its comforting flavor, a tuna melt can be a high-protein option that can help keep you energized throughout the day. Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, and the addition of cheese and whole-grain bread can make it even more filling. For those looking for even more protein, our Ultra-Quick Tuna & White Bean Melt delivers 32 grams of protein and is packed with additional nutrient-rich ingredients.
Tucci’s take on the tuna melt is a perfect reminder that sometimes the simplest meals bring the most comfort. With its versatility and nostalgic appeal, this classic sandwich proves that humble ingredients can deliver big flavor. Whether you’re adding pickles inside, serving them on the side, or skipping them altogether, the beauty of the tuna melt lies in how effortlessly it can be tailored to your taste—making it a timeless favorite that never fails to satisfy.
Comments are closed.