The Best Way To Enjoy A Tuna Melt Isn't Necessarily In Sandwich Form

A simple yet refined tuna sandwich recipe is a comforting go-to on busy days that leave little time for meal prep. Yet even a classic favorite can be revamped and presented in new ways, without taking a bite into an already jam-packed schedule. Converting your usual tuna melt into dip form is one of those easy culinary side steps that will have you quickly adding this flavorful idea to the roster of your favorite dip recipes.

Just as you would prepare and stir ingredients together to make a tuna melt to layer into a sandwich, you'll bake seasoned tuna, cheese, and an assortment of vegetables to be scooped up with chips or toasted bread soldiers. This recipe is one that can be easily customized, whether you decide to add pickles to your tuna mix or turn up the heat with red pepper chili flakes, smoked paprika, or spoonfuls of chili crisp crunch. After sampling tuna melt in dip form, dipping potato chips or tortilla chips into a dish of creamy, gooey tuna salad will comfortably find its way into regular meal rotation and your dinner party menus.

Take your dip into a more herby lane with parsley and tarragon or include minced jalapeño, horseradish, and Old Bay seasoning for a hotter take. Just as you might switch up the cheeses you use to make a cheesy tuna sandwich, consider incorporating different cheeses into the mix: Cream cheese for a smoother dip, pimento cheese for a bit more kick, or cheddar cheese for a comforting flavor.

Bake your chosen assembly of cheese, tuna, and flavorful ingredients until the cheese is golden and melty, then garnish your dish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or pretty parsley leaves before serving. A quick grind of fresh black pepper and flaky sea salt can be the finishing touch this simple recipe needs. 

Your dip can be placed in the middle of a platter of toasted garlic bread, pita chips, and crackers for a party spread. Or, it can be enjoyed alongside a cup of roasted tomato soup for a lunch that hits all the right notes of texture and taste.