Ingredients:

  • Two (5 oz) cans Canned Tuna (thoroughly drained)
  • 1/4 cup Good Quality Mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk Celery, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp Red Onion (or finely chopped shallot), very finely minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 4 slices Sliced Sandwich Bread (sturdy loaf recommended)
  • 2 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, sliced or grated
  • 2 oz Swiss or Gruyère Cheese, sliced or grated
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 tsp Extra Mayonnaise (optional, for crisp exterior)

Instructions:

  1. Drain the tuna completely. Transfer the tuna to a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as necessary (the mixture should be vibrant).
  2. Lay the four slices of bread on the cutting board. On two slices of bread, place half the Sharp Cheddar and Swiss/Gruyère cheese. Distribute the tuna salad evenly over the cheese on these two slices. Top the filling with the remaining cheese.
  3. Take the softened butter (3 tbsp total) and spread half of it (1.5 tbsp) evenly across the exterior of the two remaining bread slices (the tops). For maximum crispness, mix 1/2 tsp of mayonnaise into the remaining butter and spread this mixture on the unbuttered sides of the assembled sandwiches.
  4. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-low heat. Once warm, place the two sandwiches (butter-side down) into the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 6 minutes, until the bread is a deep, rich golden brown.
  5. Add the remaining butter to the pan if it seems dry. Carefully flip the sandwiches and reduce the heat slightly if needed. Cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, gently pressing down once or twice with the spatula to ensure even contact and proper cheese melting.
  6. Once both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted and oozing slightly, remove the sandwiches from the pan. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.