Horseradish-Cheddar Tuna Melts

Horseradish-Cheddar Tuna Melts

These no-frills, open-faced tuna melts pack a punch because horseradish and Cheddar make a rowdy pair. Jarred horseradish is a nose-tingling combination of grated horseradish, vinegar and salt, so the tuna only needs a couple tablespoons and a little mayo, garlic and black pepper to make it zesty and creamy. If you’re only serving two, the recipe halves easily, and you can broil it in a toaster oven. Eat for lunch or dinner alongside an iceberg salad, pickle spears or potato chips.

Yield: 4 servings

2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained

¼ cup mayonnaise, plus more as needed

2 tablespoons prepared or creamy horseradish, not drained, plus more as needed

2 garlic cloves, finely grated

Black pepper

4 English muffins, split with a fork

8 slices sharp Cheddar

Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Arrange a rack about 6 inches from the broiler heat source and heat the broiler to high.

In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash together the tuna, mayonnaise, horseradish, garlic and a few grinds of pepper until smooth. Taste and, if it’s mild, add more horseradish; if it’s dry, add more mayonnaise.

Place the English muffins on a sheet pan and toast lightly under the broiler on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side (check frequently to avoid burning). Arrange the English muffins split-sides up, then top with the tuna salad (about 3 tablespoons each). Top each with a slice of Cheddar. Broil until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives, if using. Eat right away.

TIP: Made as written, plus a few capers and a touch of coarse mustard. Lovely! Drain the tuna well to avoid the feel of 'too much mayo' (or reduce mayo). Will likely add celery and red onions next time just to give it some crunch.

I get that people don’t like mayo but also by adult hood have figured out ways to avoid it. How do you normally eat a tuna sandwich? Maybe yogurt will work someone suggested avocado or maybe this isn’t the recipe for you. And funny how some say too much horseradish and others not enough. Everything is a matter of personal taste, viva la difference. Best advice I have gotten is taste as you go, avoid recipes that have ingredients you dont like.

I sometimes used smooshed avocado instead of mayo. Gives you the fat content and the sticktoitness of mayo. Only thing is you have green tuna salad which once you get used to is no biggie but be prepared to explain it to others not used to it!