Dale a tu sándwich de atún gratinado el toque crujiente que necesita con un paso adicional

Hearty, rich, and flavorful, with a spectacular melted cheese, they're a true delight for the palate, whether you make them with fresh or canned tuna. But to maintain their classic status, it's worth perfecting and reinventing the recipe. What's more, small changes can make a big difference, so you don't have to overcomplicate things to improve your favorite recipe. In fact, one of the most transformative steps to give this classic sandwich a special touch is also one of the simplest: toasting both sides of the bread.

Although tuna sandwiches are always toasted on the outside, many food lovers overlook the inside. Toasting both sides of the bread results in a more satisfying first bite. When you bite into the sandwich, that characteristic crunch permeates the entire bread. The toasted, crispy bread contrasts perfectly with the tender tuna and melted cheese, creating a mouthfeel that enhances the overall flavor. After all, mouthfeel is one of the defining characteristics of how we perceive flavor.

Butter one side of each slice of bread and toast it in a pan until golden brown. Then, add the cheese and tuna mixture to the toasted side of one slice, before placing the second slice on top (toasted side in). Next, butter the pan and toast the remaining sides until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

The best bread for a double-toasted tuna sandwich

Technically speaking, you can use any bread to make a tuna gratin sandwich. But why settle for just any slice when you can make it with toast?

Opt for a sturdy, well-structured, and firm bread. While soft, fluffy breads are undeniably delicious for many recipes, the goal is to achieve a crispy exterior on the sandwich. Sourdough bread is a classic for a tuna gratin sandwich. With its slightly tangy flavor and firm but never crumbly texture, sourdough toasts to a crisp without being painful to bite into, while adding a subtle hint of flavor to the sandwich. If you can't find sourdough bread, rye bread is a similar option. Nutty, substantial, and earthy, toasted wholemeal bread is another sturdy bread capable of achieving the perfect toasted crunch with a nuanced flavor. Avoid breads like challah, brioche, and any other fluffy rolls.

Whatever bread you choose, toasting it on both sides makes all the difference in a tuna sandwich. With this simple extra step, you could convince your friends and family that you make one of the best tuna sandwiches in America. While it's just one of many ways to improve a tuna sandwich, toasting the bread twice is one of the more subtle yet effective.