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Resources, Recipes, & Activities

Tuna Melt Video

Tuna melts are a classic and a simple way to help your child or teen of any ability become more independent. With the varieties of tuna salad recipes and different tools you could use to make them, you could target a number of different skills, build flexibility, or scaffold skills. 

For example, tuna melts could be made using a toaster, stove top, oven, or even a microwave. You could try all these methods to teach your child how to use the various appliances. Or, work on flexibility by changing or adding one ingredient at a time. If your child already likes tuna, try adding different mix-ins like celery or onions (prepping these can also target fine motor and knife skills). If that’s too much too fast, start by switching the bread or cheese type in order to build tolerance for trying new things. Lastly, to build up to independence, try having your child make a tuna sandwich with no heat. This will be a great first step that will let them make some for themselves while using skills like using a can open, mixing, and spreading. When they’ve mastered it, introduce the safest appliance (like melting cheese in the microwave) then add a more complex appliance like the toaster. Always review safety protocols when introducing something new.

Check out our tuna melt video to get you started and our written recipe below. Let us know what questions you have in the comments!

Tuna Melt Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of tuna

  • Mayonnaise

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 slices of bread

  • 2 slices of cheese

  • Non-stick cooking spray

Tools Needed:

  • Small pan

  • Can opener

  • Fork

  • Spoon

  • Bowl

  • Spatula

Directions:

  1. Put your pan on the stove and turn the burner on to medium heat.

  2. Use a can open to open the can of tuna: Insert the blade part of the opener on top of the tuna can. Squeeze until you hear a click. Then turn the handle until the can is completely open. With the lid still on, squeeze the lid into the tuna to drain out the extra water. Use a fork to lift the lid off of the can. Be careful! The edges of the lid will be sharp!

  3. Use your fork to scrape the tuna out of the can and into a bowl.

  4. Scoop 2 spoonfuls of mayo into the bowl of tuna.

  5. Mix the tuna with your fork. If any tuna pieces are still dry after fully mixing, add another scoop of mayo and mix again.

  6. Season tuna mixture with a little sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix again.

  7. Put one slice of cheese on each slice of bread.

  8. Use your fork to scoop the tuna mixture onto one of your slices of bread. Then use the fork to spread it out to cover the whole piece of bread.

  9. Put your other piece of bread and cheese on top of the bread with the tuna.

  10. Spray your pan with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray.

  11. Put your sandwich in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes.

  12. Use a spatula to flip your sandwich over in the pan so the other side can cook. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes.

  13. Use a spatula to take your sandwich out of the pan on put it onto a plate. Eat and enjoy!