The Famous Joe & The Juice Tuna Sandwich Copycat Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering joe & the juice tuna sandwich at home brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.

This iconic sandwich has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide.

Sandwiches like these aren’t just meals; they’re culinary experiences packed with vibrant textures and bold tastes.

Danish food culture has inspired this simple yet delectable creation that elevates a classic tuna sandwich to new heights.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of creamy tuna, fresh ingredients, and satisfying crunch.

Recreating this beloved recipe allows you to enjoy a gourmet sandwich without stepping out.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this café-style favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 2

What Goes Into the Joe & the Juice Tuna Sandwich Copycat

• Bread: Select fresh, hearty sourdough or ciabatta that provides sturdy structure and complements tuna's rich flavor.
• Pesto: Choose homemade or high-quality store-bought basil pesto for vibrant, herbal undertones.

• Tuna: Pick solid white albacore or chunk light tuna for smoother, more consistent texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creamy tang and helps create lighter, fluffier tuna mousse.
• Mayonnaise: Provides silky binding agent and enhances overall richness.

• Dijon Mustard: Introduces sharp, tangy kick that brightens the entire sandwich.
• Salt: Amplifies all other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.

• Tomato Slices: Deliver juicy, sweet contrast to rich tuna mixture.

• Butter or Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior with delectable caramelized notes.

Tools to Build a Crisp and Flavorful Tuna Copycat

• Food processor or hand mixer: Blends tuna, mayo, and yogurt into a smooth, creamy mousse.
• Mixing bowl: Combines tuna mousse ingredients.
• Knife: Slices tomatoes and cuts sandwich.
• Cutting board: Prepares ingredients.
• Sandwich press/panini maker/skillet: Toasts sandwich until golden and crisp.
• Butter knife or brush: Spreads butter or olive oil on bread's exterior.

How to Make Joe & the Juice Tuna Sandwich at Home

• Whip Up Tuna Mousse

Blend tuna with creamy ingredients until silky smooth, creating a luxurious spread that’ll make your taste buds dance. Use a hand mixer or quick pulse in a food processor for ultimate texture.

• Layer Your Flavor Canvas

Spread vibrant pesto on one bread slice, then generously coat the other with your dreamy tuna mousse. Crown the tuna with juicy tomato slices for a burst of freshness.

• Transform Into Golden Deliciousness

Lightly brush the outer bread with olive oil or butter, then slide your sandwich into a hot skillet or panini press. Sizzle until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and develops a crispy crunch.

• Slice and Devour

Cut your masterpiece diagonally and serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting. Enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy tuna, zesty pesto, and crisp bread in every mouthwatering bite.

Flavor Additions That Bring This Tuna Sandwich to Life

• Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent a watery mixture; pat dry with paper towels for a creamier, more concentrated flavor.
• Choose a sturdy sourdough or ciabatta that can withstand grilling without falling apart, ensuring a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Vegans can replace tuna with mashed chickpeas or plant-based tuna alternatives.
• Enhance the tuna mousse by adding fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for extra brightness. Experiment with different mustards or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Prepare the tuna mousse in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making meal prep quick and easy.

Serve This Sandwich Fresh with Light Sides

• Sandwich Style Showcase: Slice the sandwich diagonally for an elegant, cafe-worthy presentation that reveals the delicious layers inside.
• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or some light cucumber slices to balance the rich, creamy tuna filling and add freshness to your meal.
• Dipping Delight: Pair with a small side of extra pesto or a light herb-infused aioli for those who love additional sauce and want to enhance the sandwich's Mediterranean vibes.
• Brunch Companion: Complement the sandwich with a small glass of fresh orange juice or a light sparkling beverage to elevate the entire dining experience and make it feel more gourmet.

How to Store and Pack Tuna Sandwiches for Later

• Keep the tuna mousse in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Mix the tuna mousse up to one day before assembling sandwiches. This technique allows flavors to develop and saves precious morning minutes during busy weeks.
• Wrap individual sandwich portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in skillet for crispy texture restoration.
• Separate wet and dry ingredients when meal prepping. Store tuna mousse, pesto, and sliced tomatoes in different containers to prevent bread from becoming soggy. Assemble just before eating for maximum sandwich crunch and flavor integrity.

Legendary Joe & the Juice Tuna Sandwich Copycat Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Craving Joe & the Juice’s legendary tuna sandwich? Savor this homemade version that brings Copenhagen’s café favorite right to your kitchen, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 oz (1 can) tuna in water, drained
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsps basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2–3 slices fresh tomato
• ½ tsp dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 slices thin sandwich bread (like rye, sourdough, or panini bread)
• Butter or olive oil, for grilling

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Instructions

1. Tuna Mousse Preparation: Blend tuna, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency using a hand mixer or food processor.
2. Bread Layering: Generously spread pesto on one bread slice and create a thick layer of tuna mousse on the opposite slice. Arrange fresh tomato slices directly atop the tuna mixture.
3. Sandwich Conditioning: Lightly coat the exterior of the bread with butter or olive oil to enhance golden crispiness.
4. Grilling Process: Position the sandwich in a heated sandwich press, panini maker, or skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bread transforms into a golden-brown, crisp exterior and the internal filling reaches a warm temperature, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring even toasting and heating.
5. Serving Technique: Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and textural integrity.

Notes

• Blend tuna mixture using a hand mixer or food processor for a silky, restaurant-quality mousse consistency that spreads easily.
• Choose a sturdy, high-quality bread that can withstand toasting without becoming too dry or crumbly.
• Olive oil creates a lighter, crispier exterior, while butter adds a richer, more golden-brown color to the sandwich’s surface.
• Use medium heat when grilling to ensure the bread becomes perfectly crisp without burning, allowing the filling to warm evenly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg