Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Starters

This classic tuna melt features a creamy blend of tuna, mayonnaise, and mustard with crunchy celery and red onion, layered between bread slices and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Buttered and grilled until golden and gooey, it makes an ideal snack or light meal. Customize with tomato or pickles, and choose your favorite bread and cheese for a tasty twist.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:49:00 GMT
Warm, bubbly cheddar cheese oozes from a delicious Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, ready to eat! Save to Pinterest
Warm, bubbly cheddar cheese oozes from a delicious Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, ready to eat! | sonicskillet.com

A golden, crispy sandwich filled with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese — the perfect quick and satisfying snack.

I love making tuna melts for a late lunch because they come together so fast yet feel really comforting & indulgent.

Ingredients

  • Tuna Salad: 1 can (5 oz / 140 g) tuna drained, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 stalk celery finely chopped, 1 tbsp red onion finely chopped, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Sandwich: 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough), 4 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss), 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices. Top each with two slices of cheese.
Step 3:
Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Step 4:
Butter the outsides of each sandwich (one side per slice).
Step 5:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Step 6:
Place the sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown.
Step 7:
Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 8:
Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
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Save to Pinterest
| sonicskillet.com

This sandwich was a hit at family gatherings, bringing everyone together quickly and happily.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the tuna melt with a crisp green salad or chunky potato chips for satisfying contrasts in texture.

Storage Tips

Prepare the tuna salad ahead and refrigerate up to two days. Assemble and cook sandwiches fresh to keep bread crunchy.

Variations

Try adding sliced tomato or pickles inside or swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.

A close-up of a perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with golden bread and melted cheese. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with golden bread and melted cheese. | sonicskillet.com
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This classic tuna melt is an easy, cozy snack that never disappoints and can be ready in under 20 minutes.

Recipe Questions

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

White, whole wheat, or sourdough bread all work well, providing a sturdy base that crisps nicely when grilled.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese used here?

Yes, Swiss or provolone cheese can be used for a different flavor and melt quality.

How do I ensure the sandwich is crispy and the cheese melts properly?

Butter the outside of the bread and cook on medium heat, pressing gently until both sides are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Are there options to add extra flavor or texture?

Add sliced tomatoes or pickles inside the sandwich for additional zest and crunch.

How long does the preparation and cooking take?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes and cooking around 8 minutes, making it a quick and easy option.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Golden crispy sandwich with creamy tuna salad and melted cheese, perfect for a quick, satisfying snack.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
8 minutes
Overall Time
18 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Details None specified

Needed Ingredients

Tuna Salad

01 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
02 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
05 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
06 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sandwich

01 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
02 4 slices cheddar cheese
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Steps

Step 01

Prepare tuna filling: Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until homogeneous.

Step 02

Assemble sandwiches: Arrange bread slices on a clean surface. Spread tuna mixture evenly onto two slices. Layer each with two cheese slices, then cover with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 03

Butter bread exteriors: Apply softened butter evenly on the outside surfaces of each sandwich slice.

Step 04

Heat cooking surface: Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.

Step 05

Cook first side: Place sandwiches buttered side down on skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently until golden brown.

Step 06

Cook second side: Flip sandwiches carefully and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese has melted.

Step 07

Serve: Remove from heat, slice sandwiches in half, and serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and talk to a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains fish (tuna), eggs (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread). Confirm allergen information on packaged ingredients.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutritional info is here for reference and doesn't replace expert advice.
  • Total Calories: 430
  • Total fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 23 g