Save to Pinterest 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
- 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.
Save to Pinterest 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.
Save to Pinterest
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.