If you’re craving pure comfort food, the Tuna Melt is about to become your go-to. This classic creation combines flaked tuna, creamy mayonnaise, a tangy kick of Dijon, and melty cheese, all toasted between golden slices of sourdough or rye. It’s the sandwich you whip up in minutes, yet it never fails to deliver serious satisfaction, which is why the Tuna Melt holds a special place in so many hearts and kitchens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need is a handful of fridge and pantry staples, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient layers in flavor and that signature Tuna Melt texture. Here’s what makes every bite so craveable:

Canned Tuna: Go for tuna packed in water for a lighter finish—draining it well is key for the perfect filling consistency.
Mayonnaise: This is your creamy binder, keeping the tuna mixture moist and luscious.
Dijon Mustard: Adds zip and a bit of sophistication that classic yellow mustard just can’t match.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for a crisp, mild bite of sharpness that perks up every mouthful.
Celery: Delivers refreshing crunch, balancing the richness and providing color and texture contrast.
Pickles or Relish: Just a touch brings sweet-tart flavor and an irresistible tanginess to the filling.
Salt and Pepper: A couple pinches to dial up all the other flavors—taste as you go.
Sourdough or Rye Bread: Each offers its own flavor punch and toasts up beautifully for a sturdy, golden crust.
Cheddar or Swiss Cheese: For maximum meltiness and sharp flavor, you simply can’t skip the cheese.
Butter: Softened butter guarantees crisp, golden bread and that signature grilled sandwich finish.

How to Make Tuna Melt

Step 1: Mix the Tuna Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your drained tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, pickles or relish, and just a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is incorporated and the mixture looks creamy and textured—every bit of tuna should be dressed but not swimming. This is where you can taste and tweak the seasoning, maybe a dash more mustard or a sprinkle more pepper if you’re feeling bold!

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out your four bread slices. Divide the tuna filling evenly onto two of the slices—spread it right to the edges for maximum bite coverage. Top each with two generous slices of cheese (don’t be shy; melty cheese makes the Tuna Melt magical) and crown with the remaining slices of bread. Press down lightly so everything nestles together.

Step 3: Butter the Bread

Now it’s time for that golden exterior. Using a butter knife or the back of a spoon, spread the softened butter onto the outside of each sandwich slice. Make sure every corner is coated; this is your ticket to a crispy, just-right crust once the sandwiches hit the pan.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, gently place your sandwiches, buttered side down, onto the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing with a spatula to encourage even browning. When the bread is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling and melted, your Tuna Melt is ready for its close-up. Remove to a cutting board and let it rest for a moment before slicing—then get ready for gooey, flavor-packed bites!

How to Serve Tuna Melt

Garnishes

The beauty of a great Tuna Melt is in the details. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a few thin dill pickle slices on top, or even a spoonful of hot sauce before closing the sandwich for a pop of color and kick. A grind of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon over the finished sandwich can brighten the whole flavor profile, too.

Side Dishes

Tuna Melt pairs brilliantly with a host of sides. Keep it classic with crunchy kettle chips or a zippy dill pickle spear, or opt for a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Craving something warm? A bowl of tomato soup is unbeatable for dunking those melty corners.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop at the classic sandwich presentation! For a fun twist, try making Tuna Melt sliders on mini brioche rolls for a party platter. Or, serve open-faced on toasted bread with the cheese broiled until bubbly and golden. You can even cut the sandwich into triangles and stack on a platter for an irresistible finger food spread—so much more fun for sharing or lunchboxes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with a Tuna Melt), place them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within two days for the best texture and flavor. The bread may soften a bit, but it’ll still be delicious after a quick reheat.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze assembled (but ungrilled) Tuna Melt sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to a month. However, the texture of the filling and bread may change slightly after thawing. For best results, assemble fresh, but freezing is a handy make-ahead option.

Reheating

To revive stored or thawed Tuna Melt, pop it in a nonstick skillet over low heat. Cover loosely with foil and warm gently on both sides until heated through and the cheese re-melts. You can also use a toaster oven, which helps restore that crisp exterior.

FAQs

What’s the best type Main Course

Sourdough and rye both work wonders because they’re sturdy and toast to a perfect crunch while holding up to the creamy filling. You can also use whole grain, white sandwich bread, or even English muffins for individual portions.

Can I make this Tuna Melt dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free slices and use vegan mayo. You’ll still get all the comforting Tuna Melt vibes without any dairy.

How do I add extra veggies to the Tuna Melt?

Easy! Slide a layer of tomato, a handful of spinach, or thin-cut bell peppers inside before grilling. These boost both flavor and color without changing the classic character.

What’s the secret to really melty cheese?

The trick is covering your pan for the last minute or so of cooking. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt smoothly while the bread finishes crisping.

Can I use other proteins instead of tuna?

Absolutely! Try cooked chicken, salmon, or even flaked whitefish with the same mix-ins—just note you might want to adjust seasoning based on what you use.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something deeply satisfying about making—and devouring—a really good Tuna Melt. Whether you stick to the classic or get creative with toppings, I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, too. Give it a try soon, and let its melty, cheesy magic win you over all over again!

Tuna Melt Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a delicious and comforting Tuna Melt sandwich with a cheesy, flavorful tuna filling. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Filling:

2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water (drained)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped pickles or relish
Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly:

4 slices sandwich bread (sourdough or rye recommended)
4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon butter (softened)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Tuna Filling: In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, pickles or relish, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assembly: Spread tuna mixture on two bread slices. Top with cheese and remaining bread slices to form sandwiches. Butter the outsides.
Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Slice and serve.

Notes

Add tomato slices or hot sauce for extra flavor.
For an open-faced version, place tuna on toasted bread, top with cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American