Pin It A golden, crispy sandwich filled with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese — the perfect quick and satisfying snack.
This classic tuna melt sandwich has been a favorite in my family for years; it always brings back warm memories of cozy lunches.
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 34 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown.
- Step 7:
- Flip and cook the other side for another 34 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Step 8:
- Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
Pin It Making this sandwich always brings my family together; it’s a simple meal that sparks joyful conversations.
Notes
Try adding sliced tomato or pickles for extra flavor. Swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone for a different twist. Serve with a side of potato chips or a light salad.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Spoon or spatula, Knife and cutting board, Skillet or griddle, Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread). Always check labels for allergen information, especially for mayonnaise and bread.
Pin It
This classic tuna melt sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner & guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese works best for a tuna melt?
Cheddar and Swiss are popular choices due to their excellent melting qualities and complementary flavors.
- → How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
Butter the bread slices outside and cook on a medium skillet to achieve a crisp surface that prevents sogginess.
- → Can I prepare the tuna salad ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the tuna with mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped veggies can be done in advance and refrigerated for better flavor melding.
- → What bread types suit this sandwich?
White, whole wheat, or sourdough bread are ideal choices as they toast well and support the filling evenly.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the melt?
Adding sliced tomato, pickles, or swapping cheddar with provolone offers delicious variations and depth of flavor.