Tuna Melt
Creamy, savory tuna salad tucked between slices of buttery, toasted bread with gooey, melted cheese. This classic diner sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the tuna salad
- b.In a medium bowl, use a fork to flake the thoroughly drained tuna.
- c.Add the mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- d.Stir until all ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the sandwiches
- b.Lay out the 8 slices of bread on a clean work surface.
- c.Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- d.Flip 4 of the slices over so the buttered side is down.
- e.On the unbuttered side of these 4 slices, layer one slice of cheese, a quarter of the tuna salad mixture, and a second slice of cheese.
- f.Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the tuna melts
- b.Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- c.Carefully place 1 or 2 sandwiches in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
- d.Grill for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the bread is a deep golden brown and crispy.
- e.Flip the sandwiches carefully and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until the cheese is completely melted.
- f.Repeat the process with the remaining sandwiches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Transfer the cooked tuna melts to a cutting board and let them rest for one minute.
- c.Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain the tuna extremely well. Any excess liquid will make the tuna salad watery and the sandwich soggy.
- 2Use a sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough, rye, or brioche that can handle the filling and grilling.
- 3Cook on medium-low heat. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly by the time the bread is golden brown, preventing burnt bread with cold filling.
- 4For an extra crispy and flavorful crust, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter.
- 5Don't press too hard on the sandwich while it's cooking, or the filling might ooze out.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, use whole wheat bread, and use only one slice of low-fat cheese per sandwich.
spicySpicy
Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the tuna salad mixture. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
gluten freeGluten free
Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure all other ingredients like mayonnaise and mustard are certified gluten-free.
quickQuick
Use a food processor to finely chop the celery and onion in seconds. You can also make the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Tuna provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Good Source of Calcium
The cheddar cheese in this sandwich contributes a good amount of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Provides B Vitamins
Tuna is a good source of several B vitamins, including B12, which is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A classic Tuna Melt can be high in calories and fat due to mayonnaise, cheese, and butter. However, it's a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna. You can make it healthier by using Greek yogurt, whole wheat bread, and less cheese.