Tuna Melt Sandwich
A golden, buttery toasted sandwich filled with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheddar cheese. The crunch of the toasted bread against the warm, savory tuna filling makes this diner classic one of the most satisfying comfort food sandwiches you can make at home in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
- mix
Make the tuna salad.
1.Drain the canned tuna very well, pressing out excess liquid.2.In a mixing bowl, flake tuna with a fork until fine.3.Add mayonnaise, diced celery, diced onion, lemon juice, dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.TIPDrain the tuna thoroughly — excess liquid makes the bread soggy. - assemble
Assemble the sandwiches.
1.Lay 4 slices of sourdough bread on a clean surface.2.Spread butter on one side of each of the remaining 4 slices.3.Divide the tuna salad evenly among the 4 unbuttered slices.4.Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.5.Close sandwiches with the buttered bread, buttered side facing out. - fry · ~7 min
Toast the sandwiches until golden.
1.Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.2.Place sandwiches buttered-side down in the skillet.3.Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.4.Carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and cheese is fully melted, about 3 to 4 minutes more.TIPMedium-low heat is key — high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts. Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute to help melt the cheese. - serve
Slice and serve immediately.
Transfer to a cutting board, slice each sandwich diagonally, and serve hot while the cheese is gooey.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain the tuna very well to avoid soggy bread.
- 2Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- 3Spread butter evenly on the bread for even browning.
- 4Cook on medium-low heat to melt the cheese without burning the bread.
- 5Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute to help the cheese melt fully.
- 6Let the cooked sandwich rest for 30 seconds before slicing to keep the filling intact.
Adapt it for your goals.
Open-faced
Omit the top slice of bread and broil the assembled sandwich for a lighter, crispier version with extra melted cheese on top.
spicy tuna meltSpicy tuna melt
Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tuna salad for a spicy kick.
avocado tuna meltAvocado tuna melt
Add sliced avocado to the sandwich before grilling for a creamy, rich texture and extra healthy fats.
herb and dillHerb and dill
Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley into the tuna salad for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Canned tuna provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle repair and satiety.
Source of Omega-3s
Tuna is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
Contains Calcium from Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds a good amount of calcium, important for bone health.
Adds Crunchy Vegetables
Celery and onion contribute fiber, vitamins, and a satisfying crunch with very few calories.
Frequently asked questions
Drain the tuna thoroughly by pressing out excess liquid with a fork, and butter the bread all the way to the edges to seal the surface.
