Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The classic tuna melt sandwich is a warm, comforting favorite that combines flaky tuna salad with melted cheese and toasted bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this recipe is easy to make and delicious every time.

Ingredients

• 1 can (188 millilitres) chunk light tuna, well drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon minced white onion
• 1 tablespoon finely minced celery
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices bread of choice
• 4 slices cheddar or marble cheese
• Extra mayonnaise for “buttering” the bread slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Flake the tuna with a fork in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, minced onion, celery, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Step 2: Spread mayonnaise on two slices of bread as you would butter, then place them mayonnaise side down in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Place a slice of cheese onto each piece of bread in the skillet.
4. Step 4: Spread the prepared tuna mixture evenly over the cheese slices, then top each with another slice of cheese.
5. Step 5: Spread mayonnaise on the remaining two slices of bread, then place them mayonnaise side up on top of the sandwiches.
6. Step 6: Cook until the bottom bread slices are lightly browned, about 3–4 minutes.
7. Step 7: Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side until browned and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes more.
8. Step 8: Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a few dashes of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the tuna mixture.
• Use sourdough or rye bread for a tangier, heartier sandwich.
• Try different cheeses like Swiss or provolone for a different twist.
• If you prefer a crunch, add sliced pickles or shredded lettuce just before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover tuna melt sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to help maintain the crispness of the bread and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned white tuna instead of chunk light?

Yes, canned white (albacore) tuna works well and offers a milder flavor, though it may be slightly firmer in texture than chunk light tuna.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread?

Using mayonnaise on the outside helps the bread brown evenly and creates a crispy, golden crust, much like butter would. You can substitute with butter if preferred.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 240 reviews

This Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich recipe delivers a perfectly toasted, cheesy, and savory sandwich featuring a creamy tuna salad made with mayonnaise, onion, celery, and sweet pickle relish. Grilled between slices of bread and cheddar cheese, it’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tuna Salad Mixture

• 1 can (188 millilitres) chunk light tuna, well drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon minced white onion
• 1 tablespoon finely minced celery
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sandwich Assembly

• 4 slices bread of choice
• 4 slices cheddar or marble cheese
• Extra mayonnaise for spreading on bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tuna Salad: Flake the drained tuna with a fork in a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, minced white onion, finely minced celery, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Mix well until combined and set aside.
2. Prep the Bread: Spread mayonnaise on two slices of bread as you would butter. This will help to toast the bread and add flavor.
3. Assemble Sandwich Base: Place the two mayonnaise-spread slices mayo side down into a large skillet heated to medium heat.
4. Add Cheese and Tuna: Place a slice of cheddar or marble cheese on each bread slice in the skillet. Then, evenly spread the prepared tuna salad mixture over the cheese slices. Top each with another slice of cheese.
5. Complete the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on the remaining two slices of bread on one side. Place these slices on top of the cheese, mayo side up, completing the sandwich layers.
6. Cook the Sandwich: Cook the sandwich on medium heat until the bottom slices are lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Flip Carefully: Flip the sandwiches carefully to the other side using a spatula. Continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melted, approximately another 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice each in half, and serve warm.

Notes

• Use good-quality bread that toasts well like sourdough, rye, or white sandwich bread.
• Feel free to add tomato slices or pickles as toppings for extra flavor.
• Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your preferred tuna salad consistency.
• Cooking time may vary depending on skillet and stovetop heat; monitor to prevent burning.
• For a crispier sandwich, press down lightly with a spatula while cooking.

Keywords: tuna melt, tuna sandwich, classic tuna melt, grilled tuna sandwich, cheesy tuna melt, easy lunch recipe