Print

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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