If you're a fan of gooey melted cheese, savory tuna, and crispy bread, you're in for a treat! Learn how to make the perfect Tuna Melt right at home with this easy recipe. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes.

A Tuna Melt stacked on top of another Tuna Melt on a plate

Why You'll Love This Spectacular Sandwich

Quick & Easy. This Tuna Melt recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick weeknight dinner or satisfying lunch.
Classic Comfort Food. The combination of savory tuna, creamy mayo, and melted cheese between two crispy slices of bread is comfort food at its finest.
Customizable. Add your favorite ingredients to the tuna salad or choose your favorite type of bread and cheese to make this recipe your own.
Simple Ingredients. This Tuna Melt uses everyday ingredients, so you don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious dish.
Kid-Friendly. With its cheesy, gooey filling, this sandwich is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

What Is A Tuna Melt?

A Tuna Melt is a perfect blend of savory and creamy. The tuna salad filling is rich and flavorful, with a balance of tangy mayo, crunchy celery, and mild tuna.

The cheese melts perfectly over the tuna mixture, adding a comforting, gooey texture. The toasted bread provides a crispy contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite irresistible.

Ingredients You'll Need

Canned Tuna- The base of the tuna melt. Use high-quality tuna in water or oil, depending on your preference.
Mayonnaise- Adds creaminess and binds the tuna together. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Dijon Mustard- Adds a tangy kick to balance out the richness of the mayo.
Celery- Finely chopped celery gives the tuna salad a nice crunch and freshness.
Red Onion- Adds a mild sharpness and texture to the salad.
Cheese- Swiss cheese or cheddar is commonly used, but you can use your favorite meltable cheese.
Bread- Choose thick slices of bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or white. A hearty bread will hold up well to the tuna and cheese.
Butter- For toasting the bread to golden perfection.

How To Make A Tuna Melt

Make the Tuna Salad Filling. Start by draining the canned tuna and placing it in a bowl. Flake the tuna with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.
Prepare the Bread and Cheese. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Lay the bread butter-side-down on a clean surface. Place a slice of your chosen cheese on each piece of bread. Spoon a generous amount of the tuna salad mixture on top of the cheese, ensuring an even spread. Top with another slice of cheese, then place the second piece of bread on top, butter-side-up.
Cook the Tuna Melt. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the assembled tuna melt sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
Serve and Enjoy. Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them cool for a minute before cutting them in half. Serve immediately with a side of pickles, chips, or a light salad.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect Tuna Melt:

Use Good Bread. The bread is key to the Tuna Melt’s texture. Choose a hearty, thick bread that can hold up to the fillings without falling apart. Sourdough, rye, or whole wheat works great!
Don’t Overfill the Sandwich. While it’s tempting to pack as much tuna salad as possible, don’t overload the sandwich. A little goes a long way to ensure the sandwich doesn’t get soggy and maintains its structure.
Toast the Bread Well. Toasting the bread to a golden crisp is essential for the perfect texture. This gives your Tuna Melt that satisfying crunch.

Variations

A Tuna Melt is a versatile and customizable dish, allowing you to get creative with the ingredients and flavors. Here are some delicious variations to elevate your classic sandwich:

Open-Faced- For a lighter version, make an open-faced Tuna Melt. Simply skip the top slice of bread, and top your tuna salad with cheese before broiling.
Avocado- Add a layer of creamy avocado on top of the tuna mixture before adding the cheese. This will add a smooth texture and a burst of fresh flavor.
With Tomatoes- Add slices of ripe tomato between the tuna and cheese for a burst of freshness and a bit of tang.
Bacon- Crumbled crispy bacon makes a delicious addition to your tuna salad. The smoky, salty bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy tuna.

What To Eat With A Tuna Melt

A Tuna Melt is a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some great options to consider serving with it:

Chips- Potato chips or tortilla chips are a classic accompaniment. The crunchiness pairs perfectly with the soft tuna and melted cheese.
Pickles- Add some tang with pickle spears or pickled vegetables. The acidity cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
Soup- A classic side to a Tuna Melt is a warm bowl of tomato soup. The tangy, creamy soup complements the savory tuna sandwich.
Salad- For a lighter, healthier side, serve with a fresh green salad. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the Tuna Melt.

How Long Does It Last?

Tuna Melt is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for the best results, ensuring the bread stays crispy.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze Tuna Melts, but it’s best to freeze the assembled sandwiches before grilling. Wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to eat it, thaw the sandwich in the refrigerator overnight and grill as usual.

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