Tuna Melts

I love making Tuna Melts when I want a quick, comforting meal that’s both simple and satisfying. The creamy tuna filling paired with perfectly melted cheese and crispy toasted bread creates a warm, flavorful sandwich that always hits the spot. I find it perfect for lunch, an easy dinner, or even a hearty snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how fast this recipe comes together with pantry staples. I enjoy the contrast between the creamy tuna mixture and the golden, crispy bread. The melted cheese adds richness and makes the sandwich feel extra indulgent. I also like how easily I can customize the filling to match my taste.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans tuna, drained
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup finely diced celery
2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
salt
black pepper
4 slices bread
4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. In a bowl, I combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery, and red onion.

2. I season the mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring until everything is well combined.

3. I lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.

4. I spread the tuna mixture onto the unbuttered side of two slices of bread.

5. I place a slice of cheese on top of the tuna mixture, then cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.

6. I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

7. I let them rest briefly before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add sliced tomatoes or pickles inside the sandwich for extra flavor. When I want a bit of heat, I mix in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I also enjoy using sourdough or whole-grain bread for added texture. For an open-faced version, I toast the bread, top it with tuna and cheese, and broil until bubbly.

storage/reheating

I prefer making Tuna Melts fresh, but I can store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating a prepared sandwich, I warm it in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than using the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make the tuna mixture ahead of time?

I often prepare the tuna salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to assemble the sandwiches.

What type of cheese works best?

I like using cheddar or Swiss because they melt well, but any good melting cheese works for me.

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?

I can substitute canned salmon for a slightly different flavor while keeping the same preparation method.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

I make sure the tuna mixture isn’t too wet and cook the sandwich over medium heat to achieve a crisp exterior.

Can I bake Tuna Melts instead of pan-frying?

I place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion

I find Tuna Melts to be one of the easiest and most comforting sandwiches I can prepare. The creamy tuna filling, crispy bread, and gooey melted cheese create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s a reliable recipe I turn to whenever I want something warm, quick, and satisfying.