Go Back
Tuna Melt Sandwiches: Crispy, Creamy, and Easy to Make

Tuna Melt Sandwiches

Creamy homemade tuna salad is layered with melted cheese and griddled between buttered slices of bread until crisp and golden. This easy recipe makes 4 sandwiches in approximately 20–25 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tuna Filling
  • 2 5-ounce cans Tuna, preferably packed in water, well drained
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk Celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons Red onion, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Sandwiches
  • 8 slices Sandwich bread, sourdough, rye, or country white
  • 4 slices Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or American cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Softened butter, for spreading on bread

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Drain the tuna very thoroughly, then flake it into a medium bowl. Removing excess liquid keeps the filling thick and helps the sandwiches crisp properly.
  2. Stir in the mayonnaise, diced celery, minced red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, optional herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  3. Spread the tuna mixture evenly over 4 slices of bread. Place one cheese slice over each portion, then top with the remaining bread slices.
  4. Butter the outside of each sandwich, covering the bread close to the edges. Buttering the bread itself gives the best crisp texture without requiring extra oil in the pan.
  5. Warm a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for about 3–5 minutes per side, turning once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  6. Cover the pan briefly if the bread is browning before the cheese melts. Let the cooked sandwiches rest for 1–2 minutes, then cut and serve immediately.

Notes

Use medium-low heat so the bread does not brown too quickly. Sharp cheddar has the most pronounced flavor, while American cheese melts most smoothly. For a variation, add 2 tablespoons chopped pickles or sweet relish, or try tomato, avocado, jalapeño, or a pinch of paprika.