A Tuna Melt Sandwich is the ultimate combination of creamy tuna salad, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. This quick and satisfying sandwich is packed with bold flavors and makes an easy lunch, dinner, or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy & Cheesy – Golden-brown toasted bread with melty cheddar cheese.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 18 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Packed with Flavor – A creamy tuna salad with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies.
Ingredients for the Best Tuna Melt Sandwich
For the Tuna Salad:
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Tuna Salad
- In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Brush one side of each bread slice with melted butter.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
- Spread the tuna mixture evenly on each slice.
- Place cheese slices on top of the tuna mixture.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
3. Cook the Tuna Melt
- Grill the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve warm.
- Enjoy with chips, soup, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Tuna Melt
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Melts better than pre-sliced cheese.
- Toast the Bread Before Assembling – For extra crunch.
- Customize Your Tuna Salad – Add chopped pickles, jalapeños, or capers for more flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack all work great!
What to Serve with a Tuna Melt
Pair your sandwich with these delicious sides:
- Potato chips
- Tomato soup
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Side salad
More Delicious Sandwiches & Comfort Foods to Try
Check out these mouthwatering recipes:
Find even more recipes on our Pinterest page.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the tuna salad up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayo-based filling doesn’t freeze well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 sandwich)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Conclusion
This Tuna Melt Sandwich is crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Save this recipe and try it today! Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest for easy access.
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Tuna Melt Sandwich
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Tuna Melt Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy tuna salad, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy toasted bread. A perfect blend of flavors and textures, this easy sandwich is great for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Salad:
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tuna Salad:
- In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Brush one side of each bread slice with melted butter.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
- Spread the tuna mixture evenly on each slice.
- Place cheese slices on top of the tuna mixture.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
-
Cook the Tuna Melt:
- Grill the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve warm.
- Enjoy with chips, soup, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Melts better than pre-sliced cheese.
- Toast the Bread Before Assembling – For extra crunch.
- Customize Your Tuna Salad – Add chopped pickles, jalapeños, or capers for more flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack all work great!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Tuna melt, classic tuna sandwich, grilled cheese tuna, best tuna melt recipe, easy sandwich recipes