Tuna melts are the ultimate sandwich with a flavorful fish mixture, melty cheddar cheese, and freshly sliced tomatoes all melted together in a skillet on crispy, golden bread. So easy to make and delicious, this sandwich will literally melt in your mouth!
Level up your lunch game and try out a few other of my favorite sandwich recipes: this amazing egg salad sandwich, the absolute best BLT, or this easy Cuban sandwich! They’re so easy to make but SO delicious. It’s love at first bite!
The Best Tuna Melt Sandwich EVER
This is the ultimate tuna melt sandwich recipe! This sandwich will literally just melt in your mouth, it is that good. First off, this tuna salad mixture is AMAZING and full of SO much flavor. To make it, all you have to do is drain the tuna and mix it together with mayonnaise a few vegetables, Dijon mustard and parsley. It’s so simple to make and mixes together quickly and easily. From there, layer with cheese and tomato and melt it all together. Again, it is that simple! I have two ways I love to make it: broiled or on a skillet! Try both and find out which way is your favorite!
Tuna melts come together so quickly and easily. It is one of my favorite sandwiches and the bonus is my kids love it too! The golden crust on the outside is so appealing, and the melty, cheesy filling makes it out-of-this-world good! Not sure what to make for lunch? Try this tuna melt recipe! Trust me, your taste buds will be singing its praises.
What You’ll Need to Make the Best Tuna Melt
This tuna melt recipe comes together quickly and easily. It’s perfect for a hungry family! It is seriously so good and tastes like a million bucks! You’ll want it for lunch all of the time. For all of the measurements I used, check out the recipe card below.
- Tuna Fish: Drained from the can and ready to go!
- Mayonnaise: This is added to the tuna fish to make it rich and creamy.
- Celery: Sliced into small pieces.
- Red Onion: Sliced and diced up.
- Dijon Mustard: This has so much flavor and adds to the creaminess of the mixture.
- Parsley: One of my favorite seasonings!
- Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch! Feel free to add more to taste.
- Bread: I like a thicker piece of bread but you can use your favorite kind here.
- Cheddar Cheese: Slice your own cheese for the best flavor and maximum cheesiness!
- Tomato: Sliced thin and layered on the sandwich.
- Butter: To make the outside of the bread golden and crispy.
How to Make a Tuna Melt (2 Ways!)
Simply mix together the tuna fish mixture then start layering the ingredients on top of a thick piece of bread. Melt it all together and you have the perfect classic tuna melt sandwich! Make this a complete meal by adding in sweet potato fries or air fryer potato chips for the best flavor combination.
- Tuna Fish Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dijon mustard, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Prepare Bread: Butter each slice of bread. Putting the butter side down. Then add the cheese on the unbuttered side.
- Layer the Sandwich: Add the tuna mixture on top. Top with tomato and additional cheese.
Skillet Method:
- Preheat a Skillet to Medium Heat: Add the sandwich to the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes until cheese starts to melt and is golden brown. Flip to the other side and cook until the cheese is fully melted then the sandwich is golden brown.
Broiler Method:
- Preheat Broiler: Spread the bread butter side up and toast for a couple of minutes. Then top with cheese, tuna mixture and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Tasty Variations
Here are a few easy ways to make your tuna melt just the way you like it! It’s so fun to try different variations.
- Make it Low Carb: Wrap it up in a lettuce wrap, use keto bread, or have an open-faced sandwich to help reduce the amount of carbs on this sandwich.
- Keep it Health Conscious: Find a low-sodium or calorie tuna fish that works best for you.
- Use Different Cheese: Use your favorite type of cheese here! I always go for classic cheddar, but asiago cheese, jalapeño jack cheese for some spice or Colby jack cheese are all great options!
- More Toppings: For extra texture and flavor try sliced pickles, soft avocados, or lettuce.
- Bread: Try an English muffin, white bread, whole grain bread, whole wheat tortilla, or a thick bagel for different variations of tuna melt sandwiches.
Storing Leftovers / Making Ahead
The mixture for tuna melts is super easy to store and use later. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s so nice to have it all prepared and ready to go!
- Tuna Salad: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Tuna Melt: Your prepared tuna melt will stay good for a day or two either wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind, the bread may begin to get soggy as it sits.
Other Tasty Sandwiches to Try
Dinner
Grilled Turkey Florentine Sandwich
Dinner
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches (Melt in Your Mouth!!)
Copycat Recipes
Monte Cristo Sandwich (Disneyland Copycat)
Dinner
Corned Beef Sandwich
Ultimate Tuna Melt
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces tuna fish, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 slices bread
- 8 slices cheddar cheese, more if you want a layer on the bottom
- tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
Instructions
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In a medium sized bowl combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dijon mustard, parsley, salt and pepper.
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Butter one side of each slice of bread. Putting the butter side down add the cheese on the unbuttered side. Add the tuna mixture on top. Top with tomato and additional cheese.
Skillet Method
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Preheat a skillet to medium heat. Add the sandwich on the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes until cheese starts to melt and it is golden brown. Flip to the other side and cook until the cheese is fully melted and sandwich is golden brown.
Broiler Method
-
Preheat a broiler. Spread the bread butter side up and toast for a couple of minutes. Top with cheese, tuna mixture and Broil for 2-3 miutes until cheese is melted.
Video
Notes
Updated on April 6, 2023
