What exactly is a tuna melt sandwich?

A tuna melt is a warm sandwich made by combining creamy tuna salad with melted cheese, then grilling it between slices of toasted bread. Originating in American diners during the 1960s, it’s known for its comforting blend of flavors and textures—creamy tuna, gooey cheese, and crispy bread. This easy-to-make sandwich is popular as a quick lunch or comfort food.

Which type of tuna is best for making a tuna melt?

Solid white albacore tuna packed in water is the best choice for a tuna melt due to its mild flavor and firm texture that holds up well when cooked. You can also use chunk light tuna, which is softer but still tasty. Be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy bread.

How can I stop my tuna melt sandwich from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, drain the tuna well and avoid adding too much mayonnaise. Toast the bread lightly before assembling and grill the sandwich until the bread turns golden and crisp. Using firm bread varieties like sourdough or rye also helps keep the sandwich sturdy.

What types of cheese work best in a tuna melt?

American cheese is classic for tuna melts because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor. Cheddar adds a sharper taste, while Swiss or pepper jack cheeses offer creamier or spicier alternatives. Choose cheese that melts easily to create that signature gooey texture.

How should I store and reheat leftover tuna melts?

Store leftover tuna melt sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat or an air fryer at 375ºF until the sandwich is warmed through and the bread regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

Tuna Melt Recipe With Classic Cheese And Crispy Bread

Name: Tuna Melt
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cans (5 ounces each) of drained solid white albacore tuna; 2/3 cup full-fat mayonnaise; 2 small diced celery ribs; 1 finely minced garlic clove; 1 tablespoon finely minced capers; 1 small diced dill pickle (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup); 1/2 small diced medium red onion (about 1/2 cup); 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill); Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 8 slices of white bread; 8 slices of American cheese; Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste; Mashed chickpeas for vegan; Gluten-free bread; Greek yogurt for low-calorie

Description

🐟 Tuna Melt Recipe combines creamy tuna salad with melty cheese for a satisfying and classic sandwich experience.
🥪 The crispy toasted bread balances the richness of the filling, making it perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cans (5 ounces each) of drained solid white albacore tuna

2/3 cup full-fat mayonnaise

2 small diced celery ribs

1 finely minced garlic clove

1 tablespoon finely minced capers

1 small diced dill pickle (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)

1/2 small diced medium red onion (about 1/2 cup)

1 tablespoon finely minced fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

8 slices of white bread

8 slices of American cheese

Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Mashed chickpeas for vegan

Gluten-free bread

Greek yogurt for low-calorie

Instructions

1-First, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, garlic, capers, pickle, onion, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully combined. This creates a creamy base that’s full of flavor.

2-Next, preheat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over low to medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. This step helps toast the bread without burning it.

3-Toast 4 slices of bread for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and add another tablespoon of butter. Let it cook until golden.

4-Place 1 slice of cheese on each toasted slice and spread generous portions of the tuna mixture on two of those slices.

5-Let the cheese melt for about 2 minutes, then place the cheese-only toasted slices on top of the tuna-covered slices with the cheese facing down.

6-Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest briefly, slice in half, and serve. Repeat with the remaining ingredients for more servings.

Notes

🐟 Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy bread.
🔥 Toast bread on low to medium heat to prevent burning.
🌶 Customize with spices, hot sauce, or toppings like sliced tomatoes or avocado.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Mixing, Toasting, Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 719 calories
Sugar: 4 grams
Sodium: 1129 mg
Fat: 55 grams
Saturated Fat: 19 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 28 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 29 grams
Cholesterol: 107 mg

Keywords: tuna melt, classic sandwich, cheesy tuna, crispy bread