Some sandwiches just hit different, and a Melty Tuna Melt is one of them. Crispy, buttery bread, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy, savory tuna filling—it’s comfort food at its finest. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a warm, cheesy hug in every bite.
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Picture this: golden, toasted bread giving way to a perfectly seasoned tuna mixture, all held together with melty, stretchy cheese. Whether you need a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a late-night snack, this tuna melt delivers. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!
Why You’ll Love Melty Tuna Melt
Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying.
Customizable: Switch up the bread, cheese, or mix-ins to make it your own.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients in Melty Tuna Melt
This sandwich is made with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but the result is pure magic.
Tuna: The star of the show—flaky, tender, and packed with protein.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the tuna mixture together.
Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness. Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone work great!
Bread: Sturdy enough to hold up to all that delicious filling—sourdough or rye are perfect choices.
Butter: For that crispy, golden crust.
Seasonings: A dash of salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder to boost the flavor.
Optional Add-Ins: Diced pickles, red onion, or a little mustard for an extra kick.
Instructions
Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayo, seasonings, and any add-ins until well combined.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice butter-side down in a skillet.
Layer the Goodness: Add cheese, tuna mixture, and more cheese before topping with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Grill to Perfection: Cook over medium heat, pressing gently, until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted.
Cool & Serve: Let it rest for a minute before slicing—if you can wait!
How to Serve Melty Tuna Melt
Enjoy it solo or pair it with these tasty sides:
Crispy Fries: Because fries and sandwiches are a match made in heaven.
Tomato Soup: The ultimate classic combo.
Side Salad: A light, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy sandwich.
Pickles or Chips: For that satisfying crunch!
Additional Tips
Toastier Bread: Try grilling both sides before adding the filling for an even crispier sandwich.
Cheese Matters: Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor depth—cheddar and mozzarella are a great duo!
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or some jalapeños for a kick.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to [time] and reheat in a skillet.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different type of tuna?
A1: Yes! Chunk light or albacore both work, but albacore is firmer and milder in flavor.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for a tuna melt?
A2: Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for some spice!
Q3: Can I make this without mayo?
A3: Absolutely! Try Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or even hummus as a substitute.
Q4: What bread works best?
A4: Sourdough, rye, or a sturdy sandwich bread hold up best when grilled.
Q5: Can I bake a tuna melt instead of grilling?
A5: Yes! Assemble it open-faced and broil until bubbly, then add the top slice.
Q6: Can I prep the tuna mix ahead of time?
A6: Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to [time] and assemble when ready.
Q7: Can I add more protein?
A7: Sure! A fried egg or some crispy bacon would be amazing.
Q8: How do I get the perfect crispy crust?
A8: Butter both sides or use mayo instead of butter for extra crunch.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
A9: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat a tuna melt?
A10: Reheat in a skillet over low heat for the crispiest results.
Final Thoughts
A Melty Tuna Melt is simple, satisfying, and always a good idea. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a midnight craving, this cheesy, toasty sandwich never disappoints. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite!
Print
Melty Tuna Melt
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
Description
The ultimate crunchy, creamy, and cheesy tuna melt sandwich! This irresistible combo features a flavor-packed tuna salad with mayo, celery, pickles, dill, and chives, grilled on sourdough bread with gooey melted cheese for the perfect crispy finish. Great for quick lunches, easy dinners, or comforting snacks.
Ingredients
For the Tuna Filling
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425g canned tuna, drained
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1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise (or Kewpie mayo)
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3 celery stalks, diced
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1/4 red onion, finely diced
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35g (1/4 cup) pickles or dill cucumbers, finely diced
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2 tbsp fresh dill & chives, chopped
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches
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12 slices sourdough bread
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6 slices burger cheese (or cheddar)
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Butter (for spreading)
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Finely grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Tuna Filling
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Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, mayo, celery, red onion, pickles, dill, chives, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Thermomix method: Chop celery, onion, pickles, dill, and chives (6 sec, Speed 4). Scrape bowl, add remaining ingredients, mix (10 sec, Reverse, Speed 2). Repeat if needed.
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Assemble the Sandwiches
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Butter bread: Lightly butter one side of each sourdough slice.
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Layer: On half the slices, place cheese, then tuna filling. Top with remaining bread (buttered side out).
Cook (Choose Your Method)
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Frying Pan (Best Crunch!):
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Heat pan on medium-low. Cook sandwiches in batches until golden (3–4 mins per side).
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Sandwich Press:
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Grill until crispy and cheese melts.
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Air Fryer:
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Lightly spray bread with oil (instead of butter). Cook at 180°C for 5–10 mins, flipping halfway.
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Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan (optional) and enjoy warm!
Notes
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Extra crunch: Use grated Parmesan on the outside before grilling.
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Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or paprika to the tuna mix.
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Storage: Keep tuna filling refrigerated for up to 2 days. Assemble sandwiches fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 546
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
These were sooo delicious! I love all the additions into the tuna mix. These are a new favorite! Thanks for a delightful recipe.