Valentina Ablaev
This tuna melt sandwich recipe is the perfect simple lunch that still tastes gourmet. Our tuna melt is made with toasted bread, filled with a creamy tuna mixture, and topped with melted cheese. This melt is a protein-packed sandwich that cooks in just 15 minutes.
Let me paint you a picture: it’s lunchtime, you have only 10 minutes, and pantry staples… what do you do? You make a tuna sandwich, of course! While we do love a classic cold tuna sandwich, this tuna melt takes that to the next level. Just like our gourmet grilled cheese, this sandwich is loaded with fresh tomatoes and melted cheese. This sandwich is simple, but it isn’t boring!
Ingredients for Crispy Tuna Melt Sandwich
- Canned tuna – Your favorite canned tuna, drained.
- Onion – Diced onion adds a great crunch and flavor to the creamy tuna filling. You do want to make sure you finely chop the onion.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a great boost of flavor.
- Mayo – Mayonnaise makes the filling creamy and flavorful.
- Tomato – A ripe, sliced tomato adds the perfect juiciness to this sandwich. Though optional, it adds so much flavor.
- Sliced cheese – We use cheddar cheese for this sandwich, but you can also use mozzarella or even pepper jack cheese.
- Bread – Sliced sandwich bread from scratch is the best way to elevate this sandwich.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Tools for this Recipe
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Use a nonstick skillet or a griddle to make the sandwich nice and toasty.
Tuna Melt Variations
All of the add-ins, substitutions, and different variations to the recipe you want to make.
- Add extra protein: Add crispy bacon bits to the tuna mix to add a little extra meat!
- Add eggs: It’s like a tuna sandwich and an egg salad sandwich crossover! Our tuna and egg salad is already delicious as is, but put it in a tuna melt, and you have an unforgettable sandwich.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of sriracha sauce to create a spicy tuna mix. You can even add jalapeño slices to the mix!
- Open-faced tuna sandwiches: Just like our baked chicken canape recipe, you can use this tuna mix to create baked tuna canapes!
How to Make A Homemade Tuna Melt
- Make tuna filling. In a large bowl, combine the tuna, diced onion, garlic, mayonnaise, and seasoning.
Assemble. Add the mixture to the slices of bread and top with slices of tomatoes and shredded of cheese.
3. Butter up. Add the top bread slices onto the sandwich and generously butter both sides.
4. Toast. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sandwich. Press down lightly and cook on both sides until golden brown and the center is melty.
Pro Tip of The Day:
- No soggy sandwich. When crisping a sandwich in a pan, it’s essential to use a warm pan to achieve a crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
- Fries: Enjoy a side of our oven-baked steak fries or take it a step further with our homemade Parmesan fries!
- Chips: Potato chips make a classic side to a crispy tuna sandwich.
- Side salad: A simple sandwich calls for a simple salad, and our tomato and cucumber salad makes the perfect side for anything!
- Creamy soup: This sandwich pairs well with a hearty soup, such as our ham and potato soup. You can even dip the sandwich into the soup!
How to Store Leftover Tuna Melt
- When it comes to leftovers, store leftover tuna spread on its own, rather than the assembled sandwich. Add the creamy tuna mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days.
More Sandwich Recipes
If you enjoyed this tuna melt recipe, be sure to try our other easy sandwich recipes; here are some of our favorites:
Hot Sandwiches- Sandwiches
- Hot Sandwiches
- Cold Sandwiches
- Hot Sandwiches
- Hot Sandwiches
- Cold Sandwiches
- Hot Sandwiches
If you tried this tuna melt sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Tuna Melt Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 5 oz each cans tuna, drained
- 1/4 small onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 medium tomato sliced into 4 slices
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or ½ cup shredded cheese
- 4 slices bread
- 2 Tbsp butter room temp
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the tuna, onion, garlic, mayo, salt, and pepper.
- Add half of the mixture to a bread slice, top with two tomato slices and two cheese slices, then cover with the second bread slice. Spread butter over both sides of the bread slices. Repeat with the second sandwich.
- Preheat the skillet or griddle.
- Place the sandwiches onto the preheated skillet, and cook until golden brown on the bottom.
- Flip then cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Remove sandwiches to plates, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Don’t skip buttering the bread to get that delicious golden-brown exterior.
- When toasting the sandwich, use a hot pan to crisp up the bread.
- Store leftover tuna melt mixture in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Nutrition
FAQs
For a tuna melt, choose a cheese that melts well and is rich and creamy. Some great options are cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and even pepperjack.
Yes, to make a tuna melt without mayo, you can use nonfat Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
This tuna melt is best served warm right away.
You don’t have to use cheese to have a delicious tuna sandwich.
