Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Snackable Bites

This classic tuna melt combines a creamy blend of tuna salad with melted cheddar cheese inside golden, crispy bread. Preparation is quick, with just a few simple ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion mixed into the tuna. Buttered bread slices are grilled to achieve a perfectly toasted exterior while keeping the filling warm and gooey. Serve hot, optionally adding tomato or pickles for extra flavor. Ideal for a savory snack or light meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:10:00 GMT
Golden, melted cheese oozes from a delicious Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Golden, melted cheese oozes from a delicious Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, ready to be enjoyed. | sonicpantry.com

A golden, crispy sandwich filled with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese — the perfect quick and satisfying snack.

This is my go-to comfort food when I want something warm and easy to make in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Tuna Salad: 1 can (5 oz / 140 g) tuna, drained, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 stalk celery, finely chopped, 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Sandwich: 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough), 4 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices. Top each with two slices of cheese.
Step 3:
Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Step 4:
Butter the outsides of each sandwich (one side per slice).
Step 5:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Step 6:
Place the sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown.
Step 7:
Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 8:
Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
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Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.
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Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.
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Sharing this tuna melt with my family always brings nostalgic memories of quick lunches and happy smiles.

Variations

Try adding sliced tomato or pickles for extra flavor, or swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of potato chips or a light salad to complete the meal.

Allergen Information

Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread). Always check labels for allergen information, especially for mayonnaise and bread.

Crispy-edged, comforting Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich; imagine the flavorful tuna and cheese inside! Pin it
Crispy-edged, comforting Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich; imagine the flavorful tuna and cheese inside! | sonicpantry.com
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This classic tuna melt is sure to become a staple in your quick meal rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese works best for this sandwich?

Cheddar is classic for its sharp, creamy melt, but Swiss or provolone can add a different twist while still melting well.

Can I use different bread types?

Yes, white, whole wheat, or sourdough bread are all great options, each adding a unique texture and flavor.

How do I achieve a crispy exterior without burning?

Use medium heat on a nonstick skillet, butter the bread lightly, and cook each side for 3–4 minutes while pressing gently.

Are there easy variations to enhance flavor?

Add sliced tomato or pickles inside for added freshness and tang, or switch up the cheese type for different tastes.

What side dishes complement this sandwich?

Potato chips or a fresh light salad pair nicely, balancing the richness of the tuna and melted cheese.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Golden crispy sandwich layered with creamy tuna salad and melted cheddar cheese.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
18 Minutes

Category: Snackable Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 servings

Dietary: None specified

Ingredients

Tuna Salad

01 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
02 2 tbsp mayonnaise
03 1 tsp Dijon mustard
04 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
05 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
06 1 tsp lemon juice
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sandwich

01 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
02 4 slices cheddar cheese
03 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Tuna Salad: Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly mixed.

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Arrange bread slices on a flat surface. Spread tuna salad evenly over two slices, then layer each with two slices of cheddar cheese. Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 03

Butter Sandwich Exteriors: Spread softened butter on the outer sides of each bread slice, covering one side per slice.

Step 04

Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 05

Cook Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, applying gentle pressure, until the bread turns golden brown.

Step 06

Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn sandwiches over and cook the opposite side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 07

Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately while hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
  • Protein: 23 g