Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

This classic tuna melt features a creamy blend of tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion, layered between slices of bread with melted cheddar cheese. The sandwich is buttered on the outside and grilled until golden and gooey, creating a warm, satisfying snack that’s quick to prepare. Ideal for a pescatarian diet, the combination of tangy tuna salad and rich cheese delivers comfort in every bite. Try it with different bread types or add sliced tomato for extra flavor.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:50:00 GMT
Crispy, golden Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, with oozing cheese and creamy tuna, a truly comforting snack. Save to Pinterest
Crispy, golden Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, with oozing cheese and creamy tuna, a truly comforting snack. | shiftpan.com

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

I always enjoy making this tuna melt when I want a hearty treat 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.
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich boasts melted cheese, flaky tuna, and buttery, toasted bread for a quick lunch. Save to Pinterest
Perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich boasts melted cheese, flaky tuna, and buttery, toasted bread for a quick lunch. | shiftpan.com

This sandwich always brings smiles to our family gatherings.

Notes

Try adding sliced tomato or pickles for extra flavor. Swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone for a different twist. Serve with a side of potato chips or a light salad.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, skillet or griddle, spatula

Allergen Information

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

A close-up view of a warm Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, showcasing the appetizing, golden-brown, melted cheesy filling. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of a warm Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, showcasing the appetizing, golden-brown, melted cheesy filling. | shiftpan.com
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Enjoy this classic tuna melt warm for a comforting and quick meal.

Questions & Answers About This Recipe

What type of bread works best for the tuna melt?

White, whole wheat, or sourdough bread all provide a sturdy base and crisp nicely when grilled.

Can I use different cheese varieties?

Yes, Swiss or provolone are great alternatives to cheddar for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

Spreading the tuna mixture evenly and grilling with buttered outsides helps keep the bread crisp and golden.

Is it possible to add extra ingredients for flavor?

Sliced tomato or pickles can be added inside for an extra burst of taste and texture.

What is the best way to melt the cheese thoroughly?

Cook the sandwich on medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently to ensure the cheese melts evenly.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Crispy sandwich with creamy tuna salad and melted cheese, perfect for a quick and tasty snack.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
8 min
Total Duration
18 min
Recipe by Emma Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 2 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You'll Need

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

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Lay out bread slices. Spread tuna salad evenly over two slices, then top each with two cheese slices.

Step 03

Complete Assembly: Place the remaining bread slices over fillings to form sandwiches.

Step 04

Butter the Bread Exterior: Spread softened butter on the outside faces of each sandwich.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cook First Side: Place sandwiches buttered side down on skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently until golden brown.

Step 07

Cook Second Side: Flip sandwiches and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese has melted.

Step 08

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

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all items for allergies and speak to a healthcare expert with any concerns.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread).
  • Verify allergen content on labels, especially for mayonnaise and bread.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For reference only — always check with a nutrition or medical professional.
  • Caloric Value: 430
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 23 g