Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

This classic tuna melt features creamy tuna salad blended with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and onion. Layered between slices of bread with melted cheddar cheese, it’s buttered on the outside and grilled until golden and crispy. Ready in under 20 minutes, it combines textures and flavors perfectly, offering a hearty and satisfying snack or light meal. Variations include different cheeses or added veggies like tomato or pickles, served alongside chips or a salad.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:03:00 GMT
Golden, gooey Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with melted cheddar cheese ready for a bite. Pin it
Golden, gooey Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with melted cheddar cheese ready for a bite. | vectorbaker.com

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

This sandwich quickly became my go-to lunch whenever I need something simple yet delicious.

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 34 minutes pressing gently until golden brown.
Step 7:
Flip and cook the other side for another 34 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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A warm and crispy Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, oozing cheese and perfectly toasted bread. Pin it
A warm and crispy Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, oozing cheese and perfectly toasted bread. | vectorbaker.com

My family loves gathering around the kitchen table sharing these sandwiches along with stories from their day.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 430. Total Fat: 26 g. Carbohydrates: 29 g. Protein: 23 g.

Close-up of a delicious Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, sliced, showcasing melty cheese and tuna filling. Pin it
Close-up of a delicious Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, sliced, showcasing melty cheese and tuna filling. | vectorbaker.com
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This classic tuna melt never fails to deliver comforting flavors in just minutes.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best?

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

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes, Swiss or provolone cheese make great alternatives and melt nicely for this sandwich.

How do I get a crispy crust?

Butter the outside of the bread slices before grilling to achieve a golden, crispy texture.

Is there a way to add extra flavor?

Try adding sliced tomato or pickles inside the sandwich for added freshness and tang.

What’s the best cooking method?

Use a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, pressing gently to ensure even browning and melted cheese.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Golden sandwich with creamy tuna, cheddar, and buttery toasted bread for a quick satisfying snack.

Time to prep
10 minutes
Time to cook
8 minutes
Overall time
18 minutes
Created by Jack Sanchez


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 2 Portions

Dietary details None specified

What you need

Tuna Salad

01 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
02 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
05 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
06 1 teaspoon 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 (or Swiss)
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Place 2 slices of bread on a clean surface. Spread the tuna salad evenly on each slice, then layer 2 slices of cheese on top. Cover with the remaining bread slices.

Step 03

Butter Bread: Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, covering one side of every bread slice.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Remove from heat, slice each sandwich in half, and serve immediately.

Tools you'll need

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

Allergy advice

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread)

Nutrition info (per portion)

These values are estimates for your reference. They’re not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 430
  • Fat content: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 29 grams
  • Proteins: 23 grams