A Tuna Melt Sandwich is a classic that’s easy to make and always delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this quick and satisfying meal anytime. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it combines creamy tuna salad with melted cheese on toasted bread. You can make it in only 10 minutes!
Even if you're not a master chef, this sandwich is definitely something you can whip up in your own kitchen. So let's get started and learn how to make a mouth-watering tuna melt sandwich!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
The reason that this tuna melt recipe is so great is threefold. First, it's a quick and easy recipe to prepare for a protein-packed meal that leaves you feeling fulfilled. Second, it's easy to customize to your personal taste. Third, this tuna melt is so flavorful you'll want to eat it again and again.
Using ingredients that many of us have on hand in our kitchens, you can create a flavorful and fulfilling tuna melt sandwich. In less than 10 minutes, you can create a savory and satisfying dish to build your meal around.
When it comes to making this recipe your own, there are so many additions, alterations, and substitutions that can be made. Whether it's to accommodate an allergy, food sensitivity, dietary needs, and personal tastes. From the mayonnaise base to the bread, from the seasonings used to the tuna itself, everything can be changed to meet your needs.
Additionally, since this tuna melt is so full of different flavors and textures, it becomes a taste extravaganza that is as complex as it is enjoyable. From the tuna filling with its crunchy elements to the creamy, gooey cheese, and the crusty bread, what's not to love?
Ingredients
Mayo:
Mayo serves as the base for the dressing in this tuna melt recipe, but there are many different alternatives that you can use instead that will render similar but different results. While, Greek yogurt, mustard, tatziki, and sour cream can be used to create a zesty base, avocado, mashed chickpeas, pesto, and hummus make heartier options.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is important for several reasons. Citrus helps tenderize fish, enhances the brightness of the tuna, and adds flavor. If you want to boost the lemon flavor, add a little lemon zest to your tuna mixture.
Red Pepper Flakes:
While this recipe calls for crushed red pepper, you can add ingredients like cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give your sandwich a kick.
Parsley:
Fresh herbs can be added to the mix for a boost of freshness and flavor. Parsley, dill, and cilantro all make great choices.
Tuna:
Opt for high-quality tuna, whether it's canned or fresh. Albacore tuna is a popular choice for its mild flavor and firm texture.
Sweet Pickles and Celery:
Chopped celery, and sweet pickles all provide a satisfying crunch to your tuna melt sandwich. Cucumbers, red onion, dill pickles, and green onions also make excellent additions to the recipe.
Bread:
Use a sturdy bread for your tuna melt that can hold up to the filling and heat. Sourdough, rye, or a hearty whole-grain bread are good choices.
Cheese:
While this recipe calls for Swiss cheese, you can use any cheese that melts well and complements the tuna. Cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone are some other good options. Experiment with blends for added complexity.
How to Make a Tuna Melt Sandwich
Step One:
In a bowl, combine tuna, celery, pickles, cilantro, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and mayonnaise.
Step Two:
Stir to combine and add lemon juice. Keep aside.
Step Three:
Add olive oil to a skillet and heat. Place a slice of bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown. Flip the slice of bread and place 2 American cheese slices on top. Cook until the cheese melts.
Step Four:
Place the bread on a plate and add the tuna mixture on top. Add sliced tomatoes and onions on top (optional).
Step Five:
Place another slice of bread in the skillet and heat on both sides until golden brown. Cover the sandwich with the slice of bread.
Step Six:
Serve and enjoy 🙂
Tips
- Get creative with the ingredients you use on your sandwich. Thinly sliced tomatoes will add a juicy element and a subtle sweetness to the sandwich, while the buttery texture of avocado pairs well with tuna and cheese. Sweet caramelized onions complement the savory aspects of the sandwich, and some Dijon mustard can add complexity to the flavor profile. The customization options are endless.
- Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- The mayo-to-tuna ratio is crucial for the right texture. Don't make it too dry or too wet; aim for a creamy, cohesive mixture.
- For a healthier option, consider using whole grain bread, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
What to Serve With a Tuna Melt Sandwich
When pairing sides with a tuna melt sandwich, the goal is to complement the savory and hearty flavors of the main dish. Light and crisp options like cucumber or garden salads provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich. For a more indulgent offering, consider serving the tuna melt with a bowl of tomato soup. A side of crispy sweet potato fries or French fries is a casual and classic offering. For those seeking a healthier alternative, a plate of sliced raw vegetables with hummus or a light fruit salad are excellent additions.
FAQs
Can I make my tuna melt sandwich on a grill or stovetop?
Yes, you can. Cook your tuna melt sandwich at medium heat for 3-5 minutes on each side to get that perfectly crispy and golden brown hue. Preheat the pan or grill before placing your tuna melt sandwich on it. This ensures that you get an even and crispy exterior.
Can I make tuna melt sandwiches ahead of time?
Making the sandwiches ahead of time could lead to soggy bread so these sandwiches are best when consumed right away. You can make the tuna mixture in advance and keep it covered and refrigerated until you are ready to make your sandwiches then just make as many sandwiches as you need.
How do I avoid overcooking or burning the sandwich while melting the cheese?
If you find that the bread is cooking faster than the cheese is melting, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
How long can a leftover tuna melt sandwich be kept fresh?
While we wouldn't recommend storing any cooked sandwiches longer than a day, any leftover tuna mixture can be kept fresh when refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
More Sandwich Recipes
Sandwiches can be a fun way to experiment with different ingredients. Check out this collection of some of our favorite sandwich recipes for inspiration.
Tuna Melt Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna 5 oz. drained
- 1 celery chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickles chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped. optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 8 slices bread
- 8 slices American or cheddar cheese
- tomatoes and onions sliced, optional.
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine tuna, celery, pickles, cilantro, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and mayonnaise.
- Add juice from half a lemon and keep aside.
- Add olive oil to a skillet and heat. Place a slice of bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown.
- Flip the slice of bread and place 2 American cheese slices on top. Cook until the cheese melts.
- Place the bread on a plate and add the tuna mixture on top.
- Add sliced tomatoes and onions on top (optional).
- Place another slice of bread in the skillet and heat on both sides until golden brown. Cover the sandwich with the slice of bread.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- The mayo-to-tuna ratio is crucial for the right texture. Don't make it too dry or too wet; aim for a creamy, cohesive mixture.
- For a healthier option, consider using whole grain bread, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
- Get creative with the ingredients you use on your sandwich. Thinly sliced tomatoes will add a juicy element and a subtle sweetness to the sandwich, while the buttery texture of avocado pairs well with tuna and cheese. Sweet caramelized onions complement the savory aspects of the sandwich, and some Dijon mustard can add complexity to the flavor profile. The customization options are endless.
I used this recipe as a guide substituting water chestnuts for the celery, a whole green onion chopped fine in place of the onion, a little salt and lemon juice. I also added some capers and was careful with the mayo as you suggested, it turned out nice. thank you for your inspiration.
Only one word can be said about this recipe. IT'S GREAT!
Thank you so much Valerie 🙂
Amazing recipe really tasty and easy
Thanks!!