Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Snack & Starter Ideas

This sandwich features a flavorful blend of tuna salad enhanced with celery, red onion, and Dijon mustard, layered between slices of bread. Buttered on the outside and griddled to a golden crisp, the melted cheese inside adds a creamy richness. Ready in under 20 minutes, it makes a satisfying, easy-to-prepare snack ideal for any time of the day.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:43:00 GMT
Golden, melty Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with bubbly cheese between toasted bread, ready to eat. Save
Golden, melty Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with bubbly cheese between toasted bread, ready to eat. | apexdish.com

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

This classic tuna melt sandwich has been a favorite in my household for years. Its balance of textures and flavors never fails to satisfy a hungry crowd.

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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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
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Mix Tuna Salad:
In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble Sandwich:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices. Top each with two slices of cheese.
Form Sandwich:
Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Butter Bread:
Butter the outsides of each sandwich (one side per slice).
Heat Skillet:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Cook Sandwiches:
Place the sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 34 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown.
Flip and Cook Other Side:
Flip and cook the other side for another 34 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| apexdish.com

My family often gathers around the kitchen while I prepare these sandwiches, sharing stories and laughter.

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 430, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 23 g (per serving)

A close-up view of a perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, dripping with melted cheese served hot. Save
A close-up view of a perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich, dripping with melted cheese served hot. | apexdish.com
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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Enjoy your perfectly melted classic tuna melt sandwich whenever hunger strikes.

Recipe FAQs

What type of cheese works best for a melt?

Cheddar and Swiss are popular choices for melts due to their excellent melting properties and complementary flavors.

Can I use different bread types for this sandwich?

Yes, white, whole wheat, or sourdough bread all create tasty variations with different textures and flavors.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Butter the outside of the bread before grilling to create a crispy crust and avoid sogginess from the filling.

How long should I cook the sandwich on each side?

Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.

What are some ways to vary the filling?

Add sliced tomato or pickles for fresh flavor, or swap cheddar with provolone or Swiss for a different taste.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

A golden crispy sandwich with creamy tuna filling and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick snack.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Overall Time
18 minutes
Created by Charlotte Rivera


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Serving Size

Diet Info None specified

Ingredient List

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
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

How to Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Arrange bread slices on a surface. Spread tuna salad evenly over two slices, then top each with two cheese slices.

Step 03

Complete Sandwich: Cover with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 04

Butter Bread: Spread softened butter on the outside surfaces of each sandwich slice.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cook Second Side: Flip sandwiches and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 08

Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Notice

Please review ingredients for allergens and talk to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

These details are for general reference and aren't a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calorie count: 430
  • Fat content: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 29 grams
  • Proteins: 23 grams