A tuna melt is the ultimate comfort food sandwich—crispy, buttery bread filled with a creamy, flavorful tuna salad and melted cheddar cheese. This classic recipe combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the tuna salad:

2 (5-ounce) cans chunk white tuna, drained
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sliced cornichons (small pickles)
2 tbsp pickle relish
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the sandwich:

8 slices sourdough bread
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare the tuna salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, celery, parsley, dill, scallions, lemon juice, mayonnaise, cornichons, pickle relish, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out the sourdough bread slices on a work surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice.
Add the filling: Flip 4 slices over and top with grated cheddar cheese and tuna salad, dividing evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Close the sandwiches: Place the remaining bread slices on top, mayonnaise side up.
Cook: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches in two batches, turning once, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted (about 12-14 minutes).
Serve: Enjoy hot and crispy for the best flavor.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt

A tuna melt is more than just a sandwich—it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe over and over again:

Crispy and Buttery: Toasted sourdough bread adds a satisfying crunch with a golden, buttery crust.
Rich and Creamy: The tuna salad is packed with flavor and has the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess.
Cheesy and Melty: The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, complementing the tuna without overpowering it.
Quick and Easy: This sandwich comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding more spice, different herbs, or alternative cheeses.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Tuna Melt Special

Each ingredient in this sandwich contributes to its overall taste and texture, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.

Tuna: Chunk white tuna is firm and flaky, making it the ideal base for the tuna salad. Draining it well ensures that the filling is not too wet.
Celery: Adds a slight crunch and freshness to the tuna salad.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Dill): These herbs brighten the flavor and add a fresh, aromatic note.
Scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor that blends well with the creamy filling.
Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity enhances the flavors and prevents the tuna salad from tasting too heavy.
Pickles (Cornichons and Relish): These add a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the rich tuna and cheese.
Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle heat and depth of flavor, complementing the cheddar cheese.
Sourdough Bread: This type of bread crisps up beautifully when toasted and provides a sturdy base for the filling.
Mayonnaise: Used both in the tuna salad and on the bread, it ensures a creamy consistency and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Cheddar Cheese: Extra-sharp cheddar has a bold, tangy taste that pairs well with the tuna.

How to Achieve the Perfect Tuna Melt

A great tuna melt is all about technique. Here are some tips to make sure your sandwich is perfect every time:

Drain the Tuna Well: Excess moisture will make the filling too wet and prevent the sandwich from crisping up properly.
Balance the Flavors: The combination of fresh herbs, pickles, and mustard ensures that the filling isn’t too heavy or bland.
Use a Sturdy Bread: Sourdough is ideal because it holds up well to the filling and crisps beautifully.
Spread Mayonnaise on the Outside: Instead of butter, spreading mayonnaise on the bread before grilling helps create an evenly golden, crispy crust.
Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking the sandwich over medium heat allows the cheese to melt fully while preventing the bread from burning.

The Best Cheeses to Use for a Tuna Melt

While extra-sharp cheddar is a classic choice, there are plenty of other cheeses that work well in a tuna melt. Here are some great options:

Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
Gruyère: A more intense, slightly sweet cheese that pairs wonderfully with tuna.
Provolone: Offers a mild, creamy taste with great melting properties.
Pepper Jack: Adds a bit of spice for those who like a little heat.
Mozzarella: Creates an extra gooey, stretchy texture.

Mixing two cheeses can also enhance the flavor, creating a more complex and delicious melt.

Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal

A tuna melt is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some great serving ideas:

Classic Fries or Chips: A side of crispy fries or kettle-cooked chips adds extra crunch.
Tomato Soup: The creamy, slightly tangy soup pairs perfectly with the cheesy sandwich.
Coleslaw: A fresh, slightly tangy coleslaw balances out the richness of the melt.
Pickles or Olives: Their acidity cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.

Health Benefits of Tuna Melt

While a tuna melt is often considered an indulgence, it also has several health benefits when made with fresh, high-quality ingredients:

High in Protein: Tuna is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and satiety.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats support heart and brain health.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Cheese provides calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
Fiber from Whole-Grain Bread: If you use whole-grain sourdough, you’ll get extra fiber, which aids digestion.

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the tuna salad and opt for a whole-grain or gluten-free bread.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftover tuna salad or a pre-made sandwich, here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration: Store tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating a Tuna Melt: To keep the bread crispy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.
Freezing: Tuna melts don’t freeze well once assembled, but you can freeze the tuna salad separately and use it as needed.

Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Taste

A tuna melt is a versatile sandwich that can be customized in many ways. Here are some creative variations:

Spicy Tuna Melt: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Avocado Tuna Melt: Layer avocado slices between the cheese and tuna for a creamy twist.
Open-Faced Tuna Melt: Skip the top slice of bread and broil the sandwich for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Bacon Tuna Melt: Add crispy bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
Mediterranean Tuna Melt: Use feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Conclusion

A tuna melt is the ultimate comfort food sandwich, bringing together crispy, buttery bread, a creamy and tangy tuna salad, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a classic dish that is easy to prepare yet full of flavor, making it perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying dinner.

By using fresh ingredients, the right cheese, and a well-balanced tuna salad, you can elevate this simple sandwich into something truly special. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it to your liking, a tuna melt is always a great choice when you want a warm, crispy, and delicious meal. Try making one today and experience the perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and cheesy goodness!

Pin1

1 Shares