Tuna Melt

5 from 6 votes

Posted: 07/20/20

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The possibilities are endless with this easy recipe! Serve it open faced on toast, add a slice of cheese then grill up a sandwich, use the filling as a tuna salad sandwich and more! A Tuna Melt is a classic sandwich that’s creamy, has the perfect amount of crunchy and is traditionally served with melty cheddar cheese and sliced tomatoes.

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A sandwich topped with tuna filling, cheese slice and tomato slice

Combine creamy tuna salad on bread with melted cheddar and sliced tomatoes and you get a classic tuna melt sandwich! There’s a reason this easy sandwich has been around forever – it’s delicious!

I think the secret to a great tuna melt is the filling – there are tons of variations, but I think I’ve nailed it with the perfect balance of mayonnaise, mustard, and crunchy veggies. It’s creamy with so much flavor, especially the pop of lemon. It balances out the richness and, well, just makes the perfect sandwich!

What makes this a tuna “melt” is the cheese that is melted on top of the filling. It’s so good! If you’ve never tried it I think you’re going to love it. I bet you have a few cans of tuna in the pantry right now!

We love this sandwich for lunch or dinner with pickle spears and crispy tater tots with a cold glass of lemonade and brownies for dessert!

Contents show

The Best Bread to Use

Before we get to the filling let’s talk about the bread. It’s a sandwich after all so the type you use will make a difference.

You should choose a sturdy bread. You want it to be able to hold the filling without getting soggy or soft. I’ve used ciabatta and thick-sliced country white or whole bread before and they work great. But, feel free to pick your favorite kind of bread – just be sure it’s not too soft or flimsy.

To toast or not toast? This is really up to you! Sometimes I butter and toast the bread before assembling the sandwiches and sometimes I skip this step so the choice is up to you.

Filling Ingredients

Once you have your bread here’s what you’ll need to make the filling:

Drained canned tuna
Finely diced celery
Finely minced onion
Minced fresh parsley
Mayonnaise
Dijon or stoneground mustard
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Ingredients on white background to make tuna Melts

To make the filling, flake the tuna (break it up so it’s not in big chunks) and combine it with all of the other ingredients.

Recipe Tip: For the mayo, you can use as little or as much as you want. Some people like a really creamy sandwich filling and others like it with less mayonnaise. So, start with a small amount and add more to your taste.

White mixing bowl with tuna, celery, re onion and parsley.

White bowl with tuna, celery, re onion and parsley mixed together

How to Make a Tuna Melt

Butter and toast the bread slices (or skip this step if you want!)
Top one slice of bread with some of the tuna filling.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese. To melt it, you can place the sandwich under the broiler or melt it in the microwave.
Top the melted cheese with a slice of tomato and serve it open-faced or top it with another piece of bread.

Serve the sandwiches right away while the cheese is still hot and melt-y!

How long does tuna salad keep?

If you want to make the filling ahead and assemble the sandwiches later you can! Homemade tuna salad will keep in the refrigerator for two to three days.

Because the filling is mayonnaise-based you don’t want to keep it out at room temperature for more than two hours. If it’s really warm, that time is even shorter. It’s always best to keep it cold in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

A light colored plate with a tuna melt sandwich on top with pickle next to it. A blue napkin and another plate with tuna melt on it in background

I think you’re going to love this classic tuna melt! Want more sandwich recipes? Here are a few more of our favorites!

If you’re looking for another way to use canned tuna you have to try my Egg Avocado Tuna Sandwiches! It’s a quick 10-minute recipe that’s perfect for lunch
Another classic sandwich we love to make are Reubens! Corned beef, Swiss cheese, Sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing piled on Rye bread is so delicious.
Deviled Egg Salad Sandwich is one of my favorite ways to use up hard-boiled eggs. It’s cold, creamy and so good!

Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!

Meet Julie Evink

I'm here to help you win in the kitchen again! Life is Busy, Life is Crazy, but that doesn't mean you can't make your family dinner! Julie's goal is to provide you with easy, family, friendly recipes that use pantry staples. Dinnertime will be stress free again!