Craving a good old, classic diner style sandwich? Try this classic tuna melt: it’s the stuff dreams are made of! Between crusty bread is sandwiched a creamy, savory mess of tuna and crunchy veggies so perfectly seasoned that you won’t be able to stop taking bites. Gooey cheddar cheese is sandwiched in with a juicy ripe tomato that gives the sandwich just the right height and heft. To us, there’s not much more satisfying than a great tuna melt: and this one is par excellence.
What’s in a tuna melt?
A tuna melt is a sandwich with tuna salad and melted cheese, served hot. Essentially, it’s a tuna salad sandwich cooked like a grilled cheese on the stovetop. Another popular method for making a tuna melt is as an open-faced sandwich, where tuna salad is spread on toast and broiled a piece of cheese on top. Either method works: but because the traditional sandwich method is most classic, that’s what we’re sharing here. Here’s what’s in this tuna melt recipe:
Canned tuna: Use either water-packed or oil packed (we prefer water packed).Red onion & pickles: A good tuna salad must have pickles to bring in a tangy element. You can use either dill pickles or sweet pickles here.Dried tarragon or dill: Just a hint of herbs adds impressive complexity! Tarragon isn’t a common herb but it’s a game changer here. If you don’t have it, use dried dill. Parsley (optional): Adds just a bit of color and freshness, but it’s optional. Mayonnaise: You don’t need much: just enough to come together into a creamy spread.Dijon mustard: Dijon makes it taste like deli-style tuna salad.Artisan bread: A hearty artisan sandwich bread makes a good canvas for this sandwich.Tomato (optional): Tomato is classic in a tuna melt, and we think it adds just the right contrast to the savory filling and gooey cheese. Cheddar cheese: You can use other types of melting cheese if you prefer: white cheddar, gouda, Monterey jack, Havarti, provolone or Muenster also work well.
How to make a tuna melt
Ready for the secrets to the most perfect tuna melt on the planet? Here’s how to make a tuna melt that will blow your mind:
Grab a great crusty bread. Slice the pieces medium thickness, so they hold up on the grill but aren’t so thick the sandwich won’t cook. We used a store-bought white artisan loaf. Mix together the tuna salad. Mix up that tasty filling (below), starring mayo, Dijon and pickles. Thinly slice the tomato. This is important, since too thick can make the sandwich too watery. It’s optional if it’s not tomato season or you don’t have one on hand.Add sliced cheese. While our best Gourmet Grilled Cheese uses shredded cheese, it can get a little messy so we like sliced cheese for our tuna melt. Grill it up (carefully). Throw it on a griddle and cook until golden and crisp on the outsides! It makes for a full sandwich, so be careful when you flip it.
What to serve with it!
It’s just that simple because…tuna melts are meant to be ultra easy to whip up! This recipe makes a quick and simple lunch or easy dinner idea. Most of the time we just eat it with no side dishes. But looking for a healthy meal? Here are some ideas for sides to complement it:
Green Salad: Try our Easy Arugula Salad, Watercress Salad, or Italian Salad. Slaw: Add Creamy Coleslaw, Broccoli Slaw or Easy Vinegar Coleslaw.Veggie Salad: Try Vegetable Salad, Simple Carrot Salad, Broccoli Salad or Celery Salad with Apples.
More great sandwich recipes
A sandwich is basic, but it always hits the spot for a simple lunch or dinner! Here are a few of our favorite sandwich recipes:
Make a fresh and zesty Avocado Tuna Salad or Avocado Club SandwichOpt for classic Tuna Salad, Egg Salad Sandwich or Ultimate Fried Egg SandwichAdd everyone’s favorite dip to a Hummus SandwichTry Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese in the Oven, Avocado Grilled Cheese, or Spinach Artichoke Grilled CheeseOpt for Mediterranean-style with Italian Eggplant Sandwich
This tuna melt recipe is…
Pescatarian and dairy-free. 4 from 3 reviews
