Tuna Melt

Comfort food at its finest, this classic tuna melt features flaky, seasoned tuna salad topped with ripe tomatoes and melted cheddar on buttery, toasted sourdough. It is a warm, savory diner favorite that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

Tuna Melt
  • Prep time: 17 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 32 minutes
  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) albacore tuna, drained
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
  • 1 tablespoon finely diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe tomato, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, and lemon juice, stirring with a fork to break up the tuna.
  2. Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of all four slices of sourdough bread.
  3. Place two slices of bread, buttered-side down, in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  4. Divide the tuna salad evenly between the two slices of bread in the skillet.
  5. Place two tomato slices over the tuna salad on each sandwich.
  6. Top each with two slices of sharp cheddar cheese.
  7. Place the remaining two slices of sourdough on top, buttered-side facing up.
  8. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping carefully, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

Tips

  • Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts fully before the bread burns.
  • Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to prevent the tuna salad from becoming watery and making the bread soggy.
  • Add a pinch of fresh dill or chopped pickles to the tuna mixture for a classic, herbaceous kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these in the oven instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can assemble them open-faced on a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

What is the best cheese for a tuna melt?

Sharp cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are all excellent choices that melt beautifully and complement the tuna.

How do I store leftover tuna salad?

Keep any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.