A close-up shows a golden brown grilled cheese sandwich with melted cheese and a white filling, being lifted by a metal spatula against a dark background.

The Best Tuna Melt Sandwich

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This tuna melt sandwich is the ultimate cozy lunch, loaded with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese on crisp, buttery bread. It has all the nostalgic flavor of classic tuna salad plus the comfort of a grilled cheese in every bite.

Whether tuna melts remind you of childhood lunches or you are just looking for an easy, protein-packed meal, this recipe fits right in with your favorite comfort foods like tuna noodle casserole and homemade artisan bread.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt

Simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand: canned tuna, mayo, cheese, and bread.

Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, including a quick chill for the tuna salad.

Crispy, golden exterior with a soft, melty center, just like a classic grilled cheese but more filling thanks to the tuna.

Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe card with specific measurements and nutrition information at the bottom of the post.

Overhead view of tuna sandwich ingredients on white marble: bread, cheddar cheese, two tuna cans, mayonnaise, diced red onion, celery, pickles, mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Gathering all the delicious essentials for a classic tuna sandwich. This organized display promises a fresh and flavorful meal ahead.

Tuna Salad

  • Canned tuna packed in water, well drained for the best texture
  • Mayonnaise to make the salad creamy and rich
  • Dijon mustard for tang and depth
  • Pickle relish for sweetness and crunch
  • Finely diced celery and red onion to add fresh bite without overpowering the tuna
  • Fresh parsley, chives, or dill for a pop of herb flavor
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to season everything just right

Melt

  • Bread: Thick-cut sourdough, French bread, or even a slice of homemade artisan bread for a bakery-style finish
  • Cheese: Slices of cheddar, Swiss, or provolone that melt smoothly and pair well with the tuna
  • Salted butter to help the bread toast up golden and crisp
  • Optional toppings: sliced tomato, butter lettuce, or avocado for extra freshness

Best Bread for a Tuna Melt

Bread choice is key to a great tuna melt. Use sturdy, bakery-style bread that can hold the creamy tuna salad and melted cheese without getting soggy.

Artisan bread: A slice of easy no-knead artisan bread gives a chewy interior and crisp crust, perfect for an upgraded tuna melt.

French bread or sourdough: Both toast beautifully and add a slightly tangy flavor that balances the rich tuna filling.

How to Make a Tuna Melt

Make the Tuna Salad

  1. Add drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, relish, celery, onion, and herbs to a large bowl.
  2. Break up any larger pieces of tuna with a fork and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and chill for about 15 minutes so the flavors can meld and the mixture thickens slightly.

Toast the Bread

  1. Lay your bread slices on a clean surface and spread softened butter over one side of each piece.
  2. Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  3. Place the bread butter-side down and cook until the bottoms are golden and crisp, then flip each slice and turn off the heat.

Assemble and Melt

  1. Spoon a generous layer of chilled tuna salad on the toasted side of half of the bread slices.
  2. Top each with a slice of cheese and any optional toppings like tomato or lettuce.
  3. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, toasted side facing the filling.
  4. Turn the heat back to medium and gently flip each sandwich with a metal spatula.
  5. Cook for another 2–3 minutes per side, until the outside is deeply golden and the cheese is fully melted.
  6. Serve immediately while the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is still gooey.

Open-Faced and Air Fryer Variations

Open-faced: Use half the amount of bread, spread tuna salad on each slice, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned around the edges.

Air fryer: Assemble sandwiches as usual, then air fry in a single layer at 370°F for 2–3 minutes per side, just until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Helpful Tuna Melt Tips

  • Drain the tuna very well so the salad stays thick and doesn’t make the bread soggy
  • Keep the heat at medium so the cheese has time to melt before the bread gets too dark
  • If your butter is too firm to spread, melt it straight in the pan and place the bread directly on top to soak it up
  • Chill the tuna salad in advance for quick assembly on busy days or when you want a fast lunch

Easy Variations and Add-Ins

Brighten flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the tuna salad.

Extra toppings: Try sliced tomato, bacon, avocado, or sprouts to change up flavor and texture.

Lighter swap: Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado in place of some or all of the mayo.

Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or minced jalapeño for a kick.

What to Serve with a Tuna Melt

Tuna melts pair well with simple sides that balance the rich filling and crisp bread.

  • A bowl of comforting tuna noodle casserole if you want a larger dinner spread
  • Crisp salad, coleslaw, or simple greens for freshness and crunch
  • Potato chips, fries, or a cup of tomato soup for classic diner-style vibes

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep

Make-ahead tuna salad: Prepare the tuna salad up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Assemble just before cooking: For the best texture, assemble and toast the sandwiches right before serving, so the bread stays crisp.

Leftovers: If you do have leftover sandwiches, store them in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or air fryer so the bread crisps again.

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