Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Starters

This classic tuna melt features a crispy golden crust and a creamy tuna filling blended with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion. Sandwiched with melted cheddar cheese and gently pan-toasted until bubbly, it’s a warm, satisfying snack made in under 20 minutes. Perfectly balanced with tangy lemon juice and pepper, it can be served with chips or a light salad for an easy meal any time.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:14:00 GMT
Golden, melty Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with bubbly cheese and toasted, crispy bread. Save
Golden, melty Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with bubbly cheese and toasted, crispy bread. | pulseoven.com

A golden, crispy sandwich filled with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese — the perfect quick and satisfying snack.

This classic tuna melt sandwich is a favorite at home, perfect for a fast lunch or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

  • Tuna Salad: 1 can (5 oz / 140 g) tuna, drained, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 stalk celery finely chopped, 1 tbsp red onion finely chopped, 1 tsp lemon juice, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Sandwich: 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat or sourdough), 4 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss), 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened

Instructions

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Mix Tuna Salad:
In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Prepare Bread:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices. Top each with two slices of cheese.
Assemble Sandwich:
Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Butter Bread:
Butter the outsides of each sandwich (one side per slice).
Heat Skillet:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Cook Sandwiches:
Place the sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 3 4 minutes pressing gently until golden brown.
Flip Sandwiches:
Flip and cook the other side for another 3 4 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
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This sandwich brings back fond memories of quick family lunches and cozy weekend afternoons together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of potato chips or a fresh light salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Try adding sliced tomato or pickles for extra flavor or swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone cheese.

Storage Tips

The tuna salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for convenience.

A hot, freshly made Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich oozing with melted cheddar, ready to eat. Save
A hot, freshly made Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich oozing with melted cheddar, ready to eat. | pulseoven.com
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Enjoy your perfectly crispy and flavorful tuna melt right off the skillet for the best experience.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Golden crispy sandwich with creamy tuna salad and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick snack.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
8 min
Overall Time
18 min
Created by Henry Baker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Tuna Salad

01 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
02 2 tbsp mayonnaise
03 1 tsp Dijon mustard
04 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
05 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
06 1 tsp lemon juice
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sandwich

01 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
02 4 slices cheddar cheese
03 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare Tuna Salad: Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until evenly blended.

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Arrange bread slices. Spread tuna salad over two slices, then top each with two cheese slices. Cover with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 03

Butter Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of each bread slice, one side per slice.

Step 04

Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.

Step 05

Cook Sandwiches, Side One: Place sandwiches buttered-side down on the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown.

Step 06

Cook Sandwiches, Side Two: Flip sandwiches and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 07

Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergens

Always review each ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare provider if you're not sure.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread). Verify labels for allergens especially in mayonnaise and bread.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use this nutrition estimate as a guideline, but be sure to verify with a health expert if needed.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 23 g