Description
The Perfect Tuna Melt is a classic American comfort food sandwich featuring a creamy tuna salad combined with melted cheddar or Swiss cheese, all toasted to golden perfection between slices of your favorite bread. This easy-to-make stovetop recipe delivers a warm, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Salad
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickles or relish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sandwich
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or rye work great)
- 4 slices of cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped red onion, celery, chopped pickles or relish, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Sandwich: Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices of bread. Layer two slices of cheese on top of the tuna mixture on each slice. Top with the remaining slices of bread to form two complete sandwiches.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich on both sides to ensure a golden, crispy crust when cooked.
- Cook Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to compact the sandwich. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Add fresh tomato slices or a sprinkle of chili flakes inside the sandwich for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
- Use a panini press instead of a skillet for an ultra-crispy finish and evenly melted cheese.
- This tuna melt pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
