Classic Tuna Melt

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Starters

This classic tuna melt features a golden, crisp bread exterior enclosing a creamy tuna salad mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh celery and onion. Melted cheddar cheese adds a gooey richness, while a buttery skillet finish ensures a satisfying crunch. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick snack or light meal. Variations include Swiss cheese or adding tomato slices. Serve warm for best flavors.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:23:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly cheese melts atop a Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich made with toasted bread and flavorful tuna salad. Save
Golden, bubbly cheese melts atop a Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich made with toasted bread and flavorful tuna salad. | neoncuisine.com

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

This classic tuna melt has been my go-to lunch for busy weekdays. It never fails to bring comfort and a smile.

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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Step 1:
In a bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices. Top each with two slices of cheese.
Step 3:
Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Step 4:
Butter the outsides of each sandwich (one side per slice).
Step 5:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Step 6:
Place the sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown.
Step 7:
Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 8:
Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| neoncuisine.com

This sandwich always reminds me of sharing simple meals around the kitchen table with my family.

Notes

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

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, skillet or griddle, spatula

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 430 calories, 26 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein

A close-up of a perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with melted cheddar, ready to eat. Save
A close-up of a perfectly grilled Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich with melted cheddar, ready to eat. | neoncuisine.com
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Enjoy your delicious tuna melt warm and fresh for the best taste and texture.

Recipe FAQs

How do I make the tuna salad creamy?

Combine drained tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, finely chopped celery, and red onion for a smooth, flavorful spread.

What cheese works best for melting?

Cheddar provides a rich, gooey melt, but Swiss or provolone are great alternatives for a different taste and texture.

How should the sandwich be cooked for optimal crispiness?

Butter the outside of the bread slices and cook on a medium-heat skillet, pressing gently until golden on each side to achieve a crispy crust.

Can I add extra ingredients for flavor?

Sliced tomatoes or pickles can be added inside the sandwich for an extra layer of fresh or tangy flavor.

What bread types are recommended?

White, whole wheat, or sourdough bread all work well, each adding a unique texture and flavor profile to the sandwich.

Classic Tuna Melt

Golden crispy tuna and cheese sandwich, perfect for a quick, tasty snack with creamy filling.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
8 minutes
Overall Time
18 minutes
Created by Madison Adams


Skill Needed Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Serving Size

Diet Preferences None specified

What You Need

Tuna Salad

01 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
02 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
05 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
06 1 teaspoon 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 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Tuna Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread on a clean surface. Evenly spread the tuna salad over each slice, then top each with two slices of cheddar cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 03

Butter Bread Exteriors: Generously butter the outsides of each sandwich, applying one side per bread slice.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Cook Sandwiches Side One: Place the sandwiches on the skillet with the buttered sides down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently, until the bread turns golden brown.

Step 06

Cook Sandwiches Side Two: Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 07

Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately while hot.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Inspect every ingredient for potential allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread).
  • Verify ingredient labels for specific allergen information.

Nutrition Details (for each serving)

These details are here for information only—always check with your doctor or nutritionist.
  • Caloric value: 430
  • Fat content: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 23 g