Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Simple Snacks & Bites

This classic tuna melt features a creamy mixture of tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion layered between bread slices. Topped with cheddar cheese and browned in butter on a skillet, it offers a golden crispy exterior and gooey melty center. Perfect as a quick snack or light meal, it can be customized with tomato, pickles, or cheese swaps. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's a comforting American-style handheld enjoyment with balanced flavors and textures.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich boasts melted cheese, packed tuna salad, and crispy toasted bread. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich boasts melted cheese, packed tuna salad, and crispy toasted bread. | nexusfork.com

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

I first made this tuna melt for a quick lunch and instantly loved how the creamy tuna and melted cheese came together in a crispy sandwich.

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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Prepare tuna salad:
In a bowl mix together the drained tuna mayonnaise Dijon mustard celery red onion lemon juice salt and pepper until well combined.
Assemble sandwiches:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread the tuna salad evenly over two slices. Top each with two slices of cheese.
Form sandwiches:
Cover with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Butter sandwiches:
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 and cook other side:
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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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
This warm Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich showcases melted cheddar and a delicious creamy tuna filling, perfect lunch. Save to Pinterest
This warm Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich showcases melted cheddar and a delicious creamy tuna filling, perfect lunch. | nexusfork.com

My family loves gathering around the kitchen for these tuna melts especially on busy weeknights.

Notes

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

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 430 Total Fat 26 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 23 g

Savor the satisfying crunch of this Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich: golden bread, oozing cheese, and flavorful tuna. Save to Pinterest
Savor the satisfying crunch of this Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich: golden bread, oozing cheese, and flavorful tuna. | nexusfork.com
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Prep meals effortlessly by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dinner with the right knife always ready.
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This tuna melt sandwich is an easy and satisfying snack that’s perfect any time you want a warm comforting bite.

Questions & Answers

What type of bread works best for this melt?

White, whole wheat, or sourdough bread all work well, offering sturdy structure and a nice crisp texture when toasted.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, Swiss or provolone cheese make excellent alternatives, each adding a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I get the bread crispy without burning?

Butter the outside of each bread slice and cook over medium heat, pressing gently and flipping after 3–4 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

Is it possible to add extra flavor to the tuna mixture?

Adding a dash of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, or chopped celery and red onion enhances freshness and depth.

What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Light salads or potato chips complement the melt nicely, balancing the richness with crispness and freshness.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

A golden, crispy sandwich with creamy tuna and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick satisfying bite.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
8 minutes
Overall time
18 minutes
Recipe by Nexus Fork Wyatt Evans


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portions 2 Number of servings

Diet preferences None specified

Ingredient list

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 (or Swiss)
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Step-by-step guide

Step 01

Prepare Tuna Salad: Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Place bread slices on a flat surface. Spread tuna salad evenly over two slices, then top each with two cheese slices.

Step 03

Complete Sandwich Formation: Cover the filled slices with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 04

Butter Sandwich Exteriors: Spread softened butter evenly on the outside surfaces of each sandwich slice.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cook First Side: Place sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, gently pressing until golden brown.

Step 07

Cook Opposite Side: Flip sandwiches and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 08

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

Equipment you'll need

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

Allergy notes

Look at every ingredient for allergens and get help from a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread). Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For informational purposes only. Always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calorie count: 430
  • Total fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 23 g