Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Featured in: Snack & Appetizer Ideas

This golden, crispy sandwich combines creamy tuna salad with gooey melted cheese. Made using simple ingredients like tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and cheddar, it’s buttered and toasted in a skillet until perfectly browned inside and out. The result is a comforting and savory sandwich ready in under 20 minutes. Ideal for a quick snack or casual lunch, this melt offers a satisfying blend of textures and rich flavors.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:00:00 GMT
Golden and bubbly, this classic tuna melt sandwich oozes cheese and welcomes a satisfying bite. Save to Pinterest
Golden and bubbly, this classic tuna melt sandwich oozes cheese and welcomes a satisfying bite. | vectorgrill.com

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

I enjoy making this classic tuna melt sandwich whenever I want a comforting and speedy meal that feels homemade.

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

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.
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| vectorgrill.com

This sandwich always brings back warm family memories of quick, delicious lunches on busy days.

Nutritional Information

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

Allergen Information

Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread). Always check labels for allergen info.

Required Tools

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

A close-up of a perfectly grilled classic tuna melt sandwich, showcasing melted cheddar. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a perfectly grilled classic tuna melt sandwich, showcasing melted cheddar. | vectorgrill.com

This classic tuna melt sandwich is a timeless favorite that you can customize easily for your taste.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of tuna works best?

Use canned tuna in water or oil, drained well for a moist but not soggy filling.

Can I substitute cheddar cheese?

Yes, Swiss or provolone add a nice melt and slightly different flavor profile.

How do I get a crispy outside?

Butter the outside of the bread slices before toasting on a skillet over medium heat for golden crispness.

Can I add vegetables?

Adding sliced tomato or pickles adds fresh flavor and texture to the sandwich.

What bread types are suitable?

White, whole wheat, or sourdough breads work well for holding the filling and crisping nicely.

Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich

Crispy bread filled with creamy tuna salad and melted cheese, perfect for a quick, savory bite.

Prep Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
8 mins
Overall Time
18 mins
Created by Chloe Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 2 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You’ll Use

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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Arrange bread slices on a flat surface. Spread tuna salad evenly over two slices and top each with two slices of cheddar cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices to create sandwiches.

Step 03

Butter Bread Exterior: Spread softened butter on the outsides of each sandwich, covering one side per bread slice.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Cook Sandwiches: Place sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Press gently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.

Step 06

Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn sandwiches over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Step 07

Serve: Remove from skillet, slice each sandwich in half, and serve immediately while hot.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Info

Look over each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains fish (tuna), egg (mayonnaise), dairy (cheese, butter), and gluten (bread). Verify all labels for allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

Nutrition data is for learning only—not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 430
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 23 g