Description
This classic Tuna Melt recipe combines creamy tuna salad with melted cheddar cheese on buttery toasted bread, making for a comforting and satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. The addition of fresh celery, red onion, and parsley adds crunch and brightness while optional tomato slices bring juiciness to each bite. Ready in just 22 minutes and cooked on the stovetop, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a warm, cheesy sandwich with a savory tuna twist.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces canned tuna (drained)
- 1 celery rib (finely chopped)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Sandwich Assembly
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- Tomato slices (optional)
Instructions
- Mix tuna: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add the drained tuna, finely chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste and set aside.
- Assemble sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of bread with the softened butter. On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, place a slice of cheddar cheese. Evenly spread a generous layer of the prepared tuna salad over the cheese. Top the tuna salad with another slice of cheddar cheese. If desired, add tomato slices on top of the cheese. Finally, cap each sandwich with a remaining slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing outwards for skillet toasting.
- Cook melts: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook each sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the other side is toasted and the cheddar cheese is melted. You may need to cook the sandwiches in two batches depending on skillet size. Once cooked, remove sandwiches from the skillet and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Use canned tuna packed in water or oil according to preference.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Try different cheeses like Swiss or provolone to vary the flavor.
- Adding sliced tomato is optional but adds freshness and moisture.
- For extra crispiness, press sandwiches gently when cooking in the skillet.
- Make sure the buttered side of the bread is facing outwards for the best toasted crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
