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A Tuna Melt Sandwich never goes out of style. Perfectly grilled bread, creamy tuna, and melted cheese – it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a diner-style throwback, this recipe delivers every time.
A Twist on the Classic Tuna Melt
This isn’t just any tuna melt. It’s a next-level, grown-up version of the classic comfort food. Years ago, I had a tuna melt at a local Boise restaurant called Bardenay, and let me tell you—it changed the way I make tuna melts forever.
I went home, experimented a bit, and now this sandwich is a staple in our house. Even my kids, who usually prefer a classic grilled cheese, ask for this instead.
❤️ Erica
Ingredients Needed
- Albacore Tuna – White albacore tuna has a mild, fresh flavor that makes a huge difference.
- Mayonnaise – Start with a couple of tablespoons and add more if needed.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a little tang and depth. About two teaspoons does the trick.
- Seasonings – A pinch of salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Bread – Use whatever you love! I prefer sourdough, but whole wheat or classic white bread work too.
- Tomato Slices – These add a juicy, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy tuna mixture.
- Provolone Cheese – Melts beautifully and gives that irresistible cheese pull.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Or extra sharp! Adds bold, rich flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even Havarti!
- Butter – Essential for that crispy, golden crust.
The Best Cheese for a Tuna Melt
I love using a mix of provolone and sharp cheddar for the ultimate flavor and melt factor. American cheese is also a traditional favorite, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Other great options include:
- Monterey Jack
- Swiss
- Havarti
- Mozzarella
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack (if you like a little heat!)
Want Some Extra Crunch? Try These Add-Ins!
If you love a little texture in your tuna melt, add:
- Chopped celery
- Diced pickles
- Finely minced onion or shallot
How to Make a Tuna Melt
- In a bowl, blend the drained tuna, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper together until creamy.
- Spread the tuna mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Add tomato slices (optional). Salt and pepper the tomato.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese and a slice of provolone cheese on each sandwich.
- Top each sandwich with remaining slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of the top and bottom slices of bread.
- Heat a skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet once heated, and grill until both sides are a nice, golden brown and the cheese is melted.
That’s it! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—absolute perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either will work fine. Oil packed tends to be richer and more flavorful. Water packed is lighter, so adding in oil (mayonnaise) and extra flavor (lemon) gives it extra taste and moisture.
Absolutely! You can mix the tuna, mayo, mustard, lemon, salt and pepper up to two days ahead. Keep it covered and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your tuna melt.
If you find the cheese isn’t melting but the bread is browning, lower the heat and cover the skillet for a few minutes. This will soften the bread a little too, so once the cheese is melted, continue to grill the bread on both sides until it’s nice and toasty.
More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love
Did you make this Tuna Melt recipe? I’d love to hear if you customized it with different breads, cheeses, or add-ins. Please leave a star rating and comment below and let me know how you liked it!
The Perfect Tuna Melt Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 7 ounces albacore tuna, (see notes above)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices whole wheat bread, (or sourdough)
- 4 tomato slices, or to taste
- 2 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese, (or extra sharp)
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened, to taste
Instructions
- Combine tuna, mayonnaise, dijon, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir with a fork until well combined.
- Spread tuna mixture evenly over 2 slices of bread.
- Top with tomatoes and a little more salt and pepper.
- Add a slice of provolone and a slice of cheddar to each sandwich and place remaining bread slices over the top, making 2 complete sandwiches.
- Spread butter over both side of each sandwich and set aside.
- Heat large skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Carefully place sandwiches in the skillet and cook on both sides until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Equipment
- Skillet
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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What to Serve with a Tuna Melt
A great sandwich deserves an equally delicious side. I love pairing a tuna melt with a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Here are some of my favorite options:
love tuna sandwich. Please send/email me this recipe? Looks fabulous.
Thanks,
The recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
I made a great batch of tuna with onion, relish and cranraisens, lemon juice, mayo and lemon pepper. Delicious
Yum! I’m about to make one right now! My favorite combo is a little: red onion, small diced celery and apple, minced cilantro Andy a pinch of it’s mama, coriander. A slice of Swiss on one side and cheddar on the other!
Looks so cheesy! I love how it’s so easy to make. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
One of my favorite sandwiches! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
My childhood favorite! These taste just like my mom used to make!