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This is hands-down my favorite tuna melt recipe. So cheesy and delicious! Just follow these easy tips and you will have a perfect sandwich every time.
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This Tuna Melt recipe takes the classic tuna melt and turns it up a notch. Although this recipe is easy, it is definitely not your average tuna melt. Think of this as more of a “grown up” tuna melt. Years ago, I tried a tuna melt at a local Boise restaurant called Bardenay and I was blown away with how delicious it was! I immediately went home and added it to our usual sandwich rotation. Even my kids are crazy about them and ask for these sandwiches in place of a regular grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients in the Perfect Tuna Melt
Elevate the classic tuna melt with just a few extra ingredients. Trust me, every step is worth it! Here’s what you need:
- Albacore tuna – see notes on tuna below. Albacore white tuna just tastes better for tuna salad and tuna melts.
- Mayonnaise – start with just a couple tablespoons of mayo. If you’re making sandwiches for a crowd you can add more.
- Dijon mustard – two teaspoons to start
- Fresh lemon juice – fresh squeezed lemon is delicious or you can use bottled lemon juice.
- Kosher salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- 4 slices bread – any bread you like! I love sourdough bread for this recipe but you could use whole wheat or white bread.
- Tomato slices – two or three or to taste
- Provolone cheese – you can swap it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- Sharp cheddar cheese – or extra sharp white cheddar adds a ton of delicious flavor.
- Butter – softened, spread on each piece of bread.
- Red onion – optional
- Pickle relish – optional
What Kind of Tuna is Best?
Albacore tuna is absolutely the best for this recipe. The cheap 50-cent cans of tuna won’t cut it if you are wanting to make a GOOD tuna melt. I love using Albacore tuna because it has a mild, fresh taste. You can find a great canned Albacore tuna at Costco. It is a bit more expensive than other canned tuna but it is worth it.
More Toppings for your Melt
- If you want to add a little CRUNCH, try adding some chopped celery, pickles, and/or onion. This is a total personal preference. I have tried many different kinds of tuna melts and for me, personally, I like it best without the crunchiness of celery in a tuna melt. Leave us a comment below and tell us which you prefer: crunchy or plain?
- Feeling adventurous? Try avocado slices, pickles, sauerkraut, spouts, or even boiled egg.
- Switch up Cheeses! I usually like to make it with 2 different cheeses when they are available. My favorite combination is provolone and extra sharp cheddar. Other great cheeses to use are Swiss cheese, Havarti, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Cheddar Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. All of these cheeses melt great and will give you that good “cheese pull”.
Can You Hold the Mayo?
If you aren’t a big fan of mayonnaise, you can always replace the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. This also makes the sanwich a little healthier. You can also use Miracle Whip or even cream cheese.
Step by Step Pics
First, you make the tuna mixture and spread it on a slice of bread.
Then you add some tomato and salt and pepper.
Then add your favorite cheese. In this picture I used 2 slices of Provolone but usually I like to switch it up and use a slice of Provolone and a slice of sharp cheddar. YUM.
Then cook on both sides until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuna Melt
Use thick slice of bread and grill on a hot skillet until golden brown. You can also toast the bread before adding the toppings.
You can swap out plain Greek yogurt if you don’t want to use mayo.
Leftover tuna melts can be saved in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to two days. However the bread will likely get soggy as it sits, so this is a recipe best served immediately!
READ MORE:35+ Easy Lunch Ideas
Soup on the Side
There is something so comforting about a sandwich served on the side of some yummy soup. If you want to round out this meal, try serving it with some Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup, or this delicious Muligatawny Soup.
How To Make the Perfect Tuna Melt
How to Make the PERFECT Tuna Melt
Equipment
- Skillet
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.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you want to add a little CRUNCH, try adding some chopped celery, pickles, and/or onion. This is a total personal preference. I have tried many different kinds of tuna melts and for me, personally, I like it best without the crunchiness of celery in a tuna melt. Leave us a comment below and tell us which you prefer: crunchy or plain?
- Feeling adventurous? Try avocado slices, pickles, sauerkraut, spouts, or even boiled egg.
- Switch up Cheeses! I usually like to make it with 2 different cheeses when they are available. My favorite combination is provolone and extra sharp cheddar. Other great cheeses to use are Swiss cheese, Havarti, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Cheddar Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. All of these cheeses melt great and will give you that good “cheese pull”.
Nutrition Information
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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!