The tuna melt is a beloved comfort food that combines the creamy, savory goodness of tuna salad with the crispy, cheesy delight of a grilled sandwich. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, often served for lunch or a quick dinner, and its warm, melty cheese paired with the tuna filling is truly irresistible.
To make a classic tuna melt, you start with a tuna salad mixture. Canned tuna, preferably packed in water or oil, is drained and flaked into a bowl. Mayonnaise is the base of the salad, adding creaminess, while a touch of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor. You can also throw in finely chopped celery, onion, or pickles for extra crunch and a slight tang. The result is a flavorful tuna salad with just the right balance of creaminess and savory goodness.
Next comes the bread – thick slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread are perfect for this sandwich. The bread is lightly buttered on the outside to achieve that crispy, golden crust when grilled. Once the bread is ready, a generous amount of tuna salad is spread on one slice, followed by a layer of melted cheese. Cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses. The cheese should be thick enough to melt and drip over the tuna salad as the sandwich grills.
Once assembled, the sandwich is cooked in a hot skillet or on a griddle until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted inside. The result is a deliciously gooey, crispy sandwich with a warm, flavorful filling that hits all the right notes.
Tuna melts are often served with a side of chips, a pickle, or a fresh salad. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for a comforting meal that doesn’t require too much effort. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy day or making it as a late-night snack, a tuna melt never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients
- 1 can tuna drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 slices bread of your choice
- 1 slice cheese cheddar or American
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Spread the tuna mixture evenly onto one slice of bread.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of the tuna mixture.
- Top with the second slice of bread.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.
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This is the best tuna melt I’ve ever had! So easy and delicious! 😋
This tuna melt is soooo gooood! I added some pickles and it took it to another level! 5 stars!
Loved it. I used sourdough bread instead and it was delish!
But is sourdough really a good swap for regular bread? I feel like it might be too tangy for a tuna melt.
I love sourdough too! It adds such a nice flavor. Great choice!
I dunno, something just felt off with my tuna. Maybe my mayo was old? 🤨
Why would I waste my time on this? Just get a can of tuna and eat it plain, way easier.
But this is way better than plain tuna! You get melty cheese and crispy bread, what’s not to love?
Tuna melts are my jam! But what’s with lemon juice? I never added that before, unique!
Yum!!! My kids gobbled it up! They even asked for seconds!
That’s awesome! It’s always a win when kids love healthy food!
I don’t know, tuna melts? Seems kinda boring.
Followed the recipe, but my bread burned. Maybe it was my stove? 🤷♂️
Y’all, this is the best tuna melt I ever made. Cheese melted just right!
This is so easy and delicious! My family loved it!
Tuna? On bread? That’s a big no for me. Stick to PB&J.
I don’t get why people like tuna. It smells weird. Not my fave.
I used to think the same, but once I tried this, it changed my mind! Give it a shot with some spices!
Tuna? Really? I thought we were supposed to be eating healthy. Why all the butter?
Honestly, I don’t get why people like tuna melts. The flavor is just…off. Didn’t like it.
I totally get what you mean! Tuna melts have such a strange flavor. Not for everyone, for sure.
Tuna in a sandwich? Sounds weird but my kids loved it! Will make again. Quick meal!
Delicious! I can’t believe how quick it was to make. Tuna and cheese is a winning combo!
This is the best tuna melt I ever had! Super easy and quick! 😊
This recipe is too simple. I was expectin’ something fancy, not just tuna and bread.
Seriously, just 7 steps? That’s like, the easiest thing I’ve ever made! 😄
Right?! It’s so simple! That’s why I love it, quick lunch with no fuss. 😊
Yeah, but what if you forgot the lemon juice? Then it’s just tuna on bread! 😂
This tuna melt was a hit with my kids! They loved it and so did I. Thanks for sharing!
My grandma made tuna sandwiches better than this lol. Sorry!
That’s cool! Everybody has their own taste. My mom used to add pickles to hers, which made it special! 😄
Delicious! Remember to use fresh bread. My mom taught me that! Totally making again!
This recipe is super easy! I used whole grain bread and a mix of cheeses. Yum!
I wonder how it would taste with other breads? Might try ciabatta next time.
Whole grain adds a nice touch! Great idea on the cheese mix! 🥪
Did anyone else think this needed more spice? I added paprika but still plain.
I totally agree! I added cayenne pepper to mine and it was much better. Need that kick! 🔥
Tuna + cheese? Really?? That’s not normal but I tried it and it’s not bad.
This was so good! I added some pickles for extra crunch and it was amazing! 😋
Tuna melt? More like tuna blah! No offense but I don’t see the hype.
I followed the recipe but mine turned out soggy. Maybe I added too much mayo? I might try again tho.
I don’t get why people love tuna melts. It’s just tuna and cheese on bread, how is that special?? It’s kinda basic.
Nah, tuna melts are the best! You just don’t appreciate the combo of flavors. Plus, you can add stuff like pickles or onions to make it even better.
I totally get what you mean! It sounds simple, but when you add that crispy bread and gooey cheese, it just hits different. Maybe give it another try!
I think there are too many calories in this. Could be healthier with different ingredients.
I don’t think it’s that bad! You can always use whole grain bread and less mayo to make it healthier.
Very quick and easy! Made it in less than 10 minutes. Good meal for busy nights!
Simple and easy. But I feel like it needs something more, maybe some pickles or onions?
YUM! I subbed the cheddar for swiss cheese, amazing difference! 😍
Swiss cheese sounds like a fun twist! I’ll have to try that. Thanks for the idea! 🤗