Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (2024)

Tuna Melt Sandwich is hot, crispy, cheesy, and filling! This simple yet scrumptious recipe is perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.

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I’ve had a ton of requests for easy lunch recipes now that so many of us are working from home. Salads and leftovers are great — but a sizzling Tuna Melt Sandwich is even better, don’t you think?!

Gwen and I split a batch of tuna salad for lunch at least once a week. It’s an easy, healthy option for both of us and we usually dunk into it with a handful of crackers. That said, stuffing the tuna salad mixture between slices of buttered bread, topping with cheddar cheese, then sizzling until golden brown in a hot skillet is a total treat.

Plus this protein-packed combo keeps me full until dinner time. If you struggle with constant snacking during the day, you won’t even think twice about it with this filling lunch in your belly!

What is a Tuna Melt Made Of?

A Tuna Melt is basically a hot tuna salad sandwich topped with cheese. Tuna Melt has a better ring to it though, don’t you think? ;) Just like with egg salad, everyone seems to have their own version of the perfect tuna salad, but here’s my go-to mixture made with simple, everyday ingredients:

  • Canned tuna. I prefer Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna, which I buy from Costco. It puts other canned tunas to shame!
  • Mayonnaise. I use Hellman’s Vegan mayo to keep this recipe egg free for Gwen, who has allergies, but feel free to use your favorite mayonnaise.
  • Minced pickles.Tuna Melt sandwicheshaveto have a little crunch, and minced pickle spears not only bring a crispy, crunchy texture to the tuna salad recipe, but also a bold, tangy flavor. Feel free to sub in relish.
  • Steak seasoning.Yes! You heard it here first. See below for my go-to homemade steak seasoning recipe that takes this tuna melt from good to GREAT.

Mix the tuna salad up then scoop onto buttered bread slices, add slices of cheddar cheese, and cook on a flat top skillet just like you would any other grilled cheese sandwich. I recommend Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White bread, but if you don’t need to eat gluten free you can use whole wheat, white, sourdough – whatever you’ve got on hand.

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How to Make a Tuna Melt Sandwich

In a small bowl add a drained can of wild-caught albacore tuna then mash a bit with a fork. Next add your favorite mayonnaise, plus minced pickle spears, or a big scoop of relish,and homemade steak seasoning then stir to combine.

My homemade steak seasoning contains your standard salt and black pepper, plus bold yet everyday herbs and spices that I promise you’ve got on hand. The mixture really shines in the final sandwich!

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This is our FAVORITE brand of canned tuna, by the way. It’s a little pricey at the regular grocery store but Costco sells them in a stack for a great price. If you can’t find this particular brand, look for water-packed tuna in whatever brand you can find.

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Butter two slices of bread then scoop the tuna salad onto the plain side of one slice. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese then toast on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until hot and golden brown on both sides. OH MY WORD, such a fabulous step up from your standard cold tuna salad sandwich!

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Change it Up

My Tuna Melt recipe is clearly very simple and what I’d call a classic tuna melt. That said feel free to jazz yours up to fit your tastes. Here are some ideas:

  1. Open the hot sandwich up then add thinly sliced raw red onion, pickled red onions, tomato slices, or avocado slices.
  2. Save a few carbs and serve the sandwich open-faced. Brown on the bottom in a skillet then pop it under the broiler to melt the cheese.
  3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one of the bread slices before toasting for a zing of flavor.
  4. Add a couple teaspoons drained capers to the tuna salad mixture for a burst of briny flavor in each bite.
  5. Fresh chives or sliced green onions/scallions in the tuna salad add brightness and crunch.

How to Make Ahead and Store Tuna Salad

The base tuna salad mixture is perfect for making on Sundays, for example, to have on hand for quick Tuna Melts during the week. Store the tuna filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe easily doubles or triples well.

What to Serve with a Tuna Melt

Since a Tuna Melt is hearty and satisfying in its own, I generally like to serve the hot sandwich with a fresh side (ok, a handful of chips is awesome too!) Here are some ideas:

  • Side salad
  • Celery and carrots
  • Coleslaw
  • Pickles
  • Fresh pepper slices
  • Sweet potato chips
  • Classic potato chips

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More Easy Lunch Ideas

  • Dill Pickle Tuna Salad
  • BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
  • Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad
  • BLT Egg Salad
  • California Turkey and Bacon Lettuce Wrap
  • Mediterranean Tuna Salad
  • Mediterranean Turkey Wrap

Tuna Melt Sandwich

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gluten freevegetarian15 minute meal20 minute meal30 minute meal

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Description

Tuna Melt Sandwich is hot, crispy, cheesy, and filling! This simple yet scrumptious recipe is perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

serves 2

  • 5oz can tuna, drained (Wild Planet brand wild albacore tuna recommended)
  • 3-4 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 pickle spears, minced (see notes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon steak seasoning (see notes)
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices gluten free bread
  • softened butter

Directions

  1. Preheat a large flat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl stir together tuna, mayonnaise, minced pickles, and steak seasoning. Butter one side of each slice of bread then flip two over and top each with half the tuna mixture. Add a slice of cheese then cover with remaining slices of buttered bread.
  3. Place sandwiches onto preheated skillet or griddle then cook until golden brown. Flip then cook until the second side is golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove sandwiches to plates then slice and serve.

Notes

  • I love this homemade steak seasoning recipe >
  • Feel free to use relish vs mincing the pickles for an even faster recipe.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.

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37 Comments

  1. Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (8) Nigel 02.22.2024

    I followed the recipe using 2 Tbsp of Relish instead of pickles and used Montreal Steak spice. They turned out great. Thanks from Saskatchewan, eh!

    5

    Reply

    • Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (9) Kristin 02.26.2024

      That sounds delicious, Nigel, I’m so glad the recipe was a hit!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!

      Reply

  2. Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (10) Robert G 02.21.2024

    I like to add horseradish to my tuna salad for an extra layer of flavor.

    Reply

    • Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (11) Kristin 02.22.2024

      Love that idea, Robert!

      Reply

  3. Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (12) Lindsey 11.19.2023

    I tried these sandwiches with canned salmon instead of tuna (because of heavy metals), and they were delicious!! Thanks for the recipe!

    5

    Reply

    • Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (13) Kristin 11.20.2023

      I’m so glad you loved this sandwich and was able to make it your own, Lindsey!

      Reply

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hi, i'm kristin!

I’m a Midwestern wife and Mama, and after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2013 I began sharing delicious and approachable gluten-free recipes made with everyday, in-season ingredients. Welcome!

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Tuna Melt Sandwich - Easy and Irresistible (2024)

FAQs

What is a tuna melt sandwich made of? ›

Top an unbuttered side with approximately 1/2 cup of tuna salad, 2 to 3 slices tomato, and 2 slices of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up. Repeat with remaining ingredients and place on a large baking sheet. Bake until cheese is melty, 5 to 8 minutes.

What cheese goes with tuna? ›

According to The Cheese Empire, a creamy cheese with good melting properties that doesn't have too strong a flavor is the best way to go, with the outlet citing mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère as excellent choices to layer onto a tuna melt (or a toastie, as grilled cheese sandwiches are dubbed in the UK).

How to spice up a tuna sandwich? ›

Amped Up Classic – Start with the traditional combination of tuna plus a little light mayonnaise, then add bread and butter pickles, hard-boiled egg, celery, green onions, and coarse-grain mustard. Sriracha Spiced – Spice is nice with Albacore.

Which canned tuna is best for sandwich? ›

Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water

This is the best pick if you're looking to incorporate more fish into your diet but you just can't stand, well, that “fishy” taste. The mild flavor of this canned tuna makes it easy to incorporate into salads, sandwiches, and pasta without overwhelming the whole dish.

Why is my tuna melt soggy? ›

The key to preventing a soggy tuna melt is to drain your canned tuna really well. To do this, empty the tuna into a fine-mesh strainer then press down on it to release any liquid.

What sauces go well with canned tuna? ›

13 Sauces That Pair Well With Tuna
  • Creamy Yogurt Sauce. Yogurt sauce with herbs - Magone/Getty Images. ...
  • Dijon Vinaigrette. Dijon vinaigrette in bowl - Jane Damiani/Shutterstock. ...
  • Mayonnaise. Mayonnaise in a bowl - Valentyn Volkov/Shutterstock. ...
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Romesco Sauce. ...
  • Mango Salsa. ...
  • Teriyaki Sauce. ...
  • Ponzu.
Oct 11, 2023

What condiment goes with tuna sandwich? ›

13 Sauces That Pair Well With Tuna
  1. Soy sauce. Alter-ego/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Creamy yogurt sauce. Magone/Getty Images. ...
  3. Dijon vinaigrette. Jane Damiani/Shutterstock. ...
  4. Mayonnaise. Valentyn Volkov/Shutterstock. ...
  5. Fish sauce. posmguys/Shutterstock. ...
  6. Romesco sauce. OlgaBombologna/Shutterstock. ...
  7. Mango salsa. Debbismirnoff/Getty Images. ...
  8. Teriyaki sauce.
Oct 11, 2023

Why is a tuna melt so good? ›

Tuna melts come together so quickly and easily. It is one of my favorite sandwiches and the bonus is my kids love it too! The golden crust on the outside is so appealing, and the melty, cheesy filling makes it out-of-this-world good!

What tastes good on tuna? ›

The classic—with red onion, celery, and cheddar—is favorite for good reason, but we like to switch the flavors up a bit, subbing the celery out for chopped fennel, which adds light, refreshing flavor. Or give tuna the cheesesteak treatment on long rolls with Swiss cheese and a red-pepper mayo.

What mixes well with canned tuna? ›

  • Tuna Cakes: Add Eggs, Herbs & Breadcrumbs. Antonis Achilleos. ...
  • One-Pot Pasta: Add Pasta, Olives & Lemon. Joy Howard. ...
  • Tuna Melt: Add Greek Yogurt, Veggies, Cheese & Bread. Joy Howard. ...
  • Niçoise Salad: Add Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Green Beans & Dressing. ...
  • Tuna Salad Spread: Add Avocado, Greek Yogurt, Herbs & Spices.
Aug 19, 2022

What is the best bread to eat with tuna? ›

While you can use any bread that you like for a tuna melt, a hearty bread will hold up well to the sandwich filling. Try sliced sourdough, ciabatta, rye, whole grain bread, whole wheat or a thick-sliced white bread. You can even make open-faced tuna melts on English muffins.

How do you dress up a tuna sandwich? ›

Now to elevate this tuna, I go ahead and add salt and pepper, some fresh dill, some red onions, celery, banana peppers, a little bit of chili flakes for some heat. And I like to use some spicy brown mustard. and some mayonnaise to give it that creaminess.

How to jazz up tuna? ›

Drain tuna and put it in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), sriracha, and ginger and mix well. Fold in onion and garlic. Top with scallions and sesame seeds.

What seasoning is good on tuna? ›

Organic Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): For a subtle warmth and color, excellent in rubs. Use smoked paprika for a more grilled flavor. Organic Black Malabar Pepper: A classic pairing for a simple seared tuna steak. Organic coriander Powder: Offers a lemony, floral note, excellent for an exotic twist.

Can I eat tuna every day? ›

Fish is a very healthy protein choice and eating canned tuna once or twice a week is safe. Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of protein that can be safely stored on your shelf. Tuna can contain small amounts of mercury but has many health benefits and is safe to eat a few times per week.

Which tastes better tuna in oil or water? ›

In the end, it comes down to taste: Tuna packed in water will be more neutral and, well, watery, while olive oil will have some peppery richness that can complement that tuna.

Does canned tuna go bad? ›

“The shelf life of canned tuna can vary depending on a few factors, including packaging, processing methods, and storage conditions, but generally, canned tuna has a long shelf life and can remain safe to eat for an extended period, which can range from 2 to 5 years, or even more,” Best explains.

How do you make tuna taste less like tuna? ›

As simple as it sounds, adding a sprinkle of sugar to your canned fish can help diminish the more pungent flavors for which tuna is known — but not always loved — while letting the other ingredients in your salad and sandwich recipes shine.

How do you stack a sandwich so it doesn't get soggy? ›

Build a moisture barrier

Cheese works better on the bottom than lettuce does. Place your sandwich meat of choice on top of the cheese, followed by any moisture-filled toppings like onions and pickles. Place those recently-dried tomatoes on top of the lettuce.

What makes a melt sandwich? ›

A melt sandwich is a type of hot sandwich containing a suitable meltable cheese (sometimes grated) and a filling of meat or fish. The sandwich is grilled on the stovetop until the cheese melts (hence the name) and the bread is toasted, or heated in an oven.

Why is it called tuna melt? ›

Legend has it that the tuna melt was accidentally invented in the 1960s at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Charleston, S.C., when the cook didn't notice that a bowl of tuna salad had tipped over onto a grilled cheese.

Is tuna in a can or pouch cooked? ›

For our pouch tuna, the fish are thawed, eviscerated, precooked, and cooled much the same as the canned product. The tuna loins are then carefully cleaned, to remove unwanted parts of the tuna as well as loose flakes/pieces.

What does Subway put in their tuna sandwiches? ›

Before adding to the sandwich line, Subway Sandwich Artists ™ mix the tuna with mayonnaise. A fan-favorite, guests enjoy the 100% real tuna the way they like it – with their choice of veggies in a freshly made sandwich, wrap or salad.

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