Tuna Melt (Printer-Friendly)

Crispy grilled sandwich with creamy tuna salad and melted cheese, ready in under 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tuna Salad

01 - 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
02 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 - 1 small celery stalk, finely diced
05 - 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

07 - 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
08 - 1 tablespoon butter, softened
09 - 4 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
10 - 2 slices tomato (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
02 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This buttered side will face outward during grilling for a golden, crispy exterior.
03 - On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, distribute half the tuna salad mixture on each, spreading to the edges. Add tomato slices if desired, then top each with 2 cheese slices. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
04 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Flip when bread is golden brown and continue until cheese is fully melted and both sides are crispy.
05 - Remove sandwiches from heat. Slice each diagonally in half and serve immediately while hot and cheese is melted.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but still want something that feels like a real meal
  • The crispy buttery bread against warm melty cheese and cool tangy tuna salad hits every single craving at once
02 -
  • Low and slow is better than high and fast, as high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly
  • Letting the assembled sandwiches sit for a minute before cooking helps the cheese melt faster since everything is at room temperature
  • A splatter screen or loose foil cover can help trap heat and melt the cheese more evenly without burning the bread
03 -
  • Drain the tuna incredibly well, pressing out any excess liquid, so your sandwich does not become soggy
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, as it holds heat evenly and creates the most beautiful golden crust

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