Tuna Melt

Tuna melts are one of my go-to comfort foods. They’re super easy to make, but they always hit the spot!

Crispy bread, gooey melted cheddar, and savory tuna salad are a combo made in heaven. Add crunchy celery, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard, and you have an irresistible treat!

Pair it with fresh tomato, chips, and pickles to elevate your sandwich game.

This tuna melt will become a favorite whether you enjoy it for lunch or a cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt

Comfort Food Classic: It’s a delicious combo of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures. This makes it a beloved comfort food favorite.

Budget-Friendly Meal: This recipe uses canned tuna and pantry staples. You can make a satisfying and delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Mouthwatering Taste: Tangy Dijon, sweet pickle relish, and cheddar cheese create a harmonious flavor profile. It perfectly complements the tuna salad.

Quick Kitchen Win: This tuna melt recipe is simple. You can whip up an impressive hot sandwich in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• Albacore Tuna: Use high-quality solid white albacore packed in water for the best texture and flavor.
  
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, it binds the tuna salad into a cohesive filling.
  
• Diced Celery and Red Onion: For crunch and a pop of color in every bite.
  
• Sweet Pickle Relish: It provides a sweet and salty accent to the savory tuna.
  
• Dijon Mustard: It adds a subtle kick of heat and acidity to balance the richness.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: It enhances all the flavors. Season to taste!
  
• Hearty White or Sourdough Bread: The sturdy foundation can handle the hefty tuna salad without getting soggy.
  
• Butter: Slather on the outside of the bread for the ultimate golden, crispy exterior.
  
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and provides a bold counterpoint to the tuna.
  
• Tomato: Juicy slices add a fresh pop of acidity and balance.

How to Make a Tuna Melt

Follow these simple instructions on your journey to sandwich heaven!

1. Make the tuna filling. Drain the tuna. Add the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

2. Prep the bread. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices buttered-side down on a cutting board. Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.

3. Assemble. Divide the tuna mixture evenly between the two sandwiches, mounding it on the cheese. Add a layer of tomato slices on top of the tuna. Top each with another slice of cheddar cheese and the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.

4. Cook side one. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, cover, and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Flip. Carefully flip the sandwiches, cover again, and continue cooking until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing in half. Serve the tuna melts warm with chips and pickles on the side.

Tips for the Best Tuna Melt

Follow these tips to make your tuna melt even more incredible.

• Quality is key. Use high-quality albacore or skipjack tuna packed in water for the best flavor and texture.
  
• Ditch the excess liquid. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to avoid a watery tuna salad mixture.
  
• Select a sturdy bread. Choose a hearty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, rye, or thick-sliced white bread. These options can hold up to the tuna salad filling without getting soggy.
  
• Be super cheesy. Use sliced cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese for the ultimate gooey, cheesy tuna melt.
  
• Don’t let it get soggy! Place the tomato slices between the tuna salad and cheese to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Variations and Serving Ideas

Here are a few fun ways to switch things up.

• Have fun and experiment. Try adding sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or jalapeño peppers. You can also switch up the cheese and bread. 
  
• Make it a feast. Serve tuna melts with sides like sweet potato fries, tomato soup, coleslaw, potato salad, or garlic bread. You can’t go wrong with classics like chips and a dill pickle!

How to Store

While tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh, the tuna mixture can be stored for later use.

To Store: Transfer the prepared tuna mixture to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. 

When ready to use, stir the mixture before assembling your sandwiches.