Description
This Crispy Cheesy Creamy Tuna Melt is a quick and delicious sandwich perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. Featuring a creamy tuna salad with a hint of Dijon mustard, combined with melted cheddar cheese, and sandwiched between buttery toasted sourdough or rye bread, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and rich flavors in just 18 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sandwich
- 4 slices sourdough or rye bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, mix together the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped red onion, chopped celery, and parsley if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste, stirring well to combine.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread the prepared tuna mixture evenly over two slices of bread. Then, place two slices of cheddar cheese on top of the tuna on each sandwich. Finally, cover with the remaining bread slices to complete the sandwiches.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the softened unsalted butter evenly on the outside of each sandwich slice to ensure a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches onto the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheddar cheese has melted, pressing gently if needed for even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Optionally, slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately while hot and melty for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use sourdough bread as it toasts nicely and holds up well to the filling.
- You can swap cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as Swiss or provolone for variation.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the tuna salad can add a tasty kick.
- If you prefer, you can prepare the tuna mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for easier cooking and clean-up.
