If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying sandwich, you are going to adore this Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe. This classic deli-style favorite combines perfectly seasoned tuna salad with melty cheese, all nestled between golden, buttery toasted bread. It’s a timeless combination that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a crispy exterior that’s impossible not to love. Whether you want a quick lunch or a hearty snack, this recipe makes the whole process effortless while packing so much taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to creating that perfect Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the creamy tuna salad to the rich melted cheese, and the crispy toasted bread that brings it all together.
- Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each): The star of the sandwich, providing a flavorful, protein-packed base.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess to the tuna salad and helps bind the ingredients.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Gives a subtle tang and a nice depth of flavor.
- Celery (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Offers a fresh crunch and brightens up the tuna mix.
- Red onion (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Adds a mild sharpness that complements the creamy tuna.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Season the tuna salad perfectly without overpowering it.
- Bread (4 slices): Choose sourdough, rye, or your preferred type; it provides the essential crispiness and structure.
- Cheddar or Swiss cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully and adds rich, gooey goodness.
- Butter (2 tbsp, softened): Brushed on the outside of the sandwich for that golden, buttery crust.
How to Make Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Tuna Salad
Start by combining the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, red onion, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and creamy. This mixture forms the flavorful heart of your tuna melt.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your bread slices on a clean surface. Evenly spoon the tuna salad onto two of the bread slices, making sure to distribute it so every bite is flavorful. Then, place a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese over the tuna salad for that irresistibly melty layer.
Step 3: Top and Butter
Cover the cheese with the remaining bread slices to create your sandwiches. Next, spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich generously. This step is what creates that crispy, golden-brown crust when grilled.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the hot surface and grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula occasionally to ensure the cheese melts and the bread crisps evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when both sides are golden brown and the cheese is oozing.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches and slice them in half to reveal the melty, flavorful filling inside. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Serve Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
A classic Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe deserves simple, fresh garnishes that enhance rather than overwhelm. Try a few crunchy dill pickle slices or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Complement your tuna melts with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette or classic potato chips for a nostalgic touch. Tomato soup also makes a dreamy, cozy pairing that’s pure comfort food magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Cut the sandwiches into smaller quarters for bite-sized sliders perfect for parties or easy snacking. You can also serve with a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce, like a tangy aioli or spicy mustard, to add another layer of flavor fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any leftover Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 1 to 2 days to keep the bread from becoming too soggy and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this sandwich because the texture of the bread and melted cheese can change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the prepared tuna salad by itself in an airtight container for up to 1 month to save some time next time you crave a tuna melt.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe, use a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes each side to revive that crisp bread and melty cheese. Avoid the microwave whenever possible, as it tends to make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
While fresh tuna can be delicious, this recipe specifically shines with canned tuna because of its flaky texture and convenience. Using canned tuna keeps the mixture moist and easy to blend with the other ingredients.
What type of cheese works best for Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe?
Cheddar and Swiss are classic choices for their excellent melting properties and flavor. You can also experiment with mozzarella or provolone if you prefer a milder cheese, but avoid crumbly varieties that don’t melt well.
Is it possible to make this sandwich vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based tuna alternative or mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayo and mustard, and swap the cheese and butter for vegan versions. The sandwich will still be creamy and delicious with these substitutions.
Can I add other ingredients to the tuna salad?
Absolutely! Some people like adding small diced pickles, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or even a bit of grated carrot for extra crunch and flavor. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so the tuna remains the star.
What’s the best bread to use?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, rye, or whole wheat work wonderfully because they crisp up well while holding the filling without getting soggy. White sandwich bread works, but it won’t have the same robust structure or flavor.
Final Thoughts
With its unbeatable combination of creamy tuna salad, melted cheese, and golden toasted bread, the Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe is a surefire way to brighten any meal. Easy to make, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is a staple you’ll want in your kitchen rotation. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy every warm, melty bite!
Print
Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches are a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option featuring a creamy tuna salad, melted cheddar or Swiss cheese, and buttery toasted bread grilled to golden perfection. Ready in just 18 minutes, they combine savory flavors and a crisp texture to make a comforting classic sandwich.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, rye, or your choice)
- 4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, red onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out the bread slices on a flat surface. Spoon the prepared tuna mixture evenly onto two of the bread slices.
- Add cheese slices: Place a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese over the tuna-covered bread slices to ensure a melty, cheesy center once grilled.
- Complete the sandwich: Top each with the remaining bread slices to form two sandwiches, press gently to hold the layers together.
- Butter the bread outsides: Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of each sandwich. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust as they grill.
- Grill the sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve warm: Remove sandwiches from skillet, slice each in half, and enjoy immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- You can use any bread type; sourdough or rye adds great flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Add tomato slices inside the sandwich before grilling for extra freshness.
- Pressing the sandwich gently while grilling helps melt the cheese evenly.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
