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–+ servings
A classic tuna melt recipe cut in half and stacked.
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5 from 5 votes

Tuna Melt Recipe

The Perfect Tuna Melt Recipe filled with delicious flavors and textures. Our quick and easy recipe will result in a perfectly made melt that you'll want to make over and over again!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: lunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Calories: 695kcal
Author: Teri & Jenny

Ingredients

tuna salad

  • 5 ounces canned tuna drained
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons diced red onion
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced dill
  • 4 cornichons finely diced
  • salt and pepper to taste

sandwich assembly

  • 4 slices bread of choice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 beefsteak tomato (or 1 vine ripe tomato) sliced
  • 2 ounces shredded cheddar
  • 2 ounces shredded mozzarella
  • salt and pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill, and cornichons. Season with salt and pepper and stir together.
  • Spread 1/2 tablespoon butter over each slice of bread and turn two slices butter side down.
  • Top each butter side down slice of bread with tuna mixture.
  • Top with sliced tomatoes, shredded cheese and remaining slices of bread.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
  • Add sandwich and toast for 4 to 5 minutes or until bread is toasted and cheese begins to melt.
  • Flip sandwich, cover with a lid and continue to toast for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until bread has toasted and cheese has fully melted.
  • Uncover, remove from skillet, slice in half and serve.

Notes

Tips and Tricks
  • We don't go overboard with the mayonnaise! We want the melt to be creamy, but if it's too creamy and 'wet' it won't hold up nicely while being toasted up!
  • We add onions, celery and cornichons for taste AND texture! We obviously want the melt to taste good, but we're also huge on texture, and the combination of bits added to our filling really make this melt shine!
  • Covering the pan once the melt is flipped. This helps the cheese to melt quicker, without burning the melt or making it soggy and you definitely want the cheese to get nice and melty for it to be a proper tuna melt!
Prep Ahead
The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Transfer filling to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Nutrition

Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 4454mg | Potassium: 567mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1673IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 471mg | Iron: 3mg