If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, look no further than these Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches. Every bite is layered with savory tuna, creamy mayo, and the irresistible warmth of melted cheddar, all hugged between perfectly golden, buttery slices of sourdough. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a nostalgic lunch, these sandwiches are pure happiness on a plate. Get ready to fall in love with this classic combination—trust me, Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches are about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches is that the ingredients are humble staples, yet each plays a starring role. Every element contributes something special, from subtle crunch to creamy nostalgia, and of course, that golden, delicious finish you crave.
- Tuna in water: Opt for good-quality canned tuna for the freshest flavor and a light, flaky texture that forms the heart of the filling.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo brings everything together, making the filling rich and spreadable without overpowering the flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Just a tablespoon awakens the mix with tang and a gentle bite—don’t skip it if you love a little zing!
- Celery: Finely chopped celery adds crunch and freshness, preventing the sandwich from feeling too heavy.
- Red onion: A bit of finely chopped red onion gives the filling a subtle pop of color and gentle sharpness.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens up the tuna mixture, balancing the richness and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust these to taste for that perfect savory-salty profile.
- Sourdough or white bread: Choose thick-sliced bread to support all that delicious filling, and for the ultimate golden crust.
- Butter: Softened butter brushed onto the bread delivers that classic, crispy, diner-style finish.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Cheddar melts beautifully and gives the iconic stretch and flavor, but you can swap with Swiss or provolone for a twist.
How to Make Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches
Step 1: Make the Tuna Salad Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combining the drained, flaked tuna with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and a dash of salt and black pepper. Stir it all together with a fork until everything is well mixed and the veggies are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired—you want the flavors to really sing!
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your slices of bread on a cutting board. Generously butter one side of each slice, making sure to go all the way to the edges for even browning. Flip the bread over so the unbuttered sides are facing up. On two slices, arrange two slices of cheddar cheese each, then pile the tuna mixture evenly on top of the cheese. Cap each one with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out. The layering order is key for melty, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Gently place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for about 3–4 minutes on the first side, pressing softly with a spatula to help everything melt together and achieve that even, crisp crust. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the bread is deeply golden and you see cheese oozing slightly at the edges. Keep an eye—they go from golden to burned quickly!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the hot Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches and let them rest for a minute before slicing in half. Serve them warm, preferably immediately, while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is perfectly crispy. It’s comfort food at its very best!
How to Serve Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and freshness, finish your sandwiches with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill. If you adore a bit of tang, serve with dill pickle slices or a wedge of lemon on the side. Sometimes even a dusting of cracked black pepper over the top does the trick!
Side Dishes
Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches are hearty enough to stand alone, but they absolutely shine with a side of crisp kettle chips, a pile of homemade coleslaw, or even a simple salad tossed in light vinaigrette. On colder days, pair your sandwich with a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to shake things up, try cutting the sandwiches into quarters and serving them as sliders or party snacks. For a bistro touch, plate with a frisee salad and shaved radishes, or offer open-faced melts topped with sliced tomato and a sprinkle of paprika.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches (though that’s rare!), allow them to cool to room temperature before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to two days, although the bread may soften a bit—still delicious!
Freezing
For longer storage, skip grilling and freeze just the assembled, ungrilled sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill fresh. I don’t recommend freezing already-cooked Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches as the texture of the bread can suffer.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side until the bread crisps back up and the cheese melts again. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwave only as a last resort—the bread won’t crisp, but the melt will still taste great!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches, Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack add their own twist. Use whatever melts easily and suits your palate.
What’s the best bread for Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches?
Sourdough is my top pick for its tang and sturdiness, but any thick-sliced bread, like hearty white or whole wheat, will work beautifully. Just avoid thin, flimsy bread as it can fall apart under all that glorious filling.
Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Sliced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or even a pinch of fresh dill folded into the tuna mixture are all delicious in Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches. This recipe is a great canvas for your favorite flavors.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly and assemble the sandwiches just before grilling. Buttering the bread helps create a barrier, keeping the insides creamy but the outside crisp.
Is it possible to make these sandwiches healthier?
Yes! Try using light mayonnaise, a whole grain bread, and less cheese if you like. You can also slip in extra veggies such as spinach or arugula for a lighter but equally satisfying Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches experience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches for yourself. You’ll be amazed by how such simple ingredients come together to make a crave-worthy classic that’s perfect for any meal. Give it a go and don’t be surprised if it instantly becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Tuna Melt Grilled Sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make lunch option. Packed with flavorful tuna salad and melted cheese, sandwiched between crispy bread slices, they are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Assembly:
- 4 slices of sourdough or white bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assembly: Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Cook:
- Serve:
Mix until well combined.
Place cheese on two unbuttered sides, spread tuna mixture, and top with remaining bread slices.
Heat a skillet, cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
Slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use Swiss or provolone cheese as a substitute.
- Add sliced tomatoes or pickles for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
