Tuna Melt

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make a Tuna Melt Sandwich
4. How To Serve Tuna Melt Sandwiches
5. Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Tuna Melt
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Craving a quick and tasty lunch? This classic tuna melt uses simple ingredients and comes together fast on busy days. Every bite brings melty cheese, crispy bread, and savory tuna you’ll love. Make it in minutes using your oven, stovetop, or even air fryer.

This easy recipe walks you through every step—just follow the guide below. We’ve added step-by-step photos, pro tips, and simple tricks to help. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you feel confident making it every time.

This classic tuna salad melt makes the perfect lunch or quick dinner and takes just twenty minutes from start to finish. Gooey cheese, golden bread, and creamy tuna come together for the ultimate hot sandwich.

You can whip it up on the stove top, in the oven, or even in an air fryer. Serve it for a weeknight meal, casual get-together, or easy potluck favorite—everyone always wants seconds.

What you’ll need to make this tuna melt recipe:

• 4 (5-ounce) cans of tuna (water or oil), drained
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• ½ celery stalk, chopped (about ¼ cup)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon ready-minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided into 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon
• ½ cup of shredded mozzarella
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 slices of bread
• Softened butter

Onion: Use any onion you like. Red onion or sweet yellow onion both work great. Or swap in chives using a 1:1 ratio.

Mozzarella: No mozzarella? Use Swiss cheese or white cheddar instead—they melt just as well and taste great.

Lemon Juice: Add a quick squeeze of lemon to the tuna for a fresh pop of flavor in every bite.

Bread: Choose any bread you have, but sturdier options like sourdough, rye, or artisan bread hold up best.

Hot Sauce: Like it spicy? Mix in a little hot sauce with the tuna to give it a bold kick.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures to make the best tuna melt recipe at home. Use the tips and tricks below to make everything turn out just right. Let’s get started and make a hot, cheesy sandwich you’ll want again and again!

FIRST STEP: Drain the water or oil from your tuna can. 

SECOND STEP: Place the tuna in a medium bowl and use a fork to loosen it.

THIRD STEP: Add the onion, celery, garlic, parsley, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and mozzarella cheese to the tuna bowl. Stir the ingredients to combine.

FOURTH STEP: Add the salt and pepper to taste and mix it again.

FIFTH STEP: Place a non-stick skillet on the stove and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat your skillet over medium heat.

SIXTH STEP: Spread butter on one side of a piece of bread and carefully place that side down into the hot skillet. You can replace the butter with mayonnaise. 

SEVENTH STEP: Spoon about 3 heaping tablespoons of the tuna mixture on the bread, filling the slice of bread in the skillet. Add to or decrease tuna to your liking.

EIGHTH STEP: Take another slice of bread and butter on one side. Place that side of the bread on top of the sandwich in the skillet with the butter side up.

NINTH STEP: Be careful and watch for browning on the underside of the sandwich. Grill until it’s golden brown. Flip the sandwich over and brown the other side.

TENTH STEP: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate for one minute before eating.

This classic melted tuna sandwich works for more than just lunch. You can serve it at parties, during busy seasons, or for family dinners.

• Serve for easy family dinners: Everyone loves melty cheese and toasted bread, so this sandwich works great for a fast, filling dinner. Pair it with creamy tomato soup or baked potato wedges for a cozy weeknight meal.
• Serve at casual get-togethers: Make a batch for friends during game day or a laid-back weekend lunch. Add bowls of macaroni salad or crispy onion rings on the side to keep things fun and tasty.
• Serve during cooler seasons: Warm, cheesy sandwiches hit the spot when the weather gets cold. Try serving it with homemade chili or cheesy corn casserole for the ultimate comfort food combo.

This classic tuna melt wins over readers again and again. It’s quick, easy, and packed with cheesy, comforting goodness that just works.

• Quick for Busy Days: You can throw this sandwich together fast and still get a hot, filling meal. No fancy tools needed—just mix, stack, and toast in just twenty minutes.
• Melty and Crispy Combo: The gooey cheese and toasted bread create the perfect bite every single time. Kids and grown-ups both ask for this sandwich again and again.
• Works All Year: Whether it’s chilly or sunny, this sandwich fits every season and mood.
• Great for Leftovers: Got canned tuna or extra cheese? Use it up without any fuss.
• Customizable: You can swap cheeses, add extras, or change the bread to fit your style.

This recipe sticks around for a reason—it’s simple, warm, and always hits the spot.

What kind of tuna works best in a tuna melt?
Chunk light tuna in water works best for a classic tuna melt because it mixes easily and doesn’t taste too strong.

Can I cook a tuna melt in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook your tuna melt in the air fryer. Set it to 375°F and cook for 4 to 6 minutes.

Can I toast this sandwich in the oven instead of a pan?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese fully melts.

How do I keep the filling from falling out?
To keep the filling from falling out, press the sandwich gently and cook it until the cheese melts and holds everything together.

How do I know when the sandwich is done cooking?
The sandwich is done when the bread turns golden brown and the cheese looks melted and gooey inside.

Should I use mayonnaise in the tuna mix?
Yes, mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the tuna mixture together, making the sandwich easier to build and cook.

What’s the best way to serve a tuna melt for lunch?
Cut the tuna melt in half and serve it warm while the cheese is still melted and the bread stays crispy. Kids love cheesy sandwiches! Cut it into triangles or strips for a fun, easy-to-eat lunch. For larger gatherings, use slider buns or small bread slices to make mini tuna melts. These are great for parties and snacks as well.

What kinds of dipping sauces go well with tuna melt?
You can serve it with ketchup, spicy mayo, or ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.

What’s the best time of year to serve a tuna melt?
Tuna melts work year-round, but they’re especially comforting during cooler months when you want something warm and filling.

Can I store pre-made sandwiches in the fridge? 
Store your sandwich in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days.

Can Tuna melt be kept in the freezer?
 We don’t suggest freezing this sandwich. The mayonnaise tends to separate when frozen.