Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich offers a delicious fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy, savory tuna salad pairs perfectly with the gooey, melted cheese, and the crispiness of the toasted bread adds the ideal crunch. It’s a classic comfort food that’s simple to make, filling, and full of flavor. You can customize the tuna salad with your favorite mix-ins, and the combination of cheese and bread makes it a crowd-pleasing meal that never gets old.

Ingredients

2 slices of bread (your choice, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
1/2 cup canned tuna (drained)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped pickles or relish (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella work well)
1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the tuna salad: In a small bowl, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), chopped pickles or relish (if desired), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Prepare the sandwich: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread a generous amount of the tuna salad. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tuna salad. Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing out.
Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down lightly with a spatula to help the sandwich crisp up and melt the cheese evenly.
Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve with a side of chips, pickles, or a simple salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 sandwich
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 10-15 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Tuna Melt: Add sliced tomatoes, onions, or spinach to the tuna salad before assembling the sandwich for extra flavor and freshness.
Spicy Tuna Melt: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the tuna salad for a spicy kick.
Cheese Varieties: Swap out the cheese for your favorite options like provolone, American cheese, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Tuna Salad Mix-ins: You can add other mix-ins like chopped celery, boiled eggs, or olives for added texture and flavor in the tuna salad.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: While it’s best to enjoy this sandwich fresh, you can store the leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also store the sandwich unassembled (tuna salad and bread) for later use.
Reheating: If you have leftover tuna melts, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm through and crisp up.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tuna in oil or water?

Either works fine, but for a creamier texture, tuna in oil is usually preferred. However, if you want a lighter sandwich, you can use tuna packed in water.

2. Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to eat.

3. Can I make this sandwich without cheese?

Yes, you can make a classic tuna melt without cheese for a lighter option. The tuna salad itself is flavorful enough on its own, but the cheese adds a deliciously melty, creamy element.

4. How do I prevent the bread from burning?

Make sure to cook the sandwich over medium heat and keep an eye on it while grilling. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and let the cheese melt before flipping.

5. Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, gluten-free bread can be used in this recipe to make the sandwich gluten-free. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the tuna and cheese filling.

6. Can I add more protein to the tuna salad?

Yes! You can add hard-boiled eggs, cooked chicken, or even chickpeas to the tuna salad for extra protein.

7. How do I make this sandwich even more indulgent?

For a richer version, you can add a slice of crispy bacon or a drizzle of ranch dressing to the sandwich.

8. Can I toast the bread instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can toast the bread in a toaster or under a broiler if you prefer. After toasting, spread the tuna salad on one slice and top with cheese, then melt the cheese in the oven.

9. Can I make this sandwich without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mixture of mustard and avocado for a different twist.

10. Can I freeze this sandwich?

While it’s best to enjoy the sandwich fresh, you can freeze the unassembled sandwich (with tuna salad and bread) for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw and grill as usual.

Conclusion

The Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a comforting and indulgent twist on a classic, bringing together creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in crispy, golden bread. It’s the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal that combines savory flavors and a delicious texture. Whether you’re making it for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot, and you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins and toppings for a personalized touch. Enjoy it with a side of chips, pickles, or a salad for a complete meal!

Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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The Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a comforting twist on the classic grilled cheese, combining creamy tuna salad with melted cheese and crispy toasted bread. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and crunchy texture, making it a satisfying meal for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Make the tuna salad: In a small bowl, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), chopped pickles or relish (if desired), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Prepare the sandwich: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread a generous amount of the tuna salad. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tuna salad. Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing out.
Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down lightly with a spatula to help the sandwich crisp up and melt the cheese evenly.
Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve with a side of chips, pickles, or a simple salad.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, skip the tuna and use mashed chickpeas or vegetables for the filling.
For a spicy tuna melt, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the tuna salad.
Experiment with different types of cheese to create a variety of flavor profiles (provolone, pepper jack, or gouda are great options).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 55mg