Tuna Melt Recipe
Golden, melty, and packed with flavor, the Tuna Melt is the ultimate comfort food sandwich with layers of savory tuna and gooey cheese tucked between crisp, buttery bread.
Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with extras, this Tuna Melt is a quick, crowd-pleasing lunch that’s loved by kids and grownups alike.
What You’ll Need for the Ultimate Tuna Melt
- Albacore white tuna (canned, in water) – Mild, flaky, and protein-rich, this is the star of the sandwich. Drain it well for the best texture.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy and tangy, it binds the tuna mixture and adds richness.
- Red onion – Finely chopped for just the right punch of flavor and a little crunch.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the tuna mixture and balances out the richness.
- Dried oregano – A subtle herbal note that makes the filling extra savory.
- Thick-cut white sandwich bread – Buttery and toasty on the outside, sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
- Cheese slices – Melts to creamy perfection; cheddar, provolone, or Swiss work best.
- Optional: Avocado and tomato slices – Fresh toppings that add texture and elevate your melt.
Melty Perfection in Minutes: How to Make This Tuna Melt
Start by mixing the tuna, mayo, red onion, lemon juice, and oregano in a bowl until it’s creamy and well combined. A pinch of salt and pepper brings it to life.
Butter the outer sides of your bread slices generously. Load the inside with a layer of tuna mixture, a slice of cheese, and any extras you like—tomato, avocado, or both. Top it all with another slice of cheese and bread.
Heat a skillet over medium-low and cook your sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted through. Flip once to toast both sides evenly. The result? A perfectly crisp, melty masterpiece.
Tuna Melt Tips & Tasty Variations
For best results, always use well-drained tuna—excess moisture can ruin the crispiness. Toasting on medium-low heat gives the cheese time to melt while the bread turns beautifully golden without burning.
Switch up the bread with sourdough or rye for extra depth, or opt for a hearty artisan loaf for café-style vibes. For a spicy kick, toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Want it lighter? Sub half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Prefer a hands-off method? Try air-frying it at 370°F for a few minutes per side.
Don’t forget the open-face option—pile the tuna on bread, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly.
Keep It Fresh: Storing Leftovers Like a Pro
Tuna mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.
If you’ve already assembled and cooked your sandwich, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in foil. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back the crispness—microwaving will soften the bread, so it’s best avoided.
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the mayo base, but fresh is so easy, you likely won’t have leftovers for long.
Tuna Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices cheese such as provolone, Swiss, cheddar, or preferred variety
- Pinch of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced tomato
- 12 ounces canned albacore white tuna water-packed and drained
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 4 slices thick white sandwich bread
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise with the option to replace half with plain Greek yogurt
- Optional: sliced avocado
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend the drained tuna with mayonnaise, chopped red onion, lemon juice, and oregano until well incorporated. Adjust consistency by adding more mayo if desired. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Butter the exterior sides of each bread slice. Spread the tuna filling evenly over one side of each sandwich base. Lay a slice of cheese atop the tuna mixture, followed by optional toppings such as tomato or avocado. Add a second slice of cheese and close the sandwich with the remaining bread.
- Place a skillet over medium-low heat. Grill the sandwiches until the bottom side is golden and the cheese begins to soften. Flip and cook the opposite side until the bread is crisped and cheese is fully melted.
