A good, warm, toasty, cheesy tuna melt is one of the most comforting, satisfying sandwiches out there. There’s something magical about the combination of crispy, buttery bread, gooey melted cheese, and creamy, flavorful tuna salad that makes this a must-have for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.

This ultimate tuna melt checks all the right boxes:

• The perfect tuna mixture – Creamy, herby, and tangy with a touch of crunch.
• The right cheese – American for that classic melt or sharp cheddar for a bolder bite.
• The crispiest bread – Perfectly golden and toasted for the best crunch.
• The perfect accompaniments – Dill pickles, kettle chips, and hot sauce to round it all out.

If you want a next-level tuna melt that’s quick and easy, this is the recipe to make!

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Tuna Melt

For the Tuna Salad

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
• ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon capers or pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers or jalapeño brine (for acidity and seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 7-oz. jar oil-packed tuna fillets OR 1½ 5-oz. cans oil-packed tuna, drained
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich

• 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 8 slices Pullman or sourdough bread
• 4 slices American cheese or sharp cheddar

For Serving

• Dill pickles
• Kettle-style potato chips (Cape Cod recommended)
• Hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)

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Ingredients

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
• ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon capers or pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers or jalapeño brine (for acidity and seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 7-oz. jar oil-packed tuna fillets OR 1½ 5-oz. cans oil-packed tuna, drained
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tuna Salad

In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped red onion, celery, mayonnaise, fresh dill, capers (or jalapeños), brine, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined.

Add the drained tuna and break it up with a fork, mixing until evenly incorporated. Season with black pepper and taste—add a little extra brine if needed for more saltiness.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread butter evenly over one side of each bread slice. Flip them butter-side down.

On four slices of bread, layer one slice of cheese each. Evenly spread the tuna mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining four slices of bread, buttered side up.

Step 3: Toast the Tuna Melt

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches cheese-side down first and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure maximum contact with the skillet.

If using cheddar cheese, cover the pan after flipping to help it melt completely.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half. Serve immediately with dill pickles, kettle chips, and a generous drizzle of hot sauce for the ultimate tuna melt experience!

Notes

For the most flavorful tuna melt, use oil-packed tuna instead of water-packed. It has a richer, juicier texture that complements the creamy mayo and melted cheese perfectly.

Best Cheese Options

American cheese – Classic choice for its ultra-melty, creamy texture.

• Sharp cheddar – Adds a bold, tangy bite.
• Swiss or provolone – Great options if you want a milder, slightly nutty flavor.

How to Keep the Bread from Burning

Cooking on medium heat allows the cheese to melt fully while giving the bread time to get perfectly crispy and golden brown without burning.

Want an Extra Crunch?

Try adding potato chips inside the sandwich before closing it up! They add an amazing crispy texture that takes this melt to another level.

Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving Calories 450Sodium 800mgCarbohydrates 35gProtein 28g

Did you make this recipe?

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Step-by-Step Tuna Melt with Photos

After mixing up the perfect tuna salad, we start by buttering the bread and layering in cheese and tuna filling. The key to the ultimate tuna melt is grilling it cheese-side down first, ensuring maximum meltiness and crispiness.

The result? A golden, crunchy exterior with an ooey-gooey, flavor-packed center. Served with kettle chips and pickles, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your tuna melt with:

• Tomato soup – Classic pairing for a warm, cozy meal.
• Fresh salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
• Coleslaw – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Outro

This ultimate tuna melt is everything you want in a sandwich—crispy, cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to a boring tuna sandwich again!

So grab a can of tuna, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy the best tuna melt of your life!