The Best Classic Tuna Melts Recipe

If you love grilled cheese and a good tuna salad, then you’re going to adore this classic tuna melt! It’s crispy, melty, and packed with flavor—perfect for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a cozy weekend meal.

Made with flaky tuna, creamy mayo, crunchy celery, melted cheese, and buttery toasted bread, this old-school diner favorite is warm, satisfying, and oh-so-gooey. You can make it in a skillet, in the oven, or even in an air fryer—whatever works best for you!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Tuna Salad:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 tbsp celery, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp pickle relish (or chopped pickles)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Tuna Melt:

• 4 slices bread (sourdough, rye, or white bread work great!)
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 2-4 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American)

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Perfect Tuna Melt

1. Drain the tuna well – Too much liquid makes the sandwich soggy.
2. Use real butter – It crisps up the bread beautifully and adds great flavor.
3. Low and slow for melty cheese – Cook on medium-low heat so the bread crisps up without burning while the cheese melts.
4. Add a slice of tomato – A juicy tomato slice makes it extra delicious!
5. Try different cheeses – Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all work great!

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free? Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Carb? Serve on lettuce wraps or keto bread.
• Spicy Version? Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the tuna mix!
• Avocado Tuna Melt? Swap out mayo for mashed avocado for a creamy twist.

🔥 How to Make the Best Tuna Melt

1️⃣ Make the Tuna Salad

1. In a medium bowl, mix together drained tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well until combined.

2️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place cheese slices on the unbuttered side of two slices.
3. Spread tuna mixture evenly over the cheese.
4. Top with another slice of cheese and place the second piece of bread on top, butter side out.

3️⃣ Cook the Tuna Melt (Skillet Method)

1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

4️⃣ Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Assemble sandwiches and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and melty.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5️⃣ Slice & Serve!

1. Remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for 1 minute before slicing.
2. Cut in half and serve with pickles, chips, or tomato soup for the ultimate meal!

🥡 Leftovers & Storage Tips

• Tuna Salad: Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Cooked Sandwiches: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to crisp them up.

🥪 Time to Enjoy Your Perfect Tuna Melt!

Crispy on the outside, creamy and melty on the inside—this classic tuna melt is the ultimate comfort food that never gets old. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the air fryer, it’s easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it! Happy cooking! 🥪✨