Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable)

Golden sandwich with creamy tuna salad and melted cheddar, a quick and tasty snack.

# What You Need:

→ Tuna Salad

01 - 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
02 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 - 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich

08 - 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
09 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing until well incorporated.
02 - Arrange bread slices on a clean surface. Spread tuna salad evenly on two slices and layer with two slices of cheddar cheese each.
03 - Cover with the remaining bread slices to form two complete sandwiches.
04 - Spread softened butter on the outer sides of each bread slice, covering both sides of each sandwich.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until adequately hot.
06 - Place sandwiches buttered side down on the skillet. Press gently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Flip sandwiches carefully and cook the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese has melted.
08 - Remove from skillet, slice each sandwich in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for those afternoons when you need something warm and filling without much fuss.
  • The combination of creamy tuna, melted cheese, and crispy buttered bread is honestly one of those flavor combinations that just works every single time.
  • It's fancy enough to feel like you're treating yourself, but simple enough that even on your busiest days, you can pull it together.
02 -
  • Always drain your tuna thoroughly before mixing the salad—I learned this the hard way when a soggy sandwich fell apart in my hands, and I've never forgotten it.
  • Medium heat is your friend; if your skillet is too hot, the butter burns and the bread browns before the cheese has a chance to melt, leaving you disappointed.
  • Don't skip the pressing step while cooking—gently pressing the sandwich encourages even browning and helps the heat reach the cheese inside.
03 -
  • Softened butter spreads more easily and creates a more even golden crust than cold butter, which tears the bread and leaves uneven brown spots.
  • Pressing the sandwich gently while it cooks helps the cheese melt faster and the bread brown more evenly—it's a small gesture that makes a real difference in the final result.
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