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Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe

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4 from 8 reviews

This classic Tuna Melt recipe combines a creamy tuna salad with melted cheddar cheese on toasted whole-grain or sourdough bread. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s a delicious and comforting sandwich perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Tuna Salad

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 ounces canned tuna (drained)
  • 1 celery rib (finely chopped)
  • 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Sandwich Assembly

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 8 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese
  • Tomato slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add the drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Gently toss all ingredients to combine and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  2. Assemble Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, place a slice of cheddar cheese, then spread a generous layer of the prepared tuna mixture. Add another slice of cheddar cheese on top, and if desired, place tomato slices. Finally, cap each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward.
  3. Cook Sandwiches: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the bread is golden brown. Carefully flip each sandwich and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the other side is toasted and the cheese has melted. Depending on skillet size, cook in batches as needed. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • You can use either whole-grain or sourdough bread according to your preference.
  • Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick to the tuna mixture.
  • Adding tomato slices gives a fresh, juicy element to the sandwich but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Cooking on medium heat ensures the cheese melts properly without burning the bread.
  • For a crispier sandwich, use a cast iron skillet or press with a spatula while cooking.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/tuna-melt-sandwich-recipe/