The Ultimate Tuna Melt Recipe

Name: The Ultimate Tuna Melt Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (6 oz) cans white tuna in water, drained and flaked; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 slices bread; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 8 slices white cheddar cheese; 1 large tomato, sliced (optional)

July 10, 2025 by Yasmin Bernat

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the classic tuna melt. This hot sandwich, with its gooey cheese, savory tuna salad, and crispy golden bread, is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your family, this recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Let’s dive into how to create the ultimate tuna melt in just 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy tuna salad, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh tomato slices nestled between slices of crispy, buttery bread. This recipe elevates the traditional tuna melt by baking it to perfection in the oven, ensuring every bite is warm, cheesy, and delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this irresistible tuna melt, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 (6-ounce) cans of white tuna in water (drained and flaked)
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
1 green onion (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 slices of bread
¼ cup softened butter
8 slices of white cheddar cheese
1 large tomato (sliced, optional)

These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your sandwiches will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Tuna Salad
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna with mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, green onion, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your tuna melt, offering a creamy and zesty flavor profile.
Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture when baked. Place four slices of bread on a baking sheet with the buttered side facing down.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Take your prepared tuna salad and divide it evenly among the four slices of bread on the baking sheet. Top each portion with two slices of white cheddar cheese and a few slices of tomato if desired. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on your sandwiches as they bake—the cheese should melt beautifully, and the bread should turn crispy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the tuna melts from the oven and serve immediately. Pair them with a side salad, chips, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Tuna Melt

Use Tuna in Water: Opt for tuna packed in water rather than oil. Not only is it healthier, but it also ensures your tuna salad won’t be overly greasy when mixed with mayonnaise.
Taste for Salt: After mixing your tuna salad ingredients, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding salt at the very end prevents over-salting.
Fully Butter the Bread: Make sure your butter is softened and spread evenly across each slice of bread. This guarantees a perfectly crispy texture when baked.
Storage Tips: Cooked tuna melts can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a sheet pan in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Note that tuna melts don’t freeze well due to their creamy filling.

Nutrition Information

Curious about what’s inside each serving? Here’s a breakdown:

Calories: 624
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 47g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Sodium: 911mg
Potassium: 295mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 1636IU
Vitamin C: 13mg
Calcium: 487mg
Iron: 3mg

This nutritional profile makes the tuna melt a hearty yet indulgent option for any meal.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

If you’ve been searching for a simple yet satisfying dish that combines comfort and flavor, this tuna melt recipe is exactly what you need. It’s quick to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers an unbeatable combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate tuna melt! And don’t forget—if you make this recipe, leave a review and rating to let us know how much you loved it. Your feedback helps us continue sharing free recipes that bring joy to your table!