Tuna Melt with Cheddar Cheese
A quick and comforting Tuna Melt with Cheddar Cheese that combines creamy tuna salad and melted cheddar on crispy toasted bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy breakfast, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients for a flavorful, cheesy sandwich ready in under 20 minutes.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten, Dairy, and Fish
For the Tuna Salad
- Canned Tuna (drained well) – 1 can (5 oz)
- Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Celery (finely chopped) – 2 tablespoons
- Red Onion (finely chopped) – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
For the Sandwich
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – 4 ounces
- Bread (sourdough, whole grain, or white) – 4 slices
- Butter – 2 tablespoons (for toasting)
- Prepare the Tuna Salad: In a bowl, combine drained canned tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix thoroughly until creamy and well blended.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay the bread slices on a flat surface. Spread the prepared tuna salad generously over half of the bread slices. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the tuna mixture, then cover with the remaining bread slices to create sandwiches.
- Toast the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheddar cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- Serve Warm: Remove the sandwiches from the heat and allow them to rest for a minute. Cut in half and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and melted and the bread remains crisp.
Notes
- Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for enhanced flavor and better melting.
- Butter the outside of the bread before toasting for a golden, crisp finish.
- Press sandwiches gently with a spatula while cooking for even heating and melting.
- Fresh bread provides the best texture and aroma, though slightly stale bread works fine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: tuna melt, cheddar cheese sandwich, quick lunch, comfort food, cheesy sandwich, tuna salad sandwich