Crispy Cheesy Tuna Melt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and creamy. The tuna salad has just the right tang from pickles and a little kick from steak seasoning, while the melted cheddar ties everything together. It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something hearty but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

5 oz can tuna, drained
3-4 Tablespoons mayonnaise
2 dill pickle spears, minced
1/4 teaspoon steak seasoning
2 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices bread
softened butter

Directions

1. I preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

2. In a medium bowl, I flake the tuna and stir in the mayonnaise, pickles, and steak seasoning until well combined.

3. I butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, I spread half the tuna mixture, top each with a slice of cheddar, then close with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.

4. I cook the sandwiches on the preheated skillet until golden brown, then flip and cook until the other side is golden and the cheese has melted.

5. I remove them from the skillet, slice, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. Prep time is 5 minutes, cook time is 5 minutes, and the total time is 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone for a different cheesy flavor. For extra crunch, I add sliced tomato or onion to the filling. When I want a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. I’ve also made this with sourdough or rye bread, which adds even more flavor to the sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

I think tuna melts taste best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over low heat so the bread crisps back up and the cheese melts again.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?

Yes, salmon works great as a substitute.

What’s the best cheese for a tuna melt?

I usually use cheddar, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella all melt beautifully.

Can I use relish instead of pickles?

Yes, relish saves me time and gives the same tangy flavor.

How do I keep the bread from burning?

I cook over medium heat and let the cheese melt slowly while the bread toasts evenly.

Can I make this in a panini press?

Yes, it presses the sandwich perfectly and melts the cheese quickly.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, if I use gluten-free bread, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, I sometimes add chopped celery or onion for crunch.

How do I make it spicier?

I sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer making it fresh, but I can prepare the tuna mixture ahead and assemble when ready to cook.

What kind of bread works best?

I like sturdy bread like sourdough, rye, or multigrain because they toast well and hold the filling without falling apart.

Conclusion

I love making this crispy cheesy tuna melt because it’s quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. The combination of crunchy bread, melty cheese, and creamy tuna salad is timeless, and it’s the kind of meal I can enjoy for lunch or dinner anytime I need something satisfying in a hurry.