Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of tender, flavorful tuna salad with melted mozzarella cheese makes this Tuna Melt irresistible. The creamy, savory tuna paired with crispy toasted bread gives you the perfect balance of textures. Plus, it’s so easy to make and customizable – you can add your favorite herbs or spices to take it to the next level. This is the kind of meal that’s comforting and satisfying every time!

Ingredients

2 (5oz) cans of tuna, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 stalk of celery, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Bread, sliced (your choice of bread)
Butter, softened (for spreading)
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Tuna Salad
Drain the water from the tuna cans and place the tuna in a medium bowl.
Chop the onion, celery, and parsley. Mince the garlic and add all these ingredients to the tuna.
Add mayonnaise, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill the Bread
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Take a slice of bread and generously spread butter on one side.
Place the bread (buttered side down) in the hot skillet.
Assemble the Tuna Melt
While the bread is browning, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the tuna salad mixture onto the bread in the skillet.
Butter another slice of bread on one side and place it butter-side up on top of the tuna salad.
Toast the Sandwich
Using a spatula, check to see if the bottom of the bread is toasted and golden brown. Once it’s toasted, flip the sandwich over and grill the other side until it’s also golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Once both sides are perfectly toasted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it sit for a moment before slicing and serving hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 sandwich (can easily be doubled or tripled)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

Add Extra Veggies: For added crunch, you can add pickles or fresh tomatoes to your sandwich.
Spicy Tuna Melt: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the tuna mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheese Options: Try different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or even American for a unique flavor twist.
Whole Wheat Bread: Use whole wheat or multi-grain bread for a healthier option.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version of this sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna in oil?

Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil instead of water. It will give the tuna salad a richer flavor, but you might want to adjust the amount of mayonnaise since the oil will add more moisture.

Can I make this sandwich with other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella is great for melting, but you can try cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a different flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to the tuna mixture?

Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like chopped bell peppers, olives, or shredded carrots to the tuna salad to make it your own.

How can I make the sandwich crispier?

For an extra crispy sandwich, you can spread butter on the outside of both slices of bread before grilling, or even try pressing the sandwich down gently with a spatula while it cooks.

Can I make this Tuna Melt without cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter or vegan version.

Can I use any type of bread?

Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as sourdough, rye, or a baguette. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

How do I keep the tuna salad from being too wet?

Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly and consider using less mayonnaise if the mixture seems too wet. You can also add a little bit of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor without adding extra moisture.

Conclusion

This Perfect Tuna Melt is an easy, delicious comfort food that everyone will love. With creamy tuna salad, melted cheese, and crispy, buttery toast, it’s the perfect meal for any time of day. Whether you’re cooking for one or making sandwiches for the whole family, this simple recipe will deliver satisfying results every time. Enjoy!