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A classic tuna melt sandwich is a delicious and easy lunch or dinner. Hot, cheesy, with crisp toasted bread, this nostalgic recipe is simply the best!

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Why I Love This Recipe

The Oven Baked Tuna Melt is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s quick, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. Like our favorite tuna noodle casserole, this is a classic family-friendly recipe.

The combination of creamy tuna salad, melted cheddar cheese, and toasted bread creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples and transform them into a delicious meal in minutes.

Ingredients

canned tuna
mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
chopped celery
red onion
kosher dill pickles
bread
sharp cheddar cheese
salt and black pepper

Step by Step

Prepare the tuna salad: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayo, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, chopped dill pickles, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the sandwiches: Place the tuna mixture on 2 slices of bread, spreading it evenly. Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.
Broil in the oven: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil on low until the cheese is melted and bubbly and bread is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and slice them in half.

Tips for Best Results

Use good quality tuna packed in water for the best flavor and texture.
Feel free to customize the tuna salad with your favorite ingredients, such as chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, relish, olives, or herbs.
Experiment with the type of cheese: havarti, American cheese, and provolone are other great options.
For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices before assembling the sandwiches.
If you prefer a crispier texture, toast the bread lightly before adding the tuna mixture and cheese.

two halves of a tuna melt stacked on a plate with chips

Serving suggestions

I typically serve tuna melts with a simple side of potato chips or a simple salad with Greek dressing, homemade ranch, or my favorite poppy seed dressing. it’s also great with other mixed salads like egg salad or chicken salad.

Storage

Tuna Melt Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven, in a skillet, or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!