Crispy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Print view)

Golden grilled bread with creamy tuna, melted cheese and pickles — a quick, comforting lunch in 20 minutes.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Tuna Salad

01 - 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) tuna in water, drained
02 - 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
03 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
05 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

08 - 8 slices sandwich bread (sourdough, rye, or white)
09 - 8 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
10 - 8–12 dill pickle chips or slices
11 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
02 - Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Top 4 slices with a slice of cheese, then divide the tuna salad evenly among them. Top with pickle slices and another slice of cheese.
03 - Cover with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
04 - Spread butter evenly on the outside of each sandwich (both top and bottom).
05 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches, buttered side down, on the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice in half and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crunch of the bread and gooey cheese is a little secret comfort only the cook truly knows until they share it.
  • It comes together so quickly that you can have a satisfying lunch in less time than it takes to scrounge through your fridge for other options.
02 -
  • If you rush the skillet heat, the bread can burn before the cheese melts; patience is key for gooey centers.
  • Layering cheese on both sides of the tuna salad keeps everything fudgy and contained when you bite in.
03 -
  • Press gently with your spatula while grilling—the contact gives maximum crust without squishing out the filling.
  • Letting the sandwich sit a minute before slicing keeps the cheese from running all over your board.
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