Best Tuna Melt Recipes: Finding the Perfect Tuna Melt Recipe for You
Is there anything better than a warm, comforting tuna melt? This classic sandwich is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. And best of all, there are endless variations to keep things interesting. Whether you like your tuna melts with spinach and cheese, tomatoes and avocado, or another combo, this list of the best tuna melt recipes will have you covered.
This list of the best tuna melt recipes will highlight the top options and will allow you to find the perfect tuna melt recipe for your taste buds. From a classic tuna melt to a spicy tuna melt wrap, there is a recipe here for everyone.
Take a few minutes to check out our lists of the best Philly cheesesteak recipes, best roast beef sandwich recipes, and best pastrami sandwich recipes. They will pair up nicely with this list of the best tuna melt recipes and will also offer some tasty sandwiches.
Top 10 Tuna Melt Recipes:
1. Classic Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, bread, cheese
About Tuna Melt Recipe: This traditional tuna melt keeps it simple and satisfying with creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese layered between slices of perfectly toasted bread. It’s a comforting classic that’s easy to make and always a hit.
2. The Best Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Tuna fish, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, parsley, bread, cheddar cheese, tomato, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: A flavorful spin on the original, this tuna melt adds fresh parsley and juicy tomato slices for extra depth. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy tuna salad creates a melty, mouthwatering bite in every sandwich.
3. Ultimate Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Oil-packed tuna, red onion, celery, mayonnaise, dill, capers or pickled jalapeños, lemon juice, bread, American cheese or sharp cheddar, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: This upgraded version uses oil-packed tuna, dill, and capers or jalapeños for added flavor and brightness. Melted American or sharp cheddar cheese brings it all together on toasted, buttery bread for a rich, tangy finish.
4. The Best-Ever Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, bread, cheddar cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: Simple ingredients shine in this classic melt. Crisp celery and red onion give texture to the creamy tuna salad, while cheddar cheese melts into every bite. It’s grilled until golden and crisp for the perfect lunch.
5. Open-Faced Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Oil-packed tuna, celery, green onion, capers, mayonnaise, chile paste, mozzarella cheese, French bread, sharp white cheddar cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: Served open-faced on crusty French bread, this melt brings bold flavor with chile paste, capers, and two cheeses—mozzarella and sharp white cheddar. It’s broiled until bubbly and golden for a spicy, savory twist.
6. The Ultimate Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, bread, cheddar cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: A timeless version with creamy, lemony tuna salad and sharp cheddar cheese, this tuna melt is grilled until the bread is crisp and the cheese is irresistibly gooey. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly satisfying.
7. The Best Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Solid white albacore tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, bread, cheddar cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: Using solid white albacore tuna for a meatier texture, this melt features a simple mix of fresh ingredients and cheddar cheese. Toasted on the skillet with butter, it delivers the perfect balance of flavor and crunch.
8. Ultimate Tuna Melts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Tuna, celery, scallions, dill, lemon juice, mayonnaise, anchovy paste, bread, cheddar cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: Anchovy paste and dill take this tuna melt to gourmet levels. The salad is savory and complex, and once topped with cheddar and grilled to golden perfection, it becomes a standout sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.
9. How to Make THE BEST Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, bread, Havarti or Swiss cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: Creamy tuna salad meets melted Havarti or Swiss cheese in this indulgent version. Grilled until crisp on the outside and melty inside, it’s a rich, satisfying sandwich that’s both easy and impressive.
10. Best Tuna Melt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, bread, cheddar cheese, butter
About Tuna Melt Recipe: A go-to tuna melt recipe that’s all about balance—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and melty. With lemon juice and Dijon mustard enhancing the flavor, and cheddar cheese pulling it all together, this sandwich is comfort food done right.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Tuna Melt Recipes
Tuna melts are comfort food at their finest, and some recipes really take it to the next level. The Ultimate Tuna Melt stands out with its mix of oil-packed tuna and tangy capers or jalapeños—it’s a flavorful twist on a classic. For a simple yet satisfying option, the Classic Tuna Melt never fails, offering creamy tuna salad and melty cheese between crisp, buttery bread. If you’re after something bold and unique, the Open-Faced Tuna Melt with chile paste and dual cheeses is sure to be a new favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Melt Recipes
What is the best type of tuna to use for tuna melts?
Canned tuna packed in water or oil both work well, but oil-packed tuna tends to be richer and more flavorful. Solid white albacore is firmer, while light tuna is more flaky and mild. Choose based on your texture and taste preferences.
Can I make a tuna melt healthier?
Yes, use whole grain bread, light mayo or Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add veggies like spinach or tomato to increase nutrients and freshness without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of cheese works best in tuna melts?
Cheddar is the go-to choice for its sharpness and meltability, but other great options include Swiss, Havarti, provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a kick of spice.
What’s the best method to cook a tuna melt?
You can make a tuna melt on a skillet, panini press, or under the broiler. Skillet cooking gives you a golden, crispy crust, while broiling is perfect for open-faced melts with bubbly cheese.
Can I prepare tuna melt filling in advance?
Absolutely. Tuna salad can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes sandwich prep quicker and allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Tips for Making the Best Tuna Melt Sandwiches
1. Drain your tuna well. Excess liquid can make your sandwich soggy. Use a strainer or press it in the can to remove water or oil.
2. Use fresh ingredients. Crisp celery, sharp onion, and a bit of lemon juice will brighten your tuna salad and add great texture.
3. Butter the outside of the bread. This gives the sandwich a golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
4. Toast low and slow. Cooking your sandwich over medium heat ensures the bread gets crispy while giving the cheese enough time to melt.
5. Don’t overload the filling. Use enough tuna salad to satisfy, but not so much that it spills out and prevents the sandwich from cooking evenly.
Best Tuna Melt Recipes Conclusion
No matter which recipe you choose, a tuna melt sandwich is sure to be a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner. Plus, with these ten amazing recipes, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find the perfect one for your tastes.
So don’t hesitate – try out some of these tasty tuna melt combos today.!
Have you tried any of these tuna melt recipes? If so, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
