The Best Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe

Once you take a bite of this sandwich you will know why it has been given the honor of being called The Best Tuna Melt Sandwich recipe. Not only is it delicious and full of flavor, it is made and ready to eat in under 15 minutes!

Light and flaky bits of tuna seasoned and mixed with a little mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Then it is spread on a slice of bread and topped with tomato slices and cheese.

Once it is placed on a griddle the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and the bread becomes toasted to a golden brown color. All that is left to do is to slice the sandwich in half and enjoy a quick, easy and delicious meal!

As easy it is to make, you may be wondering how such a simple mixture could taste that good. However, by using the specific ingredients and measurements listed below, I can guarantee you that this sandwich will become one of your favorites.

Why Make A Tuna Melt Sandwich?

I have to admit, when I am struggling to find a quick and easy recipe to make for lunch or dinner, I rarely think about pulling out a can of tuna from my pantry. Instead, I usually keep the cans to make a healthier version of Tuna Noodle Casserole.

However once I do make the sandwich and take the first bite, I always wonder why I don’t make it more often. It is so good and so easy that it should be one of the first things that I think of not only when looking for a quick meal, but when searching for a delicious and satisfying meal.

1. Ready To Eat In 15 Minutes

From start to finish this recipe takes only 15 minutes to make. Therefore it is the perfect recipe to make on a busy weeknight.

It requires only a few basic ingredients, most of which you most likely already have in your kitchen. It is a good option for a quick lunch or dinner when you don’t have much time to prepare a more elaborate meal.

However, if you do any type of meal preparation, it can be done and ready to eat even faster. Instead of starting from scratch, make the tuna mixture a day or two in advance.

As we all know, just like Chicken Salad, it tastes even better a day or two after it is made. Then when it comes to lunch or dinner, simply spread it on a slice of bread and top it with tomato slices and cheese.

In less than 10 minutes, you will be sinking your teeth into a hot and delicious tuna melt sandwich.

2. Satisfying Meal

Tuna is a low-calorie, high-protein food that can help to promote feelings of fullness and satiety. When paired with whole-grain bread and fresh vegetables it becomes a balanced meal that will leave you feeling satisfied for hours.

3. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna can help to reduce inflammation and support heart health. In addition, adding tuna to your diet may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for brain health. Some studies have show that it may help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

4. An Easy Lent Recipe

Now that the Easter season is among us, many people will abstain from eating meat on Friday. This is the time period when you will notice all of the fast food establishments promote meals that include fish.

Therefore this Tuna Melt Sandwich is the perfect addition to your Friday menu rotation.

What Type of Tuna?

With so many varieties of tuna on the market you may wonder which one is best to purchase. Although flavor is a big factor in determining which tuna is best for you, there is an ever larger issue that you should consider when buying tuna.

Choose tuna that is sustainably sourced for both health and environmental reasons. Look for labels on the package that indicate that the tuna has certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Dolphin Safe label.

Then when it comes to making a tuna melt sandwich the best tuna to use is solid (not chunk light) tuna canned in extra virgin olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil intensifies the flavor of the tuna when compared to when it is packed in water.

Yes this adds a few extra calories to the meal, however, the taste is well worth it in my opinion. Although if you prefer to use tuna in water, you can always add a drizzle or two of your own extra virgin olive oil to the mixture.

Recipe Variations

Although the recipe below is the best mixture to make a tuna melt sandwich, feel free to switch up the ingredients to your taste preference. Below I have listed some common recipe variations.

• Replace tarragon with dried dill.
• Add a chopped hard boiled egg to the tuna mixture.
• Add minced or diced onion instead of diced green onion.
• Add diced celery for added crunch.
• Use another variety of cheese such as Gruyère, Swiss, provolone, or extra sharp cheddar.
• Use whole grain, rye or whole wheat bread.

The Best Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 thinly sliced green onion, whites and greens
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon (or dried dill)
• Zest of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 3/4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 (5-ounce) can solid white tuna in oil (or water), well drained and flaked
• 4 slices bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick (sourdough, French or Italian bread)
• 4 thin slices of tomato
• 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened at room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE TUNA MELT SANDWICHES

In a medium size bowl add the diced green onion, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and mayonnaise. Mix until well incorporated.

Fold in the drained and flaked white tuna until well distributed. Lay out two slices of bread. Equally divide and spread the tuna mixture onto the two pieces of bread.

Top each piece of bread with the tuna with two tomato slices and half of the grated cheese. Spread one side of each of the two remaining pieces of bread with butter.

Cover each sandwich with a piece of bread, butter side up. Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat.

Place the sandwiches, buttered side down onto the hot surface. While the sandwiches grill carefully spread the butter on each top piece of bread.

Cook until the bottom piece of bread is nice and golden brown. Use a firm spatula to flip the sandwiches and continue to cook for until the other side is golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.

Remove the tuna melt sandwiches from the heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve warm.

Enjoy! Mary

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