Description

This Crispy Golden Tuna Melt with Ultra-Creamy Filling is a warm, comforting sandwich with a golden, crunchy crust and a rich, cheesy tuna center. It comes together fast with simple pantry ingredients and tastes like a diner-style classic made right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Filling
2 cans tuna, drained well
1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or cheese blend
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon relish or finely chopped pickles
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Sandwich
4 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, sourdough, or Texas toast)
2–3 tablespoons softened butter
Optional: pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs for the crust

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Instructions

Make the Tuna Filling: In a medium bowl, add the drained tuna and break it apart with a fork. Stir in the mayonnaise, shredded cheese, red onion, and relish until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional hot sauce, lemon juice, or paprika to taste.
Prep the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle a small pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs over the buttered sides.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, into a cool nonstick or cast-iron skillet. Spoon a generous layer of tuna filling over the bread and spread it evenly. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling for the second sandwich.
Cook Until Golden: Turn the skillet to medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crisp. Carefully flip with a spatula and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes, pressing gently so the filling warms through and the cheese melts.
Rest and Slice: Transfer the tuna melts to a cutting board and let them rest for about 1 minute so the filling can thicken slightly. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

Drain the tuna very well so the filling stays thick and creamy instead of watery. Cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat so the bread becomes deeply golden without burning while the inside heats through. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese directly on top of the filling before closing the sandwich. Serve with chips, a salad, or tomato soup for a complete comfort meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 65mg