Crispy Tuna Melt Sandwich Recipe with Cheddar Cheese
A quick and easy crispy tuna melt sandwich with sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a satisfying lunch with a balance of crunch and creamy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich (1-2 servings) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (5 oz / 140 g) canned tuna, drained (chunk light tuna in water recommended)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (can substitute Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 slices cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
- 2 slices bread (sourdough or whole wheat recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained canned tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, and red onion if using. Mix well until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. (About 5 minutes)
- Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will be the outside of the sandwich. (About 2 minutes)
- Place one slice of bread butter-side down onto a skillet (off heat). Spread the tuna mixture evenly over the bread, then top with two slices of cheddar cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up. (About 3 minutes)
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted. Keep heat moderate to avoid burning.
- When both sides are crispy and cheese is gooey, remove the sandwich from the pan. Let it rest for a minute to firm up slightly.
- Cut the sandwich in half diagonally or down the middle and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
Butter the bread, not the pan, for even browning and less grease. Use medium heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts. Cover pan with lid if cheese is slow to melt. Avoid overloading tuna mixture to keep sandwich crispy. Bring bread to room temperature or lightly toast before assembling for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22.5
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 37.5
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32.5
Keywords: tuna melt, crispy sandwich, cheddar cheese, quick lunch, easy sandwich, tuna recipe, comfort food