Traditional Tuna Melt

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 2
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you’re craving a classic comfort food with a bit of a crunch, this Traditional Tuna Melt is your answer. Perfectly balanced with creamy tuna, crisp celery, and melty cheddar, it’s a quick weekday meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Traditional Tuna Melt

Tuna: The star of the show, providing protein and a mild flavor base. Opt for a good-quality canned tuna for the best taste.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the tuna mixture together. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

Celery: Provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.

Onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and depth of flavor. You can use red or white onion, depending on your preference.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.

Bread: The vessel for our melt. Choose any bread you love, but a sturdy one will hold up better.

Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory flavor.

Butter: Creates a golden, crispy crust on the bread, making each bite irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

  • Drain the tuna well to avoid a soggy sandwich.
  • Use a spatula to press down slightly on the sandwiches while cooking. This helps the cheese melt evenly and gives a nice crust.
  • For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the tuna mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This Tuna Melt pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup, like tomato or minestrone. For a fun twist, serve with pickles or a side of coleslaw for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss or mozzarella are great alternatives if you prefer a milder flavor.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or mashed avocado can be used for a healthier alternative.

Traditional Tuna Melt Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. This ensures that when you add the sandwiches, they’ll cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust.

In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Take your slices of bread and spread butter on one side of each slice. This buttered side will hit the skillet first, creating that crispy, delicious exterior.

Place two slices of bread, butter side down, into the skillet. Quickly layer on the tuna mixture, spreading it evenly. Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.

Cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up. Allow the sandwiches to cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty.

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing. Enjoy the gooey, crunchy perfection.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy.
  • Uses pantry staples that you probably already have.
  • Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters.

Ingredients

2 cans of tuna (5 oz each)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 slices of bread
4 slices of cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
4. Place bread, butter side down, in the skillet.
5. Layer tuna mixture and cheese slice on bread.
6. Top with another bread slice, butter side up.
7. Cook until bread is golden and cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes per side.
8. Serve warm.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!