My daughter is obsessed with tuna. I will buy 10-20 cans when it goes on sale, put some at the tip top of the pantry, and somehow they always disappear by time I go to make this delicious, supreme Tuna Melt sandwich.
THIS TIME, I hid some in an undisclosed location (a locked safe. HA!) and was able to make this perfect Tuna Melt.
It’s ooey-gooey and packed full of delicious flavor, and perfect for the nights when you just want to put something on the table super quick or for that lunch date with your friends.
The Perfect Tuna Melt
This Tuna Melt is so perfectly DELICIOUS and super easy to make recipe! It’s definitely not your classic Tuna melt!
Ingredients:
- Tuna, 2 x 5-oz cans, drained
- Onion, medium size, chopped
- Celery, 1/2 a stalk, chopped
- Garlic (1 clove), minced
- Parsley, 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Mayonnaise, 3-4 tablespoons
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3 tablespoons, divided
- Mozzarella, 1/3 cup, shredded
- Bread, sliced. A panini is a great option too!
- Butter, softened
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Serving:
Serves four. Though…if you have hungry eaters like I do, it could make 3 easy Tuna Melt sandwich recipes. 🙂
Directions:
Step 1: Drain water from tuna and put the tuna into a medium bowl.
Step 2: Chop onion, celery, and parsley. Mince garlic and add ingredients to tuna.
Step 3: Add mayonnaise, olive oil (for a lighter version, omit olive oil), and mozzarella cheese. Combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Salt and pepper to taste.
*Note: I try to add in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil a little bit because it’s healthier than mayonnaise, but you have to add mayonnaise because just using the olive oil alone and no mayonnaise would be gross. 🙂 If you want to just use mayonnaise, totally fine, but again for me, I try to use a little olive oil to make it a tad healthier. 🙂
Step 4: Place a non-stick skillet on the stove and add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. When the skillet is hot, take a slice of bread and generously spread butter on one side.
Adding butter AND extra virgin olive oil helps the cooking process. The olive oil helps the crust not burn as fast so that you get a golden brown exterior, not burnt. 🙂 The butter adds the flavor and helps it toast up better. It’s a great trick to use when toasting bread on the stove top to use BOTH (the flavors play well together and comes out super yummy!)
Step 5: Place the bread (buttered side down) in the hot skillet. Be sure to keep the temp at a consistent heat (and don’t cook too fast.)
Step 6: Using a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of tuna mixture on bread while it is browning.
Step 7: Butter another slice of bread with butter and place non-buttered side on top of tuna.
Step 8: Using a spatula, check to see if the bread is grilled and toasted brown. If so, turn the tuna melt over and grill the other side until it’s golden brown. Bon appétit!
As an alternative, you could use a toastie maker or a George Foreman type grill instead!
Download The Perfect Tuna Melt Recipe free printable here.
Switch it up…
Don’t have bread on hand? No problem, substitute with English muffins.
Want less carbs? No problem, substitute with tomatoes instead. Cut the tomatoes in half and use as bread. Yum! Grill and just use the olive oil (omit butter) for that option.
Open Faced Tuna Melt? Use one side of the bread or an English muffin as an open faced sandwich and the other side (top), put a couple tomato slices and voila, you have a perfect open faced tuna melt on English muffin.
Open faced Tuna sandwich with avocado? Avocados seem to be all the rage right now. It makes a meal seem more gourmet! Do the same recipe as the above, except exchange the tomato slices for avocado. 🙂
Another really great idea for Tuna that I like to do for quick lunches for friends. Grab two Albacore Tunas in the pouch (water). Add chopped celery (1-2 stalks), chopped pickles (1-2 spears), and a small can of olives. Add a teaspoon of mustard and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Salt and pepper to taste. Use that mixture on saltine crackers or bread.
Make it healthier. Use healthier tuna. Here’s what I started using most recently, Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna. You can get it on Amazon there at the link. I buy it at my local co-op for $4.99. I know it’s spendy but I encourage you to do a taste test. Buy an Albacore Tuna pouch in water at your local store or canned tuna, whatever you want. Open both your kind of tuna and the Wild Planet Tuna. Taste the Wild Planet Tuna FIRST, THEN taste your tuna. After tasting your tuna, your mouth will definitely tell the difference. You’ll taste a metallic taste. Wild Planet’s you won’t. You will, like me, never go back to any other tuna again! 🙂
Other ideas to make this recipe healthier:
- Use more tuna, less cheese.
- Don’t butter the bread, just use extra virgin olive oil.
Metal Detox
No matter what you do, no matter what you eat, our bodies love to collect metal toxins.
If it’s something that concerns you, not to worry, put a couple drops of therapeutic grade Cilantro essential oil on the bottom of your feet.
Cilantro is known for binding to the metals in our bodies and helps clear them from our system. I like to use a couple drops every day, whether I’m eating Tuna or not because metal is seriously everywhere.
The Perfect Tuna Melt
Ingredients
- Tuna, 2 x 5oz cans, drained
- Onion, medium size, chopped
- Celery, 1/2 a stalk, chopped
- Garlic (1 clove), minced
- Parsley, 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Mayonnaise, 3-4 tablespoons
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3 tablespoons, divided
- Mozzarella, 1/3 cup, shredded
- Bread, sliced
- Butter, softened
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain water from tuna and put the tuna into a medium bowl.
- Chop onion, celery, and parsley. Mince garlic and add ingredients to tuna.
- Add mayonnaise, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese. Combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a non-stick skillet on the stove and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the skillet is hot, take a slice of bread and generously spread butter on one side.
- Place the bread (buttered side down) in the hot skillet.
- Using a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of tuna salad on bread while it is browning.
- Butter another slice of bread with butter and place non-buttered side on top of tuna.
- Using a spatula, check to see if the bread is toasted brown. If so, turn the tuna melt over and grill the other side until it's golden brown.
Sue says
Sarah, I made your tuna melt the other day and it was delicious! The only suggestion I might offer is that I used a cast iron grill pan
and used organic coconut oil instead of olive oil. I still buttered the bread and I added some parmesan cheese to the outside but when you cook it in coconut oil it has a higher heat point so it won’t burn. Instead, you get a crispy outside that looks fantastic. Anyway, I had never made one before and yours was absolutely delicicious! I even put pictures on my Facebook page of it lol.
Sarah Titus says
Oh, that’s awesome Sue! I’ll have to try it with coconut oil next time. 🙂 Great idea!
Rikki says
How much olive oil do you add to the Tuna mixture?
Maria says
I’m guessing 2 Tablespoons because she says to put the 1 T. in pan before placing bread.
Linda says
I luv tuna melts, I add diced apple and use mayo instead of butter on the outside of the bread.
Anonymous says
Hi Sarah,
Your pic of your Tuna melt sandwich is amazingly beautiful ! Looks so delicious! I’m trying your recipe ASAP!
Thanks for sharing!
GV of Denver, CO
Phyl says
Have you found a certain brand that holds it better to this grilled sandwich? Looks like you have chosen a sourdough in your picture.
Shay says
A restaurant I used to work at made really good chicken salad melts on sourdough. They were so good! While I was reading this,I thought sourdough would be perfect!
Sarah Titus says
Yeah, I’ve made it on sourdough as well. So yummy. 🙂 The chicken salad melt sounds amazing!
Rita says
I bet rye bread would be tasty also 🙂
Michelle says
Avocado oil has also a higher heat point
Love your recipe , making it tonight but using avocado oil thank you
mrssnow1 says
Hey Sue – thanks for the additional tips – and Sarah, I’m definitely going to try this – tuna melts are one of my favorite meals and I tend to cook with coconut oil too. Definitely doesn’t hurt to try a perfect tuna melt. Is there a type of canned tuna or brand you prefer? Also curious what kind of bread you find works best.
Sarah Titus says
Just really depends on what your favorite ingredients are or what you have on hand. Hard to say since everyone has different tastes.
mollie duvall says
I like rye bread with tuna melts. Also, (
no offense to anyone) I never use water canned tuna. The flavor in the oil packed fish is soooo much better!
Sarah Titus says
It is, you’re right. I like the flavor pouch better too. 🙂
Sarah says
Can I use a bit of cream of celery soup instead of celery? I don’t have any. And I only have cheddar cheese.
Maryann says
I would use celery salt rather than soup. Cheddar would be fine.
Veronika says
I love tuna melts! Just had one yesterday. I normally use gruyere but I’ll definitely try you’re recipe with mozzarella next time!
Natalie says
OK so this sandwich looks amazingly delicious. I’m going to have to try this immediately. Thanks Sarah!
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely! Yes, definitely try it! 🙂
Valerie says
Hi, Sue!
Joanna says
Just reading this made my mouth water. I will definetly try this in the future. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Joanna. Hope you like it. 🙂
Rikki says
How much olive oil do I add to the tuna mixture. Thanks
Sarah Titus says
3 Tablespoons
Katie says
Yum! Now I’m hungry. I LOVE tuna melts, especially with tomato.
Amber says
I just made this for lunch and it is the best tuna melt I’ve ever had! Thanks for the great recipe it’s definitely a keeper!
Sarah Titus says
Glad you like it Amber! 🙂
Greg says
I use sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella
Septemberqueen says
Oh my goodness, these are the best!!!!!!!
Sarah Titus says
Glad you like it. 🙂
Beverly says
I use mayo on bread instead of oil; comes out great.
Sarah Titus says
Sounds yummy. 🙂
Nancy Moore says
I LOVE tuna, and tuna melts. I’m vegan now, but I may make an exception. I’ll use gluten free bread, fake cheese, and real tuna. What I wanted to tell you is that I hope your daughter doesn’t eat so much tuna these days. It’s really not safe with all the Mercury it contains. I’m sorry, but it’s really not. Mercury is the cause for Alzheimers and Autism, as well as many other problems. All the best to you!
Sarah Titus says
Yeah, we definitely keep that in mind here. I don’t let her eat a ton of it. 🙂 I also use Cilantro essential oil as a detox for Mercury, which helps a lot. Thank you for looking out for us. <3
Anonymous says
Also, use Skip jack tuna. It’s a small fish, so it has little mercury.
Pamela says
Try Safe Catch tuna. The company tests the mercury level of each fish before packing and does not pack those with high levels.
Rose says
Love Safe Natural Catch! Wild caught yellow fin tuna in olive oil. I have never tasted a better tuna! Making this tonight!
Rikki says
If you don’t use the olive oil how much mayo do you add? Thanks
Jen says
It’s the middle of the night, but my stomach woke me up, screaming, “Feed me!” (I only ate a sandwich today, period.) I wanted to distract myself, so I got online .. and found this recipe! LOL! So, I made this sandwich. Oh man, it was good! I went down to one can, 1/2 onion, and didn’t have any celery or parley, although I bet that would have made it even better. Still, MAN THIS WAS GOOD! Gosh, if you’re reading this, try it. It was so good, I can’t wait to share this with my 18 year old daughter. Thank you for sharing!
Sarah Titus says
Glad you liked it Jen. 🙂
Michelle says
Hi, I’d like to try your tuna melt recipe, I’ve heard of tuna melts, I’ve never had one, but we are desperate for something different. What might go great as a side? Then again, tuna is pretty filling so a side may not be needed huh?
Well thanks for sharing, I’ve pinned this tuna melt recipe, and will make it.
Robbie Bryant says
About 40 years ago I went to lunch at a little up scaled place. I ordered the soup and sandwich of the day. It turned out to be a tuna melt and french onion soup. Needless to say, my lunch was outstanding!
Teeda says
The picture looks soooo good. I just wonder how you got the crust on all sides so crispy. I always try to do it like the pic and it never turns out this way, lol
Sarah Titus says
Still eats well without the sides crispy. 😉
Judy says
How much tuna? Does not give a can size.
Sarah Titus says
Just the regular size cans. I would get the oz for you, but my daughter ate them all…again. lol. Good thing I only bought 3 cans this time! 🙂
Erin says
Hi Sarah- your tuna melt recipe sounds yummy. Forgive me if this is intrusive but please make sure your daughter isn’t consuming too much tuna per week. There are serious concerns with mercury buildup in your blood stream from eating too much canned tuna. You can find a lot of information on the internet.
Sarah Titus says
Erin, thank you for letting me know. Yeah, I watch that with her very closely. Most of the time, we buy the pouches, which I think is healthier than canned. We also don’t purchase the Albacore tuna (which is higher in Mercury), but the regular chunk tuna. 🙂 Thanks again.
Mona says
There’s mercury in vaccines as well and it’s higher levels than tuna. Just so you know.
Denise says
Does this recipe make 2 sandwiches? I can’t wait to make them my husband isn’t so sure but I think he’s even gonna like them, right? Lol
Sarah Titus says
Depends how much filling you put in your sandwiches. I personally make 3, because I’m a single mom with two kids. 🙂 Yeah, I think he’d like it.
Tracy says
I added wasabi sauce. If you like wasabi, it makes the sandwich very good! Whole family enjoyed!!!
Sarah Titus says
Thank you Tracy for the tip; I’ve not tried that. Glad your family liked it. 🙂
Tess says
How many melts will this recipe make? I’m cooking it for two adults and a growing teen boy. Should I double any ingredients? Sounds absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to make it.
Sarah Titus says
For a growing teen boy, yeah, I’d double the recipe. 🙂
Emily Arnold says
I am a very senior senior. Do everything myself, and momentum is what keeps me going! Anyway, I just printed out The Perfect Tuna Melt and will try it out on my husband who just loves melts. His favorite at the present is Reuben, and I know this one will be right up there on top too. I may, on my second try, make it on my OptiGrill if that looks feasible. Please wish me luck!
Sarah Titus says
I’m sure he will love it Emily. 🙂
Sally says
That tuna melt, I have to say was so good. My son said, “Mom, where did you get that at? It was the bomb.” I love to hear my kids so happy. Thank you.
Sarah Titus says
So glad your family liked it Sally! 🙂
Sheryl says
This really is the BEST tuna melt. The only thing I do different is press 2 garlic cloves rather than mince 1 garlic clove. If you love garlic, it really adds a superb flavor to the tuna. Also, if I don’t have mozzerella, I use Monterey Jack which melts beautifully!
Sarah Titus says
Glad you like it Sheryl. 🙂 mmmmm…..Monterey Jack…you’re making me hungry. 🙂
Melissa says
This was terrific! I left out the olive oil and used 2T of fresh lemon juice. Thanks for a great lunch! My hubby was super excited about it too! Definitely my new “go-to!”
Sarah Titus says
Glad you like it Melissa and good to see you making the recipe all your own! 🙂
Samra says
My husband is not a fan of tuna but when I made this sandwich, he kept on asking for more. He now loves it so much that he asks for this as breakfast every now and then. I love it too…. very easy to make and even if you omit some of the ingredients, it is still nice. Thanks for this yummy recipe.
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Samra. So glad you like it. 🙂
Haven says
I love these. Of course I had to modify as I don’t like celery, but I love pickle relish in my tuna…I also added an American single cheese slice.
It was an ooey gooey tuna grilled cheese. So good.
T Brown says
I tried this, and while very yummy I was overwhelmed by raw onion. Next time I will rinse the onion before adding it to the mix.
Sarah Titus says
You can also omit the onion. 🙂
Linda says
Another great addition to a tuna melt is chopped dill pickle along with the sharp cheddar.
Amanda says
I just made this and it was my first ever tuna melt. It was amazing!! I used marble cheese cuz that’s all I had and so good!!
Sarah Titus says
Glad you liked it Amanda. 🙂
Wayde says
I made a broccoli slaw to go with melt. Used provolone and cheddar. Fantastic.
Lori Ames says
How many tuna melts does this make!? I have three hungry boys!
Sarah Titus says
It will depend on how much you fill within the sandwich, but with three hungry boys, I’d double the recipe at least. 🙂
Lori Servia says
This is “The” Perfect Tuna Melt!! My picky nine year old loved it too! Thanks for the awesome recipe! We will be making it often!☺
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Lori. So glad your little one ate it! YAY! 🙂
Melanie says
We made this tonight and it was delicious! I did not use the olive oil and just butter to toast the bread! I also did green onions in place of regular ones. I did used gluten free Canyon House bread and it was really good! Thanks for the recipe.
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Melanie. So glad you liked it. 🙂
Dee Dee Puddy says
I am just wondering, what is the purpose of the olive oil being added to the mixture before you grill it?
Sarah Titus says
Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a little bit healthier than using just butter. You still want to use butter, for the flavor aspect, but it helps you not have to use as much butter. I hope you enjoy the recipe, Dee Dee!
Wendy says
I made these tonight for my family and friends – 9 of us total – and everyone loved them! I will definitely be making them again!
Sarah Titus says
Wendy, I’m so glad you enjoyed the tuna melts. It’s one of my favorite quick meals to make! Thanks for sharing! <3
Deborah Johnson says
I love a good tuna melt and yours hit the mark! Thanks for sharing.
Sarah Titus says
Deborah, I’m so glad you liked it. It’s one of the best ones I’ve ever had, too!
Cass says
Hello, can I sub the mayo out and use plain Greek yogurt? If not, any other substitutes for mayo? I’m not a fan of it! Thank you
Cass says
Well I tried it with plain Greek yogurt and these were still delicious!
Sarah Titus says
I think it’s great with you put your own spin on the recipes. I’m glad you enjoyed the tuna melt! <3
Louise Furstenburg says
Delicious and easy to make .
Sarah Titus says
Glad you like it Louise. 🙂
Sharon says
I use a little lemon juice in tuna mixture.
Pete says
Can’t wait to try this. Not sure if you have standard size cans over there but when I visited the supermarket (down under) there was a huge variety of sizes. Can you elaborate? Thanks for a great recipe!
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely. The tuna can size used in this recipe is 5 oz. You’ll need two of them. 🙂
Sarah says
I’d like to know how many sandwiches this makes. Also, will this cook the tuna thoroughly? I like my tuna really well done
Sarah Titus says
It will depend on how much you fill within the sandwich. For cooking it thoroughly, I would cook on a lower heat for longer, or cover the pan with a lid while cooking so the steam cooks it better.
Lisa G says
This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it.
Davey says
Miss sarah your recipe looks wonderful I always follow recipes to a tee if you don’t mind I don’t know what country you’re in but what kind of bread did you use it looks delicious please advise that is the kind I want specifically I don’t like substitutions thank you in advance!
Sarah Titus says
I’m in the USA. 🙂 This time I used Breadsmith, but usually I use Seattle Sourdough Baking Bread (classic or waterfront). 🙂 Just a good “sturdy” bread will work. As long as it can hold up to the sandwich. I wouldn’t use regular, cheapy bread for this particular recipe.
Tina says
Oh my goodness! I am hooked 🙂 At first I thought, “what, add olive oil and cheese to the tuna instead of butter the bread and add a slice of cheese “? I decided to try it…what a difference! I added green onion instead of onion and use red bell pepper instead of celery (I didn’t have celery which is a staple in my house…eek). I will make it this way forever! Thank you so much!
Sarah Titus says
So glad you liked it. 🙂
Sudeepa says
Just made them…they were a winner..Thanks Sarah
Sarah Titus says
So glad you liked it. 🙂
Tina says
The.best.tuna.melt.evah!
Jerry says
would relish added to the tuna mixture be good?
Sarah Titus says
It’s really a matter of taste, you could try it, but I don’t think it would do well with the melted cheese. It might be too many flavors.
Kathy says
Wow, this looks delicious! All except the celery…:-)
Diane says
Oh my! This looks amazing! Now to figure out how to make a ‘grain-free’ version!
ALSO… thanks for tip on metal detoxing with cilantro!
Sarah Titus says
Yeah, Cilantro is awesome for that! 🙂
Shinga Gwatidzo says
I’ll definitely be trying this one,it looks delish.
Sarah Titus says
Awesome! Let us know how it goes. 🙂
Stephanie H. says
I love a good tuna melt! This is definitely on my menu planner for the next round.
Sarah Titus says
That’s great. Let us know how you like it. <3
Deanna says
We love tuna around here (still make my grandmother’s tuna casserole several times a year, but I add more veggies to make it a one-dish meal!).
Thanks for sharing this recipe… looks amazing! Definitely going to try it soon!!
Angie says
What kind of bread did you use for your sandwich at looks really great
Sarah Titus says
The first time, I don’t remember now, but the second time I made it for this post (second set of pictures), it is the Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread, but any sturdy-in-the-middle bread will work. 🙂
Dixie Lee says
Thanks for sharing. While hubby is a big fan of tuna, I’m not but your recipe looks so good I’m going to give it try.
Jan says
Try very thin spread of mayonaise on Outside of bread instead of butter. It gives it that crunchy deli texture. Beware of too much tuna due to mercury issues with this fish.
Luquita Kroll says
Fabulous! Just made it. Thanks for the recipe!
Nancy says
How would Miracle Whip work instead of mayo instead it is all I have.
Sarah Titus says
I don’t use that brand, but I think it would be the same as mayo. 🙂
DAVE WYLLIE says
I MIGHT TRY THIS TOMORROW.IM EXPECTING A SHORT DAY.I AM A FRONT LINER.YES I WORK IN A HOSPITAL,HOWEVER WE ARE NOT SNOWED UNDER YET. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED
Will says
Sarah,
Do you think this will be good by using a sandwich maker? Nothing changed from your recipes aside from buttering the bread and using the sandwich maker.
Sarah Titus says
I think it would still be really good. Without the butter/oil combo, the bread won’t be as tasty, but definitely a way you could go and try it. I think it would be really good. 🙂
Will says
Ok, thanks. I was thinking of keeping that combination on the outsides of the bread.
Lois says
Can the tuna melts be made ahead, thinking they would be good for work and I usually do a 3 day meal prep.
Sarah Titus says
I think they would get soggy. 🙁
BelindaS says
Made this for lunch and used marble rye for the bread. All I can say is WOW! It was fantastic! Thanks for the recipe
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely. <3 Glad you like it and made it all your own. 🙂
Linda Y-D says
My husband and I both loved this tuna melt recipe. It was delicious! Will definetly be making it again. I also used your oil/butter tip on the bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich and it turned out fantastic. Best tip ever!!! Thanks so much for posting. It really was a game changer. I’ve always had trouble making grilled cheese sandwiches, so my husband was pretty shocked when I used your oil/butter tip and made one of the best he had ever had!
Sarah Titus says
So glad it helped. The oil will crisp it better than butter, but the butter makes it taste better, so you use both for the perfect crisp/flavor combo. 🙂 For grilled cheese sandwiches, sometimes the bread gets too burned and the cheese not melted. If that’s happening to you (?) you can turn the stove on medium to medium-high and sit there and watch it (put a lid on the pan) so that the steam melts the cheese faster and the bread is just toasting at it’s normal rate. After like 2-3 mins, check it and you will have a great combination: melted cheese and the bread is just toasty! I do that sometimes with hamburger too, to get the inside brown and not pink. 🙂 The steam will cook it. But you have to stand there and watch it, b/c things like grilled cheese can burn quickly.
Nell Krieger says
Sarah I just made this for lunch today and it was totally delicious.
Sarah Titus says
So glad you liked it. <3
TKH says
Look so yummy.
Steve says
Great recipe!! I made it omitting the olive oil in the tuna mixture and added 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the mix. I also topped the tuna mixture with a slice of American cheese during the grilling process. Came out great!!!