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Golden toasted sourdough tuna melt with melted yellow cheddar cheese dripping down the side
american Easy lunch

Crispy Cheddar Tuna Melt

Flaky albacore tuna salad seasoned with celery, red onion, and Dijon, toasted on sourdough with bubbling melted sharp cheddar.

Prep
10 min
Cook
6 min
Total
16 min
Servings
2

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, flake drained tuna with a fork.
  2. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, diced celery, red onion, capers, lemon juice, chopped dill, pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
  3. Butter one side of each sourdough bread slice generously.
  4. Lay 2 slices buttered-side down on a cutting board. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each.
  5. Divide tuna salad evenly over the cheese slices. Top with remaining cheddar cheese slices.
  6. Top with remaining sourdough slices, buttered-side facing up.
  7. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until bread is deep golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
  8. Slice in half diagonally and serve with dill pickle spears.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Essential Tips

  • Placing cheese on both the top and bottom seals the tuna salad inside the melted cheese blanket
  • Cook on medium-low heat so the cheddar melts before the bread browns too quickly
  • Thoroughly drain tuna cans so the sandwich does not become watery

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

  • 30+ grams of protein per sandwich from lean albacore tuna
  • Crispy butter-browned bread with warm, gooey melted cheddar
  • Bright, zesty tuna salad without being overly heavy on mayo
  • Fast comfort food ready in under 15 minutes

🔄 Delicious Variations

  • Open-Faced Melt: Broil under oven broiler for 5 minutes instead of pan-frying
  • Add sliced ripe tomato and avocado
  • Spicy Melt: Add chopped pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What tuna is best for a melt?
Solid white albacore packed in water holds its shape best and has a clean, mild flavor.
How do I ensure the cheese melts thoroughly?
Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes while cooking to trap the melting heat.
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