Crispy Tuna Melt (Printer View)

Buttery grilled sandwich with creamy tuna salad, gooey cheese and tangy pickles—comfort food ready in 20 minutes.

# Components:

→ Tuna salad

01 - 2 (5-oz) cans tuna in water, drained
02 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
03 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
05 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich assembly

08 - 8 slices sandwich bread (sourdough, rye, or white)
09 - 8 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
10 - 8–12 dill pickle chips or slices
11 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped red onion, finely chopped celery, parsley if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined and adjust seasoning to taste.
02 - Lay four bread slices on a work surface. Place a slice of cheese on each, divide the tuna mixture evenly over the cheese, top with dill pickle slices, then place another slice of cheese over the tuna and finish with the remaining bread slices to close each sandwich.
03 - Spread softened butter evenly over the outside faces of each sandwich, covering both the top and bottom slices.
04 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
05 - Place sandwiches buttered-side down on the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, let rest 1–2 minutes, slice in half, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's like a grilled cheese with an upgrade—more texture, more flavor, more fun.
  • One pan, basic ingredients, and a little patience reward you with serious comfort.
02 -
  • If you skimp on butter on the bread, you'll end up with pale, lackluster sandwiches—never again.
  • Adding the cheese both below and above the tuna locks in moisture and gives every bite that irresistible melted layer.
03 -
  • Let your butter sit out for perfect spreading—cold butter tears bread.
  • A small pinch of flaky salt on top after grilling makes every bite sing.
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