This is how the iconic Tuna Melt was invented 😳
This is how the iconic Tuna Melt was invented 😳 is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Boyd Brown III on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $3.77 total, $1.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 can Canned Tuna (5‑oz can, drained)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (full‑fat for creaminess)
- 1 stalk Celery (finely diced, optional for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons Red Onion (finely diced, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (adds tang)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 4 slices Bread (sturdy bread such as sourdough, toasted on both sides)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, for spreading on outer sides of bread)
- 4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or American cheese if preferred)
Instructions
Prepare Tuna Salad
In the mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir with the fork until evenly mixed but still slightly chunky.
Time: PT5M
Butter the Bread
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. These buttered sides will be the exterior that contacts the skillet.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Sandwiches
Place a slice of cheese on the un‑buttered side of two bread slices. Top each with an equal portion of the tuna salad, then add another slice of cheese and finish with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Time: PT3M
Cook the Tuna Melts
Heat the skillet over medium heat (about 350°F). Place the sandwiches buttered side down and cook for 2‑3 minutes, pressing lightly with the spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip and cook the other side another 2‑3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for 1 minute to allow the filling to set, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free bread, Can be dairy‑free using vegan cheese, Low‑carb version: use lettuce wraps instead of bread
Allergens: Fish, Dairy, Gluten, Eggs (mayonnaise)
Last updated: April 17, 2026






