My Tuna Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines flaky tuna, shredded sharp cheddar, crispy bacon and fresh tomatoes, all grilled on buttery bread for a melty, satisfying tuna melt.
The Best Grilled Tuna Melt Recipe
Tuna sandwiches are endlessly versatile, from a simple tuna salad on soft bread to an indulgent grilled melt. This version goes all in: crispy bacon, lightly salted fresh tomato slices, aromatic herbs, and a buttery, parmesan-crusted exterior for an extra flavor boost.
Salting the tomatoes for a few minutes concentrates their flavor and improves texture, and adding bacon brings a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with cheddar. Brushing the bread with butter and sprinkling with grated Parmesan gives the sandwich a golden, slightly crisp crust when grilled.
Recipe Ingredients
These ingredients make a rich, well-balanced sandwich. Adjust quantities to taste or to serve more people.
- Tomato: 1 fresh tomato, thinly sliced
- Salt: Kosher or regular, to taste (for salting tomatoes)
- Tuna: 1 can (6–8 oz) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- Fresh basil: About 4 leaves, chopped
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Onion: 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (or your preference)
- Bread: 4 sturdy slices (sourdough, rye, or whole wheat work well)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, room temperature (for the outside of the bread)
- Parmesan: 2 tablespoons grated, to press into the buttered bread
- Bacon: 4 slices, cooked to desired crispness
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for grilling in the skillet
Other Cheese Variations
If you want to switch from cheddar, try any of these to change the flavor profile:
- Pepper Jack for spice
- Swiss for a mild, nutty melt
- Muenster for extra creaminess
- Colby Jack for a mellow, melty option
- American for classic, uniform melting
How to Make a Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This is a simple grilled sandwich technique—assemble evenly, then cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Salt tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices on a plate and sprinkle with salt; let them sit for about 15 minutes.
- Mix tuna and cheese: In a bowl, combine the drained, flaked tuna, shredded cheddar, chopped basil, thyme and red onion; stir to combine.
- Prepare bread: Brush the outside of each bread slice with butter. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the buttered side and press it in so it adheres.
- Assemble: On the unbuttered side of two slices, divide the tuna-cheese mixture, top with tomato slices and bacon, then close with the remaining bread (buttered sides facing out).
- Grill: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula before flipping, until both sides are golden and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet, cut in half and enjoy hot.
Tips for Success
- Tomato choice: Use firmer tomatoes with less watery pulp—Roma or plum varieties work well. If slices are small, use more than one tomato.
- Bread choice: Pick a sturdy, thick-sliced bread to support the fillings: sourdough, rye, whole wheat, or sprouted bread are all good options.
- Even layering: Spread the tuna-cheese mix evenly so each bite has a good balance of tuna, cheese and bacon.
- Medium heat: Cook over medium heat so the bread browns without burning while the interior heats through and the cheese melts.
What Goes with a Tuna Melt?
The sandwich is hearty on its own, but these sides make nice accompaniments:
- Cucumber salad: A cool, crisp cucumber salad balances the warm sandwich.
- Fruit salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and a sweet contrast.
- Soup: A cup of hot soup, such as corn chowder or tomato soup, pairs well with a melty sandwich.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
These are best eaten fresh, but you can store and reheat if needed:
- Refrigerate: Store wrapped in foil or an airtight container within two hours of cooking and eat within 24 hours. Note that refrigeration can make the bread a bit softer.
- Reheat: Warm on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty.
More Easy Lunch Ideas
Looking for more homemade lunch recipes? Try other simple options that are crowd-pleasers and family-friendly.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Egg Salad with Pickles
- Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders