Classic Tuna Melt Recipe

Drain canned tuna thoroughly and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into small chunks.

Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, minced red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.

Stir until ingredients are evenly combined and the salad has a creamy, slightly chunky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning (add up to 1/4 tsp more salt or a pinch more pepper if desired).

Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of all 4 bread slices (this will be the grilled exterior).

On the inside of two bread slices, spread 1 tsp classic yellow mustard each.

Divide the prepared tuna salad between the two mustard-spread slices, placing it on top of the mustard and spreading to the edges, leaving a small border.

Top the tuna on each sandwich with 2 slices of pepper Jack cheese. Add 1/2 cup mixed lettuces, 2–3 slices of tomato, and 2 dill pickle slices on top of the cheese (if you prefer the cheese melted directly against tuna, place cheese on top of tuna; if you prefer lettuce below cheese, adjust order).

Close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.

Stovetop Grilling (recommended)

Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot (about 2–3 minutes). Place sandwiches in the skillet and press gently with a spatula or a weight. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.

Carefully flip the sandwiches with a spatula, press again, and cook 2–4 more minutes until the second side is golden and cheese is melted. If cheese is slow to melt, cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat.

Alternative - Panini Press or Oven

If using a panini press, preheat and cook until golden and cheese melts, about 4–5 minutes. To use an oven: preheat to 375°F (190°C), place sandwiches on a baking sheet, bake 5–7 minutes per side or until cheese is melted and bread is crisp.

Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with extra pickles on the side if desired.