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Classic Tuna Melt

Creamy tuna salad is piled onto bread, topped with cheese, and broiled until melted and bubbly for a warm, comforting lunch sandwich.

⏱ 10 minPrep time
🔥 5 minCook time
🍽 2Servings
🏷 LunchCategory
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Classic Tuna Melt with creamy tuna salad and melted cheddar on toasted bread

The tuna melt grew out of the classic tuna salad sandwich, which became popular in the U.S. after canned tuna was mass-marketed in the early 20th century. Adding melted cheese and griddling the sandwich became a diner favorite by the mid-20th century, turning a simple cold sandwich into a warm, comforting lunch.

Creamy tuna salad topped with melted cheese

Creamy tuna salad is piled onto bread, topped with cheese, and broiled until melted and bubbly for a warm, comforting lunch sandwich.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Preheat the broiler.
  2. Mix the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toast the bread slices lightly.
  4. Spread the tuna mixture onto the toasted bread.
  5. Top each with a slice of cheese.
  6. Broil 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Watch closely under the broiler, as cheese can go from melted to burnt in seconds. Draining the tuna well keeps the salad from becoming watery.

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Recipe details

Prep10 min
Cook5 min
Servings2
CategoryLunch
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →