Tuna Melt Sandwich on Sourdough | CookOS

Tuna Melt Sandwich

Name: Tuna Melt Sandwich on Sourdough
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 stalks celery, finely chopped; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 2 (5 oz) cans albacore tuna, drained; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 4 slices sourdough bread; 2 tbsp butter, softened; 4 slices provolone cheese

A classic tuna melt sandwich layered with creamy tuna salad, melted provolone cheese, and grilled on buttered sourdough bread until golden and crispy. This quick lunch comes together in under 15 minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Tuna melt 🏷️Tuna salad 🏷️Sandwich 🏷️Sourdough 🏷️Provolone

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🏷️Comfort food

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Total

15 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by tinekeyounger

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Ingredients

3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 (5 oz) cans albacore tuna, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
4 slices sourdough bread
2 tbsp butter, softened
4 slices provolone cheese

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Instructions

1
Finely chop the celery and red onion.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped celery, red onion, and drained tuna.
3
Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl.
4
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything together until well combined.
5
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
6
Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, into a hot pan over medium heat.
7
Top each slice of bread in the pan with two slices of provolone cheese.
8
Spoon the tuna salad mixture evenly over the cheese.
9
Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
10
Grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
11
Remove from the pan, slice in half, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Butter the outside of the bread, not the inside, to prevent sogginess and achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Cook over medium heat, not high, to allow the cheese to melt completely while the bread toasts without burning.
Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and squeeze out excess liquid with paper towels to prevent a watery sandwich.
Assemble the sandwich immediately before grilling to minimize moisture absorption by the bread.

Substitutions

Albacore tuna → canned light tuna (lighter flavor, more economical)
Provolone cheese → Swiss or sharp cheddar (different melting point and flavor profile)
Sweet pickle relish → diced dill pickle or capers (tangier flavor)
Sourdough bread → brioche or ciabatta (softer crumb or chewier texture)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assembled tuna melts do not reheat well; make fresh to order.

Common Questions

Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the tuna salad up to 1 day ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and grill the sandwich fresh.

What cheese works best for a tuna melt?

Provolone is traditional, but Swiss, cheddar, or American cheese also melt well. Avoid blocks that don't melt easily.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Butter the outside of the bread, not the inside. Assemble the sandwich just before grilling, and don't overload with tuna salad.

Can I use canned light tuna instead of albacore?

Yes, light tuna works fine. Albacore is milder and firmer, but light tuna is more economical and still delicious.

What's the best way to grill it evenly?

Use medium heat and cook 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Press gently with a spatula for even contact.