If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and crispy sandwich, this tuna melt sandwich is exactly what you need. It’s a quick and simple recipe that turns a can of tuna into something that feels hearty and satisfying. I love adding chili crisp to my tuna mix for a little kick—it makes the flavor stand out without being overpowering. Whether you want a fast lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or just a comfort food snack, this tuna melt will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt Sandwich
Quick and simple to make with pantry staples.
Crispy sourdough pairs perfectly with gooey mozzarella.
A touch of chili crisp adds heat and depth.
Great for lunch, dinner, or even late-night cravings.
Pairs well with dipping sauces like marinara or caramelized onion dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 can of white tuna, drained
4 slices sourdough bread
1 tsp chili crisp
1 tbsp mayo
½ tsp dill
1 tbsp red onion or shallot, finely diced
Mozzarella cheese, grated (adjust how cheesy you want it)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Unsalted butter, for toasting
How to Make Tuna Melt Sandwich
Step 1: Mix the Tuna Filling
In a small bowl, combine drained tuna, chili crisp, mayo, dill, and diced onion.
Season with a little salt and pepper.
Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Take two slices of sourdough.
Spread butter on one side of each slice (this side will face the pan).
On the other side, spread the tuna filling evenly.
Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up.
Step 3: Toast the Sandwich
Heat a skillet on low heat.
Place the sandwich in and toast slowly until golden brown.
Flip carefully and toast the other side until the cheese is melted.
Keep the heat low so the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.
Step 4: Serve
Cut in half and serve warm.
Pair with marinara dipping sauce or caramelized onion dip for extra flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Tuna Melt Sandwich
Use Low Heat for Perfect Crisp
Cooking on low heat makes a big difference. If you rush and turn up the heat, the bread browns too quickly while the cheese stays unmelted. Slow toasting gives you that crispy crust while allowing the mozzarella to melt into a gooey layer. This step also gives the chili crisp and tuna time to warm through, so the flavors blend nicely. Be patient and you’ll get a sandwich that’s both crunchy and cheesy in the right balance.
Butter the Bread
Butter is what gives the sourdough its golden, crispy crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges so the whole surface gets toasted. If you don’t, the edges can dry out and taste bland compared to the middle. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level since the tuna mixture already has seasoning. Don’t skip this part—it’s what makes a tuna melt taste rich and satisfying.
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Don’t Overload the Filling
It’s tempting to pile on the tuna, but too much filling makes the sandwich hard to press and flip. A balanced layer keeps everything in place and allows the bread to toast evenly. You want each bite to have tuna, cheese, and sourdough without feeling heavy. If you want more protein, pair the sandwich with a small side salad instead of overstuffing the bread. Keeping it balanced makes the melt easier to enjoy.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often has starches to prevent clumping, which can make it melt unevenly. Grating mozzarella from a block gives you smooth, stretchy cheese that blends right into the tuna mix. The texture is creamier, and it melts faster over low heat. It might take an extra minute to grate, but it’s worth it for the best melt. If you want a sharper flavor, you can mix mozzarella with a little cheddar.
Add Heat with Chili Crisp
The chili crisp in this recipe isn’t just for spice—it adds texture and a savory kick. It makes the tuna filling more interesting without overwhelming the sandwich. If you’re not into spice, you can reduce the amount or skip it. But if you like a little punch, the crunch from the chili oil will make the tuna melt taste even better. It’s one of those small touches that changes the whole flavor profile.
Try Dipping Sauces
A tuna melt is great on its own, but dipping makes it next level. Marinara sauce adds tang and cuts through the richness of cheese and butter. Caramelized onion dip brings a sweet and savory element that pairs really well with tuna. Even a simple hot sauce can change up the flavor if you like more spice. Having a dip gives you variety and makes the meal feel more fun.
Serving Ideas for Tuna Melt Sandwich
Pair with a side of tomato soup for a classic combo.
Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Make smaller sandwiches and cut into triangles for party snacks.
Add pickles or chips on the side for crunch.
Variations You Can Try
Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
Add sliced tomato before toasting for extra freshness.
Use rye or multigrain bread instead of sourdough.
Mix in chopped pickles or capers with the tuna for tang.
Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Tuna Melt Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Stainless steel pan
Ingredients
- 1 can of white tuna drained
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tsp chili crisp
- 1 tbsp mayo
- ½ tsp dill
- 1 tbsp red onion or shallot finely diced
- Mozzarella cheese grated (adjust how cheesy you want it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Unsalted butter for toasting
Instructions
Mix the Tuna Filling
- In a small bowl, combine drained tuna, chili crisp, mayo, dill, and diced onion.
- Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Stir until everything is well mixed.
Prepare the Bread
- Take two slices of sourdough.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice (this side will face the pan).
- On the other side, spread the tuna filling evenly.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up.
Toast the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet on low heat.
- Place the sandwich in and toast slowly until golden brown.
- Flip carefully and toast the other side until the cheese is melted.
- Keep the heat low so the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.
Serve
- Cut in half and serve warm.
- Pair with marinara dipping sauce or caramelized onion dip for extra flavor.
