Crisp, melty tuna melts that toast up while everyone washes the field off their hands.
You need dinner on the table before the meltdowns and you do not want a big production.
The tuna salad is already mixed, so the sandwiches just toast in a hot pan until the cheese oozes and the bread turns golden.
Ingredients
The recipe serves 4. Leave 8 minutes to finish (plus earlier prep) open for after-practice tuna melt plates.
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 8 slices bread
- 8 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 2 tbsp softened butter
How to Make It
Make after-practice tuna melt plates in order, then stop the minute dinner is ready to serve or pack.
- Mix the tuna, mayo, lemon juice, and celery in a bowl.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, a scoop of tuna salad, and another slice of cheese, then close the sandwich butter-side out.
- Toast in a skillet over medium 3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
- Cut in half and serve hot.
Do the Slow Part Early
Mix the tuna salad before practice so the only night-of step is toasting.
- Stir the tuna salad together in the morning and chill it
- Dice the celery ahead so it is ready to mix
- Slice the cheese and set out the bread before you leave
Store and Reheat
Tuna melts are best fresh, but extras crisp back up in a hot pan.
- Reheat in a dry skillet 2 minutes per side
- Or air fry at 350F for 3 minutes to re-crisp
- Tuna salad alone keeps 2 days in the fridge
- Serve with: apple slices, dill pickles, tomato soup for dipping
Make It Fit Tonight
Small changes that make this one fit your night
Make it open-faced
Broil on one slice for a faster, knife-and-fork melt.
Use a croissant
A split croissant turns it into a treat.
Add tomato
A thin tomato slice inside adds freshness.
Swap to salmon
Canned salmon makes a richer melt with the same mix.
Pack tomorrow's lunch
Pack the tuna salad with crackers for a no-toast lunch.
Plan The Next Step
Keep no-fuss dinners ready
Use the planner to line up quick toasted sandwiches like this for the nights you want easy and fast.