Name: Garlic Bread Tuna Melt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 5 oz solid white albacore tuna (drained); 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp sweet relish; 1 tbsp chopped pickle; 1 tbsp finely diced celery; 1 tbsp finely diced red onion; 1 tbsp chopped dill; 1 tsp pickle juice; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Black pepper; 2 slices thick-cut sourdough; 2 tbsp softened butter; 1 clove garlic (finely grated); 1 tbsp grated Parmesan; 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped); salt; 2 slices sharp cheddar; 1 slice provolone

This garlic bread tuna melt is the ultimate tuna melt, and once you try it, there is no going back. Creamy, flavor-packed tuna salad with pickles, dill and a little relish gets layered with sharp cheddar and melty provolone on sourdough that is slathered in homemade Parmesan garlic butter. It grills up into crispy garlic bread in about 18 minutes.

It is a cozy lunch for one, but the recipe doubles easily. If you love a good sandwich, check out my New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Melt

Crispy garlic bread instead of plain buttered toast.
Creamy, tangy tuna salad with pickles, dill and relish.
Two cheeses for the best melt.
Ready in under 20 minutes with pantry staples.

Ingredients for a Garlic Bread Tuna Melt

The Tuna Salad

Well-drained solid white albacore tuna, mayo, Dijon, sweet relish, chopped pickle, celery, red onion, fresh dill, a splash of pickle juice, garlic powder and black pepper.

The Garlic Butter

Softened butter, finely grated garlic, Parmesan, chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.

The Bread and Cheese

Thick-cut sourdough, sharp cheddar and provolone.

Swap note: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free tuna melt. For a lighter tuna salad, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.

How to Make a Tuna Melt

Step 1: Make the tuna salad

Drain the tuna really well, then mix it with the mayo, Dijon, relish, pickle, celery, red onion, dill, pickle juice, garlic powder and pepper.

Step 2: Make the garlic butter

Stir together the softened butter, grated garlic, Parmesan, parsley and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Assemble in the skillet

Spread the garlic butter on one side of each slice of sourdough. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, place the bread butter-side down and layer on the cheddar and provolone. Spread the tuna salad on top and close the sandwich.

Step 4: Grill until golden

Cook 3 to 4 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted, covering the pan for a minute if needed.

Step 5: Rest and slice

Let it sit for a minute so the filling sets, then slice and serve.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Drain the tuna really well. Extra liquid makes the sandwich soggy.
Keep the heat medium-low so the cheese melts before the garlic bread burns.
Cheese against the bread acts like glue and keeps the tuna in place.
Cover the pan for a minute to help everything melt.

Make It Your Own

Open-faced: Broil the tuna and cheese on garlic bread for an open-faced melt.
Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Tomato: Layer in a thin slice of tomato before closing.
Different cheese: Swiss, pepper jack or American all melt beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make the tuna salad and garlic butter up to 3 days ahead and keep them in the fridge. Assemble and grill when you are ready to eat.

What to Serve With a Tuna Melt

Pair your tuna melt with a cup of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, kettle chips, a pickle spear or a simple side salad.

Storing and Reheating

A tuna melt is best eaten right away. Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat a leftover sandwich, warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

What People Ask About Tuna Melt

What is the best tuna for a tuna melt?

Solid white albacore tuna has big, meaty flakes and a mild flavor. Drain it very well before mixing.

What cheese is best on a tuna melt?

Sharp cheddar and provolone are a great combo. Swiss and American also melt well.

Can I make a tuna melt in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 370°F for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and melty.

How do you keep a tuna melt from getting soggy?

Drain the tuna well, put the cheese next to the bread and cook over medium-low heat.