Albacore Tuna Melt

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Last Updated on September 21, 2022 by Lisa Johnson

This Albacore Tuna Melt on grilled sourdough is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect to serve for lunch or dinner. Albacore tuna salad topped with melted aged cheddar and jack cheese, mashed avocado, tomato slices, and applewood smoked bacon on grilled parmesan sourdough bread. Perfection!!

This is not the classic tuna sandwich from your youth! This is a restaurant quality tuna melt that is simple enough to make at home. The inspiration for this revised tuna on grilled sourdough recipe comes from the Marie Callender’s menu.

I have never tried their version but it sounded like an amazing combination of flavors, and I was right! Feel free to make substitutions to create “your” perfect tuna melt.

Originally published June 2013. Recipe and images updated September 2022.

The image above shows how tuna on grilled sourdough was served at Marie Callender’s back in the 80’s. It was definitely time for an update!

What you will need

• Thick slices of sourdough bread – homemade sourdough bread or store-bought.
• Softened butter to hold the parmesan cheese in place while grilling in a skillet to a golden brown color.
• Canned, solid white albacore tuna is the star of the show so pick a good-quality brand with thick, meaty pieces.
• Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated red onion, lemon juice, and parsley create the perfect tuna salad filling.
• Aged cheddar, white or orange, and Monterrey Jack cheese melt perfectly to surround the tuna in cheesy goodness.
• Avocado that can be mashed as shown, or thinly sliced depending on your preference.
• Cooked, smoked bacon strips add an unexpected and unique flavor to this sandwich.
• Tomato slices add the finishing touch.
• *Diced pickles or pickle relish are optional (because I do not like them).

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below.

How to make Albacore Tuna Melt on Grilled Sourdough

Tuna Filling

Mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, grated onion, and chopped parsley together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

Grilled Sourdough

Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Place cheese side down in a large skillet over medium heat. Top one slice of bread with two slices of cheddar cheese, and the other slice of bread with two slices of Monterrey Jack cheese.

Allow to cook undisturbed until the parmesan is golden brown and the cheese slices are melted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

To assemble

Spread tuna salad mixture over one slice of bread.

Mash the avocado in a small bowl with remaining lemon juice, then spread over the tuna mixture.

Top with two slices of cooked bacon and tomato slices.

Place the second slice of grilled sourdough on top and serve with a Caesar Salad, French Fries, or potato chips.

If you love this sandwich, you should also try the Shrimp Grilled Cheese, Pesto and Sun-dried Tomato Grilled Cheese, and the Pizza Margarita Grilled Cheese. When you think about it, a tuna melt is basically a grilled cheese filled with tuna salad, right?

Recipe Notes & Tips

• This sandwich serves 4 people, half a sandwich each, when using large slices of sourdough bread. Adjust as needed if using regular sandwich bread.
• Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or serve cold.

Tools used to create this recipe

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!

• Cutting Board & Chefs Knife
• Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
• Garlic Rocker/Mincer
• Measuring Cups
• Box Grater – I used the second smallest holes to grate the red onion.
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Citrus Juicer
• Silicone Spatula – to mix the tuna salad ingredients together.
• Microplane Grater to grate the parmesan cheese.
• Flexible Metal Spatula

More delicious tuna recipes

• Gourmet Tuna Melt – similar but different
• Healthy Tuna Stuffed Avocado 
• Tuna Noodle Casserole 

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Enjoy!!