There’s just something about a melt. That moment when the cheese gets bubbly and the bread crisps up golden on the griddle – oh yes, it’s magic. Melts are comfort food at its finest, and they’re also one of the easiest ways to turn a humble sandwich into something crave-worthy.
Think of a melt as the cozy sweater of the sandwich world: warm, reliable, and guaranteed to make you feel good. Let’s talk about some of my favorite types of melts you can whip up at home.
Classic Tuna Melt
The king of the melt family. Tuna salad (bonus points if you sneak in some chopped pickles – team pickle over here!) piled onto bread, topped with cheese, and grilled until melty perfection. Rye or sourdough makes it extra good.
Salmon Melt
Cousin to the tuna melt and a favorite in my kitchen – especially alongside corn and potato chowder. A little canned salmon mixed with mayo, a squeeze of lemon, and American or cheddar cheese on rye? Absolute heaven when you crisp it up on the griddle.
Patty Melt
This one’s pure diner nostalgia. A hamburger patty tucked between slices of griddled rye bread with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese. It’s not just a burger. It’s a patty melt. Totally different, totally delicious.
Turkey Melt
Sliced turkey breast layered with cheese (Monterey Jack or provolone work great) and maybe even some crispy bacon. Pop it under the broiler or onto the skillet and you’ve got Thanksgiving leftovers in a whole new outfit.
Roast Beef Melt
This one feels indulgent in the best way. Thin-sliced roast beef, melty cheddar, maybe a swipe of horseradish sauce, grilled until gooey. Pairs perfectly with a side of pickles.
Veggie Melt
Melts don’t have to be all about meat. Roast up some vegetables – think peppers, zucchini, mushrooms—layer with mozzarella or Swiss, and let the cheese do its magic. Add pesto if you’re feeling fancy.
Ham & Swiss Melt
Simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser. Thin-sliced ham and Swiss cheese grilled up between buttery bread. Bonus if you sneak in a little honey mustard.
Tools of the Trade: Griddle & Panini Press
While a skillet does the job beautifully, a griddle gives you more space to cook up a few melts at once – perfect if you’ve got hungry mouths hovering in the kitchen. And if you have a panini press? Even better! That gentle weight presses everything together so the cheese melts evenly and the bread gets those gorgeous golden grill lines. Honestly, once you start using a press, you might never go back.
Final Bite
Melts are proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a meal that feels special. A skillet, some bread, and a little cheese go a long way. Next time you’re serving up soup (or just need a quick comfort lunch), try one of these melt variations and let the gooey goodness do its thing!
