Pret A Manger Tuna Melt Toastie
A creamy, cheesy Pret-style Tuna Melt Toastie made with tangy tuna mayo, mature cheddar, and hearty malted bread — toasted until golden, gooey, and café-perfect.
Rate This Recipe
Tried this recipe? Your rating helps others discover great dishes and appears in Google search results!
Why you’ll love it
Bring the Pret A Manger experience home with this easy Tuna Melt Toastie. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly toasted — packed with rich tuna mayo, melted cheddar, and that signature Pret-style crunch. Ideal for a quick lunch, lazy weekend brunch, or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
About the original
Pret A Manger is known for its freshly made, grab-and-go sandwiches that feel homemade yet indulgent. The Tuna Melt is one of their long-standing café favourites — a warm, gooey toastie that combines creamy tuna mayo with perfectly melted cheddar on Pret’s signature malted bread.
This copycat version recreates that comforting café classic with simple supermarket ingredients and the same golden, crisp texture you’d expect from a Pret press. It’s a quick and satisfying option that brings Pret’s cozy lunch experience straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re working from home or craving that lunchtime café hit, this Tuna Melt delivers Pret’s flavour and warmth in every bite.
Ad Space
Google AdSense
Ingredients
- 150 g Tuna (in brine or spring water) — Or 1 tin
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise — Full-fat for creamier texture
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice — Optional, to balance richness
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 60 g Cheddar cheese — Greated, mature
- 2 tbsp Onion — Red onion - finely chopped
- 2 slice Bread — Pret uses malted grain
- 1 tbsp Butter — For toasting
- ½ tsp Dijon Mustard — Optional - adds mild tang
Method
Prepare the filling – Mix tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, pepper, and onion.
Assemble – Butter the outsides of the bread.
Layer – Spread the tuna mix, top with cheese, and close the sandwich.
Toast – Cook 3 mins per side until golden and melted.
Serve – Slice diagonally and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- Add tomato slices or jalapeños for extra flavour.
- Swap cheddar for Red Leicester or mozzarella.
- Use light mayo and wholegrain bread for a lighter twist.
FAQs
- Can I make this Tuna Melt without a sandwich press?
- Yes! You can toast it in a non-stick frying pan. Press down gently with a spatula and flip halfway through until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- What’s the best cheese for a Pret-style melt?
- Mature cheddar is closest to Pret’s flavour — strong enough to balance the tuna but still creamy when melted. You can also mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra stretch.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely — just use gluten-free sandwich bread and double-check that your mayonnaise and mustard are certified gluten-free. The filling itself contains no gluten.
- Can I prepare the filling in advance?
- Yes. You can make the tuna mayo mixture up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Assemble and toast just before serving for the best texture.
- How do I stop the bread from going soggy?
- Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly and use only a light spread of mayo. Toast the sandwich on medium-high heat so the bread crisps before the filling releases moisture.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
Ad Space
Google AdSense