Classic Tuna Cheese Toasties

1. Prepare the Tuna Salad

Start by combining the solid white tuna in water, mayonnaise, onion, bread-and-butter pickles, celery, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, and table salt in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well-combined. You can refrigerate the tuna salad for up to 3 days if you want to make it ahead of time.

2. Preheat the Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the sandwiches will cook evenly.

3. Prepare the Bread

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Using a pastry brush, generously brush one side of each slice of hearty white sandwich bread with melted unsalted butter. This will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

Place four slices of bread, buttered side down, on the prepared baking sheet. On each slice, place a piece of deli sharp cheddar cheese, followed by one-quarter of the tuna salad, and then a slice of deli American cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.

5. Bake the Sandwiches

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the tops of the sandwiches are golden brown. Flip the sandwiches carefully and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and oozing out.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the sandwiches to cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm.