Tuna Melt Recipe

This delicious and cheesy Tuna Melt recipe is the perfect comfort food, ideal for a light meal or a quick snack. Made with water-packed tuna, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, this open-faced version of the classic tuna melt sandwich is not only faster to make, but it also looks extra fancy. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Tuna Melt is an iconic sandwich, but this open-faced version takes it to the next level. It combines the savory flavors of tuna, crunchy vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise with the rich and gooey taste of melted cheese. The crisp toast provides the perfect base, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, it’s sure to be a hit every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 (6-8 ounce) cans water-packed tuna, drained well

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (see notes)

• 1/2 cup finely diced celery (preferably the tender center ribs and hearts)

• 2 dill pickles, finely chopped (can use about 8-10 gherkins)

• 1/3 cup finely diced red onion

• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (or use Dijon)

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 4 slices sandwich bread (sourdough or rye recommended)

• 4 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (see notes)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, place the drained tuna and use a fork to break it up into smaller flakes. If you used tuna in olive oil or chunked tuna, you may not need to flake it much.

2. Add the mayonnaise, celery, pickles, onion, mustard, and dill to the tuna. Mix well until all ingredients are combined, and the tuna is well-coated.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again and adjust the seasoning if needed. If not using right away, cover and refrigerate the tuna salad for up to 4 days.

4. Toast the bread slices in a toaster or toaster oven, or broil them briefly until crispy. Let the toasted slices cool for a few minutes on a sheet pan to ensure they get evenly crispy.

5. Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven and turn on the broiler.

6. Spread about 1/2 cup of the tuna mixture evenly on each slice of toast. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the tuna, covering it completely.

7. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.

8. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and fresh dill, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 minutes

• Total Time: 22 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can try other flavorful cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, Swiss, or Fontina. For a milder taste, Monterey Jack or Colby work well too.

• Bread Alternatives: While sourdough and rye are great options, you can also use any bread you prefer, such as whole wheat, multigrain, or a baguette for a slightly different texture.

• Add-ins: To customize the flavor, try adding a slice of tomato or a handful of fresh arugula on top of the tuna before broiling. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover tuna melts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread may soften but the dish will still be tasty.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the tuna melts on a sheet pan and broil for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp again.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water-packed tuna?

Yes, you can use oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor, but you may want to reduce the amount of mayonnaise to account for the extra moisture.

2. Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tuna salad up to 4 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and broil the melts when you’re ready to eat.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use Gruyère, Swiss, or Fontina for a different flavor profile, but make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

4. Can I use a different bread for the tuna melt?

Yes, you can use any bread of your choice, such as whole wheat, rye, or a baguette. Just make sure to toast it well for the best texture.

5. Is it necessary to broil the tuna melts?

Broiling gives the cheese a wonderfully bubbly and golden texture, but if you don’t have a broiler, you can bake the tuna melts in the oven until the cheese melts, though the top won’t get as crispy.

6. Can I add vegetables to the tuna mixture?

Yes, you can add extra vegetables like chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the tuna mixture to enhance the flavor and add more crunch.

7. How do I make the tuna salad creamier?

If the mixture seems too dry, add more mayonnaise until it reaches your desired consistency. Some tuna varieties are drier than others, so feel free to adjust the amount.

8. Can I use mozzarella for this recipe?

While mozzarella melts beautifully, it doesn’t have much flavor compared to other cheeses. If you prefer a more flavorful melt, try using a cheese like cheddar or Gruyère.

9. How can I make the tuna melts spicier?

To add heat, incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce into the tuna mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the tuna before broiling.

10. Can I freeze the leftover tuna melts?

While freezing the tuna melts is possible, the texture of the bread may change when reheated. If you freeze them, place them on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, and then store them in an airtight container. Reheat by broiling as usual.

Conclusion

This Tuna Melt recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, bringing together creamy tuna salad, crispy toast, and gooey melted cheese in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare, customizable, and oh-so-delicious, this open-faced version of the classic tuna melt will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.

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