Tuna Melt Open-Faced Sandwich (Print Version)

Crispy bread meets creamy tuna and melted cheese in this golden broiled sandwich favorite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tuna Salad

01 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
02 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
03 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

09 - 4 slices hearty bread (sourdough or whole wheat)
10 - 4 slices tomato
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Method:

01 - Turn on oven broiler or set toaster oven to broil setting for high-heat melting.
02 - Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until uniform texture forms.
03 - Arrange bread slices on baking sheet. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice. Place under broiler buttered side up for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
04 - Flip bread slices to toasted side down. Distribute tuna salad evenly across all slices. Place tomato slice on each, then generously cover with shredded cheese.
05 - Return baking sheet to broiler. Cook 3-5 minutes while watching closely until cheese melts completely, bubbles, and edges turn golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of creamy tuna salad and crispy, cheese-topped bread creates the ultimate comfort food experience
  • Ready in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a diner
  • Incredibly customizable with whatever cheese and bread you have on hand
02 -
  • Broilers vary wildly in intensity, so stay right by the oven because cheese can go from perfectly melted to burned in seconds
  • Letting the bread toast first on one side creates a barrier that keeps the tuna salad from making the bottom slice soggy
03 -
  • Drain the tuna really well and press gently with a paper towel to avoid a watery tuna salad
  • If your broiler is especially strong, move the rack down one position to prevent burning before the cheese melts completely
Go Back