Tuna Melt Open-Faced Sandwich (Printable)

Creamy tuna salad topped with melted cheese on crispy bread, grilled until golden and bubbling.

# What You 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 (approximately 4 oz)
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How To Make It:

01 - Turn on your oven broiler or set toaster oven to broil setting, allowing it to reach maximum temperature.
02 - Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
03 - Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread softened butter lightly on one side of each slice. Place buttered side up under broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then remove from oven.
04 - Flip each bread slice so toasted side faces down. Spread tuna salad mixture evenly over each slice. Place a tomato slice on top, then generously cover with shredded cheese.
05 - Return baking sheet to broiler and cook for 3-5 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Remove once cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and edges are golden brown. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 20 minutes from ingredients you probably already have
  • The combination of warm tuna salad and melted cheese hits that perfect nostalgic spot
  • Crowd pleasing enough for lunch guests but simple enough for solo nights
02 -
  • Broilers vary wildly so set a timer and check after 2 minutes to avoid burning the cheese
  • Really drain the tuna well or your bread will get soggy before the cheese melts
  • The butter on the bread makes a huge difference in texture and flavor
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded for better melting
  • Room temperature tuna salad spreads more evenly over the bread
  • Let the bread cool slightly after the first toasting so it's easier to handle
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