Tuna Melt Classic Open-Faced (Printable View)

Open-faced sandwich with tuna salad, tomato, and melted cheese on toasted hearty bread.

# 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 (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven broiler or toaster oven to broil.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
03 - Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly spread butter on one side of each slice.
04 - Place the bread buttered-side up under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven.
05 - Flip the bread so toasted side is down, spread the tuna salad evenly over each slice, top each with a tomato slice, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
06 - Return the baking sheet to the broiler and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
07 - Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much.
  • That moment when the cheese bubbles over the edge and turns golden is pure comfort on a plate.
  • You can customize it endlessly—different cheeses, a whisper of hot sauce, whatever your mood calls for.
02 -
  • If your tuna salad is watery, your sandwich will be a sad, soggy mess no matter how perfect the cheese is—drain that tuna like your life depends on it.
  • The broiler is fast and unforgiving; set a timer and don't trust yourself to remember how long it's been.
03 -
  • Keep your ingredients cold until the last moment—a warm tuna salad sitting on warm bread is a texture disaster waiting to happen.
  • If you only have a regular oven and it takes forever to preheat, use your toaster oven; it broils faster and your sandwich won't overcook while you're waiting.
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