Tuna Melt Open-Faced Sandwich (Printable)

Crispy bread topped with seasoned tuna salad, fresh tomato, and melted cheddar cheese, broiled until golden and bubbling.

# 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 (about 4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Turn on oven broiler or set toaster oven to broil setting to prepare for melting and toasting.
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 under broiler buttered side up for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
04 - Flip bread slices so toasted side faces down. Spread tuna salad evenly over each slice. Top with a tomato slice, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.
05 - Return baking sheet to broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch closely until cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and edges are golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven and allow sandwiches to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its ready in under 20 minutes but tastes like it came from a diner
  • The combination of warm tuna salad and melted cheese hits every comfort button
  • You can customize it with whatever cheese and bread you have on hand
02 -
  • Broilers vary wildly, so stay close and check after 2 minutes to prevent burning
  • Dont overload with tuna salad or the cheese won't reach the bread properly
  • The bread should feel sturdy before topping—if it bends, it will turn soggy under the weight
03 -
  • Room temperature tuna salad spreads more evenly without tearing the bread
  • Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
  • Let the broiled bread cool for 30 seconds before flipping so you don't burn your fingers
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