Classic Tuna Melt Open-Faced Sandwich

The smell of broiling cheese still takes me back to my first apartment kitchen, where I learned that a tuna melt could transform a tired Tuesday into something worth savoring. I'd come home late, grab whatever bread was on the counter, and let the oven work its magic. Something about watching those cheese bubbles turn golden made even the most exhausting days feel manageable. Now it's become my go-to when I need comfort food that actually feels like cooking.

Last winter, my friend came over feeling completely defeated by a work project. I made these melts while she talked, the kitchen filling with that irresistible buttery, cheese scent. When I slid that baking sheet out from under the broiler, she actually stopped mid sentence. There's something about food that's both simple and incredibly satisfying that makes everything else fade away for a few minutes.

Ingredients

• Tuna in water: I've learned water packed tuna gives you control over the final flavor, since you can add exactly as much richness as you want
• Mayonnaise: This creates that classic creamy base, but don't go overboard or you'll lose the tuna's natural flavor
• Dijon mustard: The sharp edge here cuts through all the richness and keeps every bite interesting
• Celery: Finely chopped, this brings essential crunch that prevents the tuna salad from feeling one note
• Red onion: A little bite and sweetness here makes the whole sandwich sing
• Lemon juice: Fresh acid brightens everything and keeps the flavors lively
• Hearty bread: Sourdough holds up beautifully under the broiler without getting soggy
• Shredded cheddar: Shredded melts faster and more evenly than slices, creating those gorgeous cheese puddles everyone fights over

Instructions

Get your broiler ready:

Preheat your oven broiler or set a toaster oven to broil, moving the rack to the upper middle position so you'll have perfect control over the melting process.

Mix the tuna salad:

In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until everything is well incorporated and the texture looks creamy but not overly wet.

Toast the bread first:

Lay out bread slices on a baking sheet, spread butter lightly on one side of each, and place buttered side up under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes until golden.

Build the melts:

Turn the slices over with the toasted side down, spread tuna salad evenly over each, top with tomato slices, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese right to the edges.

Melt it all together:

Return to the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching like a hawk, until the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden brown in spots.

Let them rest briefly:

Remove from the oven and let the melts sit for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, making them easier to transfer to plates.

Save

My dad used to make these on Sunday afternoons when mom was working late. He'd always burn the first one slightly because he got distracted telling stories, but he'd insist that was the best part. Now whenever I smell that slightly charred cheese, I'm back at the kitchen table, listening to him talk while waiting for my own slightly imperfect but absolutely perfect tuna melt.

Making It Your Own

I've discovered that a pinch of smoked paprika in the tuna salad adds this incredible depth that makes people ask what your secret is. Sometimes I swap in pepper jack cheese when I want something with a little kick, especially on rainy days when extra comfort feels necessary. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is, rarely the same way twice but always delicious.

Lighter Variations

On weekdays when I'm feeling especially virtuous, I use half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise in the tuna salad. Nobody has ever noticed the difference, but I feel better about seconds. You can also use whole grain bread and reduce the cheese slightly without sacrificing what makes this sandwich special.

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and I always keep some pickles on hand because their tangy crunch is the perfect counterpoint. Tomato soup turns it into a full meal that feels like childhood but tastes even better. Serve with a cold beer or iced tea and call it dinner.

• Add a side of potato chips for that classic diner experience
• Fresh fruit helps balance the heavier elements of the meal
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven

Save

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick with us longest. This tuna melt has seen me through exhausted evenings, celebrations, and countless moments when only melted cheese would do.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for tuna melts?

Hearty breads like sourdough, whole wheat, or artisan country loaf hold up well under broiling. They provide a sturdy base that won't get soggy from the tuna mixture and toast beautifully to create that essential crunchy foundation.

→ Can I make tuna melts ahead of time?

Prepare the tuna salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it refrigerated. Assemble and broil the sandwiches just before serving for the best texture. Pre-assembled sandwiches can become soggy if left sitting too long.

→ What cheese varieties melt well for this dish?

Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, and provolone all melt beautifully and create that desirable bubbly, golden crust. For a kick, try pepper jack. Mozzarella offers a milder flavor with excellent melting properties. Feel free to blend varieties for custom flavor profiles.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning under the broiler?

Watch closely during broiling as timing varies by oven. Position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. The first toasting should take just 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. For the final melt, check after 3 minutes and continue broiling only until cheese bubbles—usually 3-5 minutes total.

→ Can I make a lighter version of tuna melts?

Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess. Use reduced-fat cheese sparingly, or simply use less cheese but choose sharp varieties for maximum flavor. Whole grain bread adds fiber and nutrients without sacrificing texture.

→ What sides pair well with tuna melts?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Pickles, coleslaw, or potato salad make classic accompaniments. For soup lovers, tomato soup creates the ultimate comforting combination. Fresh fruit or steamed vegetables balance the meal with lighter elements.