Tuna Melt Open-Faced Sandwich (Printable)

Creamy tuna salad on toasted bread, topped with tomato and melted cheese

# 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 (optional)
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 (or Swiss, Gruyère)
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Steps:

01 - Turn on your oven broiler or set a toaster oven to broil setting.
02 - Combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until thoroughly incorporated.
03 - Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread softened butter lightly on one side of each slice.
04 - Place bread under broiler buttered side up for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven.
05 - Flip bread slices so toasted side faces down. Spread tuna salad evenly over each slice. Place a tomato slice on top, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese.
06 - Return baking sheet to broiler and cook for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is completely melted and bubbling with golden-brown edges.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to cool for 1–2 minutes before serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That moment when the cheese bubbles up and gets golden brown spots is worth the whole effort
  • Everything cooks in one pan under the broiler, so minimal cleanup on busy days
02 -
  • Broilers vary wildly in intensity, so check your melts after 2 minutes every single time
  • The tomato layer under the cheese is the secret that keeps the sandwich from falling apart
03 -
  • Butter the bread all the way to the edges so every bite gets that golden crunch
  • Drain the tuna really well, pressing it with a fork to remove excess water
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