Tuna Melt Sandwich Classic (Printer-Friendly)

Open-faced tuna salad on toasted bread, topped with melted cheese and tomato, ready in minutes.

# 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like you actually tried.
  • The broiler does the heavy lifting, so you're free from babysitting a stove.
  • One sandwich can feel like an entire meal, no sides needed (though pickles don't hurt).
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the tuna thoroughly, or moisture will make the bread soggy and the cheese won't melt right.
  • The broiler runs hotter than a regular oven, so 3–5 minutes is usually enough; check at 3 and watch for bubbling rather than following timing religiously.
  • Softened butter spreads without ripping the bread, which means no sad torn edges sticking out unevenly.
03 -
  • Prepare your tuna salad a few hours ahead—the flavors meld and improve as they sit, plus it's one less thing to think about at lunch time.
  • If your broiler is cranky or uneven, you can also make these in a toaster oven on the bake setting at 425°F for a gentler, more forgiving result.
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