This Tuna Melt is an open-faced sandwich piled with creamy tuna salad, fresh sun-ripened tomatoes, and tasty cheddar cheese. They are popped in the oven long enough to warm everything up and melt the cheese. I love to serve these with homemade French fries, potato chips, green salad, or carrot sticks.
This Tuna Melt sandwich is a true blast from the past and brings back such wonderful memories of my older sister making delicious lunches for us. I am pretty sure that she left off the tomatoes. Kids don’t know what they are missing until their palates mature. Then they realize how good a sun-ripened tomato tastes. Please don’t leave off the tomato, as it is an integral part of the final presentation and taste.
How do you make a Tuna Melt Sandwich?
First, in a medium bowl, flake some albacore canned tuna with a fork. Then stir in the mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, pickle relish, parsley, dill weed, and pepper pepper. Next, toast each slice of bread until golden brown and lightly butter it. Spoon the tuna mixture evenly onto each bread slice. Top with thinly sliced tomatoes and shredded cheddar.
Now place in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sandwich has warmed. These open-faced Tuna Melt sandwiches are best served promptly.
Tuna Melt Flavor Variations
- Spicy Pepper Jack: add finely minced jalapenos to the tuna salad and top the sandwiches with shredded pepper jack in place of the cheddar.
- Bacon Swiss: top each sandwich with crispy cooked bacon and shredded Swiss in place of the cheddar.
- Pineapple Green Onion: replace the chopped red onion with snipped green onions and thin pineapple slices in place of the tomatoes.
Tips for making a Tuna Melt Sandwich awesome
- Good sturdy bread is ideal for this sandwich. European White, whole wheat, Pumpernickel, Rye, and sourdough bread are great choices.
- Tuna is naturally salty, so additional salt is not needed in this recipe; however, a good helping of freshly ground pepper is always welcome.
- Are you always pressed for time? Make the tuna salad 1-2 days in advance, skip shredding the cheese, and use sliced instead.
- If you don’t like onion? No problem at all. Omit it. As I always say, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
- If you don’t like sweet pickle relish, use dill pickles.
- If you have access to homegrown tomatoes, use them. They are so full of flavor, and it will take this sandwich over the top.
- Top the sandwiches with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, dill, or tarragon. Or try avocado slices dipped in lemon juice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat wrapped in an aluminum foil tent in the oven at 400 degrees until warmed through or in the microwave at reduced power to keep the bread from becoming chewy.
Try these next!
Best Tuna Melt Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 7 ounce cans albacore tuna packed in water - drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 1 /2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 slices sourdough white, rye, whole wheat, or pumpernickel
- 12 thin slices tomato
- 1 1 /4 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix together tuna, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon of parsley, dill, and black pepper.
- Lightly toast the bread. Divide the tuna evenly between the toast. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of tomato. Top evenly with shredded cheddar.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sandwich has warmed. Serve promptly.
Notes
- Good sturdy bread is ideal for this sandwich. European White, whole wheat, Pumpernickel, Rye, and sourdough bread are great choices.
- Tuna is naturally salty, so additional salt is not needed in this recipe; however, a good helping of freshly ground pepper is always welcome.
- Are you always pressed for time? Make the tuna salad 1-2 days in advance, skip shredding the cheese, and use sliced instead.
- If you don't like onion? No problem at all. Omit it. As I always say, don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
- If you don't like sweet pickle relish, use dill pickles.
- If you have access to homegrown tomatoes, use them. They are so full of flavor, and it will take this sandwich over the top.
- Top the sandwiches with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, dill, or tarragon. Or try avocado slices dipped in lemon juice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat wrapped in an aluminum foil tent in the oven at 400 degrees until warmed through or in the microwave at reduced power to keep the bread from becoming chewy.
Nutrition
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Chenee
I am kind of odd and don’t like the thought of warm tuna, but I love a great tuna on toast recipe! This tuna salad was absolutely phenomenal and I’ll definitely be making it again. So flavorful!
Bobby
I really enjoyed this tuna melt! Super easy to make too.
Jill
Great tuna melt recipe! It was like a blast from the past but better tasting than I ever remember it! Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Jill!
Shelby
Oh I love your take on a tuna melt! Made for a delicious lunch with a bowl of soup. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Shelby! I am so glad that you liked the tuna melt!
Nathan
I love how simple and quick this recipe is, sometimes I don’t have a lot of energy for dinner and just want something fast and easy so this is the perfect solution!
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
Tuna melt sandwiches are the best ever. I could eat them all day every day if I had to. This recipe makes it a bit unique with the taste of tomato flavours, though.
Barbie
As a child, my mom used to make delicious tuna patties that I loved. I have yet to try a Tuna Melt sandwich, but it looks so yummy that I plan on making it soon.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Barbie! Enjoy!
Gervin Khan
This is such a great-looking sandwich recipe! It looks absolutely delicious and very appealing too! Plus with tuna salad, many will definitely love this. An instant favorite too!
Nikki
Great tuna melt recipe! My family loved them and they want me to make them again on Sunday. I think I am going to do it.
MELANIE E
This sounds like a great recipe and one that would work well for lunch with a salad. I’ve never tried a tuna melt, hubby would love it!
Monidipa
Your recipe for tuna melt was fantastic! The combination of creamy tuna salad and melted cheese on toasted bread was simply mouthwatering. The instructions were clear, and the result was a delicious and satisfying meal. Can’t wait to make it again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you liked the melts!
Christian Foremost
Wow, this looks delicious. I got hungry all of a sudden and I just ate dinner. Maybe I could go whip up a tuna melt real quick.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Christian! Enjoy!
Stephanie
Tuna melts are the best comfort foods! This sandwich was delicious and a recipe I will certainly make again.
Michael
Tuna melts are a classic in my household. This is a great twist on how we usually make them.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Michael! So glad that you enjoyed them!
Yeah Lifestyle
My mouth is already watering looking at your photos, it has all my favorite ingredients from tomatoes, tuna to cheese. This is going to be my ‘go to’ recipe
Khushboo
It looks really so yummy. My family will surely love it. I can’t wait to try it soon.
Tammy
I love a good tuna melt! Open faced sandwiches are my favorite. What a delicious meal for lunch or dinner during these hot months.
Beth Pierce
So true. It is finally cooling down here a bit.
Mosaic Art
Oh I love Tune Melt!!!! I can’t wait to make your recipe, it is very easy to follow and the sandwich looks delicious….
briannemanzb
This is the first time I made a Tuna melt sandwich and I’d say it was so good. My whole family loved it too. They gave it a 10 out of 10 recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Brianne! So glad that they loved the melts!
Playdays and Runways
I do love a Tuna Melt and will be giving this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing it.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Enjoy!!
Tayler
This is my absolute favorite tuna melt recipe! It’s always turns out delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Tayler!
Nancy
Super easy to make tuna melt. Great for busy weeknights
Kathleen
I love the addition of tomatoes and all the wonderful extras you put in your tuna. I will be making this Open faced tuna melt ASAP!
Shadi
This was such a hit! Thank you for the great recipe! Next time I am going to try provolone cheese.
Suja md
This looks amazing and such a treat! Thank you!
Bob Cadloni
I made this delicious sandwich but added a hard boiled egg to your recipe. I also added parmesan cheese to the buttered sourdough bread and toasted for extra crispiness, and topped with avocado after baking. You’re right about the fresh tomatoes; they’re the star of the show! Yum!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Bob! So glad that you liked it and thanks for the tips. They sound delicious!
Steph
Absolutely delicious. I choose to not use celery (it’s a texture thing) and I swap out pickle relish for actual pickles. Highly recommend this recipe
Beth Pierce
Thanks Steph! So glad that you liked it!
Sharron Diaz
Nothing beats a classic tuna melt! My kids love this!
Betsy
I LOVE a good tuna melt! Absolutely fantastic! I had to substitue green onion in for the red onion because I have low fodmap people in my family, but it’s still so fantastic! Absolutely delicious! Love the melty cheese! Tuna is so incredibly delicious warmed up and topped with melted cheddar!
Kathryn
Yum yum! This was so good and very satisfying! Even my 7 year old liked it (once she picked out the celery of course). Thanks for the recipe!
Sue
I made this for my husband yesterday and he said it was the best he’s ever had!
Erika
This looks amazing!! Such a perfect and flavorful lunch idea!
Sara Welch
This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be, and then some! So flavorful and hearty; definitely a new favorite in my home!
Angela
This is my perfect lunch! Thanks for the wonderful recipe. I will make it often.
Katherine
These are absolutely the perfect flavor-packed tuna melts!
Jessica Formicola
I love a good sandwich, and this tuna melt looks amazing! I will definitely be making this for lunch today!
Marlynn
I love tuna melts and this one is AMAZING!! So many great flavors in one sandwich.
Gail Montero
I was just thinking of what to have for lunch and this looks absolutely delicious! Need to make soon!
Melissa
I just love tuna melts and that crunchy sourdough bread is so good! Great recipe!
April
Tuna Melts are one of my go to easy meals! I’ve never put tomato on mine before – such a good idea, it was great!
Katie
My sister loves tuna melts, so I definitely want to make these with her soon!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
I love the layer of tuna salad then tomatoes and the gooey cheese on top. That’s a proper sandwich!
Sunrita
This is such a fantastic and delicious option from the regular tuna melt I am used to which is made just with mayonnaise and green onions. Will be making this soon. Love it!
Dannii
Oh this looks amazing – total comfort food. I am always looking for more sandwich ideas and I will definitely be giving this a try.
Adrianne
Your tuna melt sounds delicious and I love the little relish in there. Talk about homely, comforting and yum at the same time, this ticks all of my boxes. Can’t wait to make it!
Heather Johnson
DROOLING!!! That is the most perfect looking tuna melt I have ever seen! I can’t wait to make this.
Krissy Allori
I love a good tuna melt but I’ve never been able to make one as good as this!
Heidy
These Tuna Melts bring back memories from my childhood. My mom used to make them all the time. I haven’t had one in years, and I will make your recipe today for lunch!!! I am super excited to have this today!!!
Julia
I love open faced sandwiches, especially with toasted bread! Delicious!
Erin
This Tuna Melt looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Sara Welch
I love all the different variations of a classic recipe; looking forward to enjoying this for lunch today! Looks too good to pass up!
Jen
Perfect lunch option for the weekend! Love that I have everything already to make it too.
Catalina
My kid will go crazy for sure over this! Looks amazingly delicious!
Cathy
We love tuna melts and this recipe takes them to the next level!
Amanda
This looks so full of flavor I cannot wait to try!
Kimberly
This looks sooo good! My whole family is going to love it!