Easy Tuna Melt
The Easy Tuna Melt is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful snack combining creamy tuna salad, melted cheddar cheese, and toasted hearty bread. Perfect for any time of day, this classic comfort food uses simple pantry staples and offers customizable options for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (5-6 oz) canned tuna, drained thoroughly
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (adjust for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 slices hearty bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or rye)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion or scallions
- Prepare the Tuna Salad: Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy bread. In a bowl, combine the tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, and scallions if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until creamy and well blended.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay the bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of the prepared tuna salad evenly over each slice. Top each with a thick layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake or Broil: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or under the broiler. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and the bread edges are crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey-cheesy texture and warm tuna filling.
Notes
- Drain well: Thoroughly drain tuna to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
- Creamy texture: Adjust mayonnaise amount to your preferred creaminess level.
- Cheese layering: Use a good-quality melting cheese for the best gooey top.
- Toast bread first: Lightly toast bread before assembling for extra crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- Keep an eye: Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna melt sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: tuna melt, easy snack, comfort food, tuna sandwich, melted cheese, quick recipe, tuna salad