Open-Faced Tuna Melts
In short: Canned tuna mixed with celery, pickles and lemon, spooned onto toast, topped with cheddar and broiled until bubbling. Ready in 15 minutes. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 500 kcal
A tuna melt turns a can of tuna and a few fridge staples into a hot, gooey dinner in 15 minutes. The tuna salad is bound with a little mayonnaise and yogurt, brightened with lemon and pickle, and given crunch by celery. Toasting the bread first keeps the base crisp under the topping. Serve with a green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.
Instructions
- Heat the broiler (grill) to high with the rack about 15 cm (6 inches) from the heat. Toast the bread lightly on both sides and lay the slices on a baking sheet.
- Flake the tuna into a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, yogurt, celery, pickles, spring onions, lemon juice, mustard and pepper and mix until combined but still a little chunky.
- Spread the tuna mixture over the toast, all the way to the edges. Add a slice of tomato to each, if using.
- Cover each with a generous layer of cheddar.
- Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling and flecked with brown. Watch closely, since broilers vary.
- Rest for 1 minute so the filling settles, then serve hot.
Tips
- Squeeze the tuna very dry before mixing, or the topping turns watery and soaks the toast.
- English muffins, split baguette or sourdough slices work in place of sandwich bread. A pinch of paprika or chili flakes adds a little kick.
Questions and answers
Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?
Yes. The tuna mixture keeps in the fridge for 2 days. Assemble and broil the melts just before serving.
Can I make tuna melts in a skillet?
Yes. Build a regular sandwich, butter the outsides and griddle over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and melted.
Which cheese is best for tuna melts?
Cheddar is classic, but Swiss, Gruyère, provolone or mozzarella all melt well. Use a flavorful cheese, since tuna is mild.
How long does it take to make Open-Faced Tuna Melts?
About 15 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Open-Faced Tuna Melts?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 40 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
