Tuna Melt Classic Open-faced (Print Version)

A warm open-faced sandwich with creamy tuna and melted cheese, ideal for a simple lunch or light meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Cooking Directions:

01 - Set the oven broiler or toaster oven to broil.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
03 - Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
04 - Place the baking sheet under the broiler, buttered side up, and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
05 - Flip bread slices so toasted side is down. Spread tuna salad evenly on each slice, top with a tomato slice, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
06 - Return the baking sheet to the broiler and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely, until cheese is melted, bubbling, and edges are golden brown.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm tuna salad and crunch toasted bread creates something greater than the sum of its parts
  • Ready in under twenty minutes but tastes like it came from a diner that knows comfort food
02 -
  • The broiler can go from perfectly melted to burnt in under thirty seconds, so stay close and watch through the oven door
  • Buttering the bread and toasting it first prevents the bottom from getting soggy when the juicy tuna salad hits it
03 -
  • Drain the tuna really well, pressing it gently to remove excess water so your sandwich doesn't get soggy
  • Let the tuna salad sit for five minutes before assembling to let the flavors meld
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