Open Face Tuna Melts

Name: Open Face Tuna Melt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 (7ounce) cans albacore tuna packed in water (drained); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced); 1/4 cup celery (finely diced); 1/8 cup sweet relish; 2 Tablespoon fresh dill; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices sturdy bread (see notes); 6 slices tomatoes; 6 slices cheese (American, Cheddar, Pepperjack, )

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These Open Face Tuna Melts are an easy lunch or quick weeknight dinner made with creamy homemade tuna salad, melty cheese, and juicy tomato on crispy toasted bread. Ready in just 20 minutes with simple pantry staples, they're a comforting meal the whole family will love. If you enjoy easy sandwich recipes, be sure to try my Chick Fil A Chicken Salad Sandwiches next.

Open face tuna melts in a basket with potato chips.

Loaded with a creamy tuna mixture piled on golden toasted bread with melty cheddar cheese, these open face tuna melts are the ultimate comfort food sandwich. Pair them with Butternut Squash Soup or Roasted Tomato Garlic Soup for a cozy meal.

Quick Look: Tuna Melt Sandwich

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 6
📊 Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
🥣 Ingredients: albacore tuna, mayo, red onion, celery, sweet relish, fresh dill, black pepper, bread, tomato, cheese
⭐ Difficulty: Easy, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 minutes: A quick and easy lunch or dinner that's perfect for busy days.

Crispy, cheesy comfort food: Creamy tuna, melty cheddar, and toasted bread make every bite irresistible.

For even more tasty tuna options, try my Classic Tuna Casserole or this Tuna Pasta Salad!

Ingredients Needed

Labeled ingredients for open face tuna melts.

Albacore Tuna: I prefer to buy tuna packed in water since you'll want to drain the liquid anyway.
Mayonnaise: Use real mayonnaise.
Sweet Relish: You can absolutely use dill relish if you prefer.
Fresh Dill: Dried dill can also be use, but fresh dill will give you the best flavor.
Bread: A sturdy bread works best here like sourdough or Italian.
Cheese: I used American cheese but feel free to choose a different variety to your taste.

How to Make these Open Face Tuna Melts

Steps 1 and 2 for making open face tuna melts.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna with mayo, celery, onion, relish, dill, and pepper.
Step 2: Meanwhile, lightly toast your bread on both sides and arrange on a baking sheet.

Steps 3 through 6 for making tuna melts.

Step 3: Add a generous scoop of the tuna salad to each piece of bread.
Step 4: Place a slice of tomato on top of the tuna mixture.
Step 5: Finish each tuna melt with a piece of cheese.
Step 6: Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

Four open faced tuna melts on a baking sheet.

Recipe Tips

Be sure to properly toast the bread before adding the tuna. This will prevent it from getting damp or soggy as the tuna melts bake.
When it comes to the bread, choose something like a rustic Italian bread or a French loaf. Sourdough, whole wheat, and english muffins are also great options!
The size of your bread will dictate how many open face tuna melts you'll get out of this recipe.
Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can make it ahead of time and use it to quickly assemble your baked tuna melt sandwiches whenever you need them.

Tuna melt sandwich on a plate with potato chips.

Recipe FAQ's

What kind of bread is best for an open faced tuna melt?

For tuna melts, something sturdy is typically the best bet. Ciabatta, sourdough, French bread, or a crusty rye bread all work really well.

What cheese is best for tuna melts?

Sharp cheddar and American cheese are classic options since they both melt fairly easily, but options like Swiss, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack cheese are also great for giving your sandwich a different flavor.

How do you keep a tuna melt from getting soggy?

Drain any excess liquid from the tuna before making the tuna salad. Toasting the bread well also helps to prevent any moisture from soaking in.

Can I make the tuna mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the tuna salad a day or so ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge until it's time to make your tuna melts.

Can I use canned tuna in water or oil?

You can prepare the tuna salad up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, assemble the sandwiches and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.