Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwich

These Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwiches are a comforting blend of creamy tuna and melted cheese on a crispy bread base. Made with solid white tuna, finely diced celery, and shredded cheese, they offer a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Toasting the bread separately keeps it crisp, while a bake-and-broil combination creates a bubbly, golden cheese topping. Perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner, they’re quick to make and deliciously simple.

Did You Know?
The History of Tuna Melts
Tuna melts have been a beloved comfort food since the 1960s, originating in American diners and cafés as a quick, hot sandwich option. The classic combination of creamy tuna and melted cheese offers a hearty meal without extra toppings. Open-faced sandwiches like these highlight the ingredients and create a deliciously satisfying texture that’s perfect for cheese lovers.

Yield:
2 servings

Ingredients:

2 slices of hearty bread (like sourdough or whole grain), each about 1 inch thick and approximately 4–5 inches in length by 3–4 inches in width
1 can (5 oz) solid white tuna, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   Personal Tip: Baking at a lower temperature first helps the tuna mixture warm up thoroughly before broiling.

2. Toast the Bread:
   Place the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, flipping halfway, until lightly toasted. Toasting separately keeps the bread crispy.
   Personal Tip: Toasting both sides of the bread adds extra crunch and prevents sogginess once you add the tuna mixture.

3. Prepare the Tuna Mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, finely diced celery, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy.
   Personal Tip: Using solid white tuna gives a firmer texture and richer flavor than chunk light tuna, making each bite more substantial.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Spoon half of the tuna mixture onto each toasted bread slice, spreading it evenly. This ensures each bite is well balanced with the creamy tuna mix.
   Personal Tip: Press down slightly with the back of the spoon to help the tuna mixture stick to the bread, so it stays in place under the cheese.

5. Add the Cheese:
   Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese over the tuna mixture. Choose your favorite cheese for a unique flavor.
   Personal Tip: Shredded cheese melts more evenly and covers the tuna better than slices, ensuring a gooey layer over every inch.

6. Bake and Broil:
   Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to warm the tuna. Switch the oven to broil and broil for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.
   Personal Tip: For extra flavor, try mixing a bit of smoked paprika into the cheese for a lightly smoky taste.

7. Serve:
   Carefully remove the sandwiches from the oven. Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
   Personal Tip: Allowing the sandwich to cool just a bit helps the cheese set slightly, making each bite cohesive and less messy.

A Little More Information About This Tuna Melt Sandwich:

Bread Size: For an open-faced sandwich, a slice approximately 4–5 inches long by 3–4 inches wide provides the ideal surface area for the tuna mixture and cheese, balancing texture and flavor in each bite.

Texture: This sandwich is a balance of crispy toasted bread and creamy tuna with bubbly, melted cheese, creating a comforting contrast in every bite.

Cheese Choices: Cheddar adds a bold flavor, while Swiss offers a milder, nuttier option. Experiment with these or mix them for a custom taste!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350, Protein: 22g, Carbohydrates: 23g, Fiber: 3g, Net Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 560mg, Sugars: 2g, Glycemic Index: Low

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Choose the Right Tuna
   Solid white tuna holds its shape better and adds a rich texture to the sandwich, making each bite substantial and satisfying.

2. Toast the Bread for Crispiness
   Toasting the bread separately keeps it crispy, even after adding the tuna mixture. This step prevents sogginess.

3. Experiment with Cheese Varieties
   Swiss cheese pairs well with tuna for a nutty flavor, while sharp cheddar gives a bolder taste. Mixing cheeses is a great way to add depth.

4. Serve with a Side
   Pair your tuna melt with a side salad or a bowl of soup to make it a complete meal.

5. Bulk Buy Tuna
   Canned tuna in bulk is more economical and has a long shelf life, making it a great pantry staple for easy meals.

6. Use Fresh Herbs for Flavor
   Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top of the melted cheese for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

7. Avoid Over-Broiling
   Watch the sandwich closely as it broils to keep the cheese golden and prevent burning.

8. Add a Twist
   For extra flavor, mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the tuna mixture or sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top of the cheese before broiling.

9. Try Alternative Breads
   Sourdough or rye bread adds a unique flavor that complements the tuna and cheese well. Choose a hearty bread for the best results.

10. Reheat Gently
    Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain some of the crispiness without drying out the tuna mixture.

Let’s Learn About Canned Tuna

Solid White Tuna: Known for its firm texture and mild flavor, solid white tuna is perfect for dishes like tuna melts where you want a heartier bite. It’s typically packed in water or oil for added richness.

Chunk Light Tuna: A more economical option, chunk light tuna is softer and can be ideal for salads or spreads. It’s often a mix of tuna species, including skipjack, making it milder in flavor.

Sustainably Sourced Tuna: Choosing brands labeled as sustainably sourced or pole-and-line caught helps reduce environmental impact and supports healthier ocean ecosystems.