This elevated tuna melt has everything we love about a classic tuna melt. It’s comforting, satisfying, easy, and delicious. By combining a few simple pantry ingredients—sliced bread, canned tuna, mayo—with fabulous melty Gruyere cheese, this recipe transforms a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. Perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a midnight snack, this elevated tuna melt delivers a rich, creamy filling topped with gooey, golden cheese that will delight you and your guests.
The secret to this upgrade starts with the tuna. Opting for tuna packed in oil ensures a moist, flavorful base, complemented by the crunch of diced celery, the bright sharpness of green onion, and the tang of finely chopped dill pickles. A generous dollop of mayonnaise ties it all together, creating a creamy and satisfying texture. Worcestershire sauce, though optional, adds a subtle depth of umami, while kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper bring everything into balance.
This elevated tuna melt is perfect whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Recipe Variations
- Bread Swap: Use sourdough or a hearty whole-grain bread or make smaller tuna melts with English muffins or slider buns.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with Havarti, Fontina, or even a smoky Gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Veggie Layers: Add a thinly sliced tomato or roasted red pepper slices to the tuna before you add the cheese.
- Crispy Additions: Add a slice of cooked crumbled bacon or crispy prosciutto for crunch.
What to Serve With Tuna Melt
Potato Side: For a hearty, satisfying meal, add French fries, chips, tater tots, or sweet potato fries.
Tangy: Add pickles or quick pickled vegetables to balance the savory flavors in the tuna melt.
Soup: Serve the melt with a cup of tomato soup or gazpacho for a hot weather dish.
Fresh and Light: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in a lovely vinaigrette.
Coleslaw: Either creamy or vinegar-based will add nice balance.
Comforting: Add a light potato salad or pasta salad to the menu.
PrintElevated Tuna Melt (And It’s Easy!)
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner, our elevated tuna melt is an excellent choice.
- Prep Time: 12
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwiches, Lunch Recipes
- Method: Broil
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 5-ounce can tuna packed in oil (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion (white and light green separated from dark green)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickle
- 3 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 slices bread
- 2 teaspoons butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup Gruyere (or cheddar cheese, grated)
Instructions
- Flake the tuna in a medium bowl and add the celery, white and light green parts of the green onion, and chopped dill pickle. Add enough mayonnaise to make a creamy consistency. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and taste, adding salt and pepper as needed.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the broiler.
- Toast the bread and spread each slice with butter. Place the slices on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Pile the tuna salad mixture on the bread.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Mound the cheese on the tuna salad.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Broil the tuna melts for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Garnish with the sliced dark green onion tops, and enjoy!
Credit: Diana Rattray
