Elevated Tuna Melt (And It’s Easy!)
Take your taste buds to the next level with this elevated tuna melt. Creamy tuna, melty Gruyere cheese, and a satisfying crunch.
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.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch or an easy, elegant dinner, this sandwich hits all the right notes. It’s quick, satisfying, and easily customizable — proof that comfort food can still feel special.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple ingredients, elevated flavor. Everyday pantry items become a restaurant-quality sandwich.
Quick and satisfying. Ready in minutes — perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Customizable. Try it on sourdough, add bacon, or swap in your favorite cheese.
Golden and melty. Broiled until the cheese bubbles and the bread crisps beautifully.
Ingredient Notes
- Tuna packed in oil: Adds moisture and flavor; if using tuna in water, add a little extra mayo.
- Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully with a nutty flavor; cheddar or Havarti also work.
- Worcestershire sauce: Optional, but adds subtle umami depth.
- Bread: Sourdough or whole grain adds structure and crispness.
- Green onions: Add brightness and a gentle bite; reserve dark green tops for garnish.
Steps to Make an Elevated Tuna Melt
- Flake the tuna into a medium bowl and mix with celery, white and light green parts of the onion, dill pickle, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the bread lightly, spread with butter, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon the tuna mixture onto each slice and top generously with grated Gruyere.
- Broil on the upper oven rack for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden. Garnish with dark green onion tops and serve immediately.
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.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days; assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.
Freeze? Not recommended due to the mayo and cheese mixture.
To Reheat. Warm the assembled sandwich under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until hot and melty.
Elevated Tuna Melt (And It’s Easy!)
Ingredients
- 1 5-ounce can tuna, packed in oil, drained
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced, white and light green separated from dark green
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, heaping
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 slices bread
- 2 teaspoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, 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.
- 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.
- Pile the tuna salad mixture on the bread.
- Mound the cheese on the tuna salad.
- Broil the tuna melts for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with the sliced dark green onion tops, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
