About this Recipe

By: Rachel

Oftentimes, we associate foods with specific memories. When I was little and my aunt came over to watch me, she always made me homemade tuna melts. It is one of the very first things I remember learning how to make.

Early Lessons In Tuna Melts

She patiently showed me how to use the can opener, and together, we would drain the tuna over the sink before mixing up the tuna salad. (In our house, this was tuna and Miracle Whip. To this day, I can’t stand anything crunchy, like celery, onions, or relish, in my tuna).

We would spread the tuna over a slice of homemade bread, add tomato, and layer it with cheddar cheese. It went under the broiler until it was just perfect: melted cheese and warm filling. The bread had to be toasted, but never burnt. (This was the step I had the most trouble with when I made it on my own; somehow, I always burned the bread).

Serving Your Homemade Tuna Melt

Once out of the oven, we would top our open-faced sandwiches with a crisp slice of lettuce and eat them while they were still warm. I still associate this simple sandwich with memories of my youngest aunt, who never tired of reading to me and playing with me.

Whenever I need a pick-me-up, a quick tuna melt is one of my favorite go-to snacks.

Elevating the Sandwich (Just A Little)

Today, I dress my tuna salad up with a few more ingredients. Fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, garlic and onion powder, and a touch of lemon juice help to wake up the flavor.

But the most important element of your homemade tuna melt is fresh, high-quality bread. Find a local bakery, where the loaves are made with love and care. If you can bake your own, so much the better!

Tuna Melt

This simple, open-faced sandwich is a filling, comforting lunch or snack that comes together in minutes.

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Ready In 10

Meal Type Sandwiches

Good For American

Yield sandwich

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Small silicone spatuals
Quarter-sheet pan

Ingredients

1 can (5oz or 140g) chunk light tuna in water drained
2-3 tablespoons (30-45g) mayonnaise adjust amount to taste
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons parsley or chives chopped
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 slices whole wheat bread
1 medium tomato sliced
2 large cheddar cheese sliced
2 leaves romaine lettuce

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Line a small sheet pan with foil, and preheat your oven to broil.
Prepare the tuna salad by mixing the tuna, herbs, mayonnaise, lemon, chives, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 2

Place the slices of bread on the lined sheet pan. Divide the tuna between the two slices of bread, and top with generous slices of tomato. Top with cheddar cheese.

Step 3

Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven, add lettuce, and serve immediately.

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Pairing

By: Gaelynn Lea

The following pairings should stand up to the distinct flavors of a tuna melt—they also offer some fun, fizzy bubbles to cut through the heavier mayo and cheese.

If you’re wanting something refreshing but not too overpowering to go with this classic sandwich, I’d recommend looking into a few sparkling NA wine options. Any of these three would be a great, effervescent addition to this meal:

Giesen Non-Alchoholic Brut ($20)
Thomson & Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay ($22)
FRE Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Brut (approx. $11 and available in stores)

If you’re looking for a bit more brightness, then the flavor of lemon would be a great addition to this meal. In particular, Lapo’s Non-Alcoholic Citrus Spritz would be fab.

Finally, for those of you who like big flavors (you know who you are): the zesty, tart and bitter taste of grapefruit would be a powerful pairing for a tuna melt. This alcohol-free paloma recipe would pair nicely (see below), or else you can always order a 4-pack of pre-made N/A cocktails, such as Busty Lush She’s Glamorous Non-Alcoholic Palomas.

Alcohol-Free Paloma Recipe:

Get your sparkliest 8-10 oz glass (fancy glasses are half the battle)
Add a few ice cubes to the glass
Fill ½ of the glass with grapefruit juice
Fill ½ of the glass with sparkling water (plain)
Squeeze of lime juice
Dash of bitters (Angostura aromatic bitters work well here)
Agave syrup or maple syrup to taste (start with 2 tsp, add from there)
Salt the rim, if desired—then stir and enjoy!

Beverage Pairing

By: Olivia

The herbs, lemon, mayonnaise, cheddar, and tuna are all flavorful! As such, you’ll want a wine that pairs well with each other without overpowering the sandwich. Crisp white wines are the way to go, so look out for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Assyrtiko, or dry Riesling. An old reliable is Scarpetta’s Pinot Grigio; you cannot go wrong!