Tuna melts are an easy lunch: tuna mixed with mayonnaise, celery and lemon on challah, rye or sourdough, topped with sharp cheddar or Swiss and broiled or griddled until golden and melty.
Keys to a Great Tuna Melt
Use tuna packed in water and don’t overdo the mayonnaise; too much makes the sandwich soggy. The tuna mixture should hold together. Toast the bread first, then add the tuna and cheese and broil until bubbling, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. A slice of tomato or red onion under the cheese adds freshness.
Kosher Notes
Tuna melts are dairy (milchig). According to most customs, fish and dairy can be eaten together. Use tuna, mayonnaise and cheese with a reliable hechsher.
Storing
Serve right away. Leftover tuna mixture keeps for 3 days.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Preheat your broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a fork, breaking up the tuna but not mashing it completely.
- Toast the bread slices in a toaster or toaster oven until lightly golden. You want them crispy but not too dark since they're going back under the broiler.
- Arrange the toasted bread on a baking sheet. Divide the tuna mixture evenly among the 8 slices, spreading it to the edges.
- Top each slice with cheese, covering the tuna mixture completely. The cheese should go right to the edges to prevent the tuna from drying out.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots. The timing depends on your broiler, so keep an eye on them.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a minute before serving. The cheese will be very hot.
Notes
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