A Bagel Tuna Melt is a delicious open-face sandwich with a slightly updated twist on a traditional tuna melt. You're going to want to make this deliciously melty tuna salad sandwich on a regular rotation. It's THAT good!!
This super easy tuna sandwich with melted cheddar cheese can be made in less than 5 minutes time and is perfect when served for lunch or an easy dinner option.
Jump to:
- The secret's in the sauce
- The ingredient list
- Ingredient information
- How many tuna melts does this recipe make
- How long will tuna salad keep in the fridge
- FAQs
- Additional add-in suggestions
- Ingredient substitution suggestions
- Additional sandwich recipes for you
- What to serve alongside this modern tuna melt bagel sandwich
- Printable Recipe Card
The secret's in the sauce
Keep my deliciously versatile Homemade Dill Tartar Sauce in your refrigerator at all times and you'll be ready to whip up this creamy tuna melt sandwich in no time flat!
The ingredient list
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a new "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart is available in the printable recipe card.
Ingredient information
CANNED TUNA - The choice is yours if you want canned tuna packed in oil or water. I used tuna in oil because I wanted the most flavor I could pack into this tuna melt sandwich.
TARTAR SAUCE - I always make tuna salad using the tartar sauce recipe I've been making for 30-plus years. My family has always loved the flavor of my tuna salad, so I won't mess around with my tried-and-true recipe.
Feel free to use your own tartar sauce (store-bought will work, too), but I urge you to try my recipe. It's a winner, takes less than 5 minutes to make, and uses basic refrigerator and pantry staples.
BAGEL - I used an everything bagel for this particular sandwich shown in the photos because those are the ones I like the best. Feel free to use whatever type of bagels you prefer.
CHEDDAR CHEESE SLICES - You can never go wrong when choosing cheddar cheese for a tuna melt. Just make sure your slices are as large as your bagel because you want to make sure you get all the cheesiness that makes a tuna melt, melt!
SHREDDED PARMESAN CHEESE - Why not top the melt with more cheese? I always have Parmesan in the fridge, so it was a no-brainer. Feel free to omit it if needed.
How many tuna melts does this recipe make
I guess that depends on if you call two halves, two sandwiches, or one. In the recipe, I'm calling two, one, so this recipe makes three servings of two each. Who's on first? LOL
How long will tuna salad keep in the fridge
Store the prepared tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing the tuna salad because the consistency will change once thawed.
FAQs
Use your favorite brand of canned tuna fish. Yellowfin and Albacore are both great choices. As stated above, I used tuna packed in oil for this particular melt, but I've also used tuna packed in water for these melts when I want to keep the calories just a wee bit lower.
Yes. Sure. Use what you have, or make your own. I like to make my own tartar sauce, but don't let me stop you from using store-bought tartar sauce if that's what you have on hand or prefer.
I don't recommend it. Because this recipe is mayonnaise based, when the tuna salad thaws, the texture will be "off," and the sauce will likely split and be oily.
Any flavor you wish!
Of course.
Additional add-in suggestions
Feel free to add whatever herbs and spices you enjoy most to this tuna melt sandwich. Grated fresh ginger would make an excellent addition, as would chopped capers, pimentos, minced red onion, celery, and of course, citrus zest.
Ingredient substitution suggestions
Feel free to use a vegan mayonnaise instead of the egg-based mayonnaise in this recipe. You can also use a smashed avocado instead of the mayonnaise for a completely different twist on a tuna melt sandwich.
Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss cheese, and American or Provolone cheese slices would all make great substitutions (or additions) to this updated tuna melt sandwich.
Additional sandwich recipes for you
This Fried Eggplant Sandwich is seriously delicious. Golden brown fried eggplant slices are layered between toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and sautéed green bell pepper. This sandwich is so, so good!! One bite, and you'll be hooked.
In the blink of an eye, and in only the time it takes to cook Italian sausages, you can have a deliciously easy Caprese Sausage Sandwich for dinner tonight!
This copycat German Knockwurst Sandwich is my version of a terrific sausage sandwich I'd had while on vacation in Northern Wisconsin.
What to serve alongside this modern tuna melt bagel sandwich
Roasted Baby Potatoes with garlic and herbs are creamy in the center and golden brown and crispy outside.
Crunchy, healthy, and completely addictive, Sunflower Crunch Kale and Cabbage Salad has it ALL going on!! Dig in! You're going to love this colorful salad!
When you make this recipe, and I hope you do, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card and briefly comment on why you rated it as you did. FYI - Google appreciates recipe ratings and, in turn, will share my recipes with more people. Thank you so much!!
Printable Recipe Card
Bagel Tuna Melt Sandwich
Equipment
- baking sheet optional
- parchment paper optional
- microwave-safe plate optional
- rotary cheese grater optional
- can strainer optional
Ingredients
- 3 cans (3 ounces each) tuna fish drained
- ¼ cup prepared tartar sauce or to taste
- 3 large bagels sliced in half
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the drained tuna fish and the tartar sauce in a medium-sized bowl and stir well until combined.
- Cut the bagels in half and toast until your desired doneness.
- Place the bagels onto a baking sheet (cut side up) and place the cheddar cheese slices onto each bagel half.
- Add a layer of prepared tuna salad to each bagel with cheese and sprinkle each with the shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Place in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's bagel and tuna salad sandwich melt as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Follow me across my social media platforms and join in on the conversation: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TIKTOK, AND YOUTUBE.
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
Katie says
Such an easy meal to throw together! I love anything on a bagel.
Renée says
Me too, Katie! I've been a bagel fiend lately.
Take care,
Renee
Taryn says
These were a great dinner option for us for Lent this year. Thanks for the recipe!
Renée says
My pleasure. Thanks for the 5 star rating!
Renee