Description
These Open Faced Tuna Melts are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining a savory tuna and white bean mixture with tangy olives, roasted red peppers, and sharp Dijon mustard, these melts are topped with melted Swiss cheese and fresh tomato slices, then broiled to golden perfection for a comforting, protein-packed dish.
Ingredients
Tuna Mixture
- 2 – 5 oz cans albacore tuna, in water, drained
- ⅓ cup green olives, diced
- ⅓ cup roasted red peppers, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (add more as needed)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (add more as needed)
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup white beans (canned or cooked, drained and rinsed)
Assembly and Toppings
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese as alternative)
- 1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 slices bread (type not specified, use preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to broil on low and adjust the rack to the upper-middle position to ensure even toasting and broiling of your melts.
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, white beans, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, dried oregano, diced green olives, roasted red peppers, and red onion. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful tuna salad.
- Toast the Bread and Layer Tomato: Slice your bread and tomato thinly. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once toasted, add a layer of the thin tomato slices on each piece of bread.
- Assemble the Tuna Melts: Generously spread the tuna mixture on top of the tomato-covered toast slices. Then, place a slice of Swiss cheese over each assembled open-faced melt.
- Broil the Melts: Return the baking sheet with the assembled melts to the oven under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the melts from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over each melt for a fresh herbal finish before serving warm.
Notes
- Use canned albacore tuna in water for a light and healthy option; drain well to avoid soggy melts.
- White beans add protein and creaminess—canned cannellini or great northern beans work well; rinse and drain before use.
- Adjust mayonnaise and Dijon mustard quantities to taste for desired creaminess and tang.
- If preferred, cheddar cheese can be used instead of Swiss for a sharper flavor.
- Watch the broiler carefully during toasting and melting to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
