Handwritten recipe for Tuna Melt
by: salvagedrecipes

Open-Faced Tuna Melt with American Cheese

Tuna Melt
The Tuna Melt is a classic American comfort food that combines creamy tuna salad with melty cheese atop toasted rye bread. This retro-style open-faced sandwich became popular in the mid-20th century as a quick lunch staple in diners and home kitchens. The addition of carrots, celery, and a hint of hot sauce gives this version a satisfying crunch and flavor punch. Finished under the broiler, each bite offers a crispy, golden cheese topping balanced by the fresh coolness of a tomato slice served on the side. It's a simple, filling, and nostalgic meal ideal for casual lunches or light dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 slices rye bread
  • 5 oz tuna (drained)
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk celery (finely diced)
  • ¼ cup carrots (shredded )
  • 1 tbsp pickle relish
  • ¼ tsp hot sauce
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 6 slices American cheese (thin)
  • 1 tomato (large, ripe, sliced)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Toast the Bread

  • Lightly toast 3 slices of rye bread until golden. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tuna Salad

  • In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, carrots, pickle relish, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Assemble Sandwiches

  • Spread about 1/2 cup of tuna salad onto each slice of toast.
  • Top each with 2 slices of American cheese.

Step 4: Broil to Melt Cheese

  • Place assembled sandwiches under a broiler for about 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve hot, with sliced ripe tomato on the side.

Tips

  • Use whole wheat or sourdough bread instead of rye for a different flavor
  • Substitute cheddar or Swiss cheese for American cheese
  • Add finely diced onion for extra sharpness
  • Use light mayonnaise to reduce fat
  • Add chopped dill pickles instead of sweet relish
  • Serve with lettuce or cucumber slices on the side
  • Sprinkle paprika on top before broiling
  • Turn into a closed sandwich and grill in a skillet
  • Add extra hot sauce for more heat

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 20gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1276mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2635IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 487mgIron: 2mg
Keyword comfort food, lunch classic, open-faced sandwich, retro cooking, tuna melt, vintage recipe
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