Hearty Creamy Open-Faced Tuna Melt

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delectable and comforting dish that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying: the **Creamy Open-Faced Tuna Melt**. This isn’t just any tuna melt; it’s a transformation of a classic comfort food into a gourmet experience, ready to grace your table in under 30 minutes. Forget dry, bland sandwiches. Our recipe elevates the humble tuna melt with a rich, cheesy tuna dip, crafted with velvety cream cheese and savory ingredients, then perfectly broiled to golden perfection with fresh tomato slices and a generous layer of sharp cheddar.

For those mindful of their carbohydrate intake, don’t let the “bread” in “sandwich” deter you! We’ve meticulously considered a variety of bases, ensuring this delightful dish can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Whether you’re craving a traditional hearty meal or seeking a lighter, low-carb alternative, this recipe offers versatility without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Contents

Why This Tuna Melt is a Game Changer

If you’re a connoisseur of cheesy, warm dips, then prepare to meet your new favorite sandwich. What sets this recipe apart from typical tuna melts is its innovative approach to the filling. Instead of a simple tuna salad, we create a luxuriously creamy, warm tuna dip that acts as the heart of this dish. This method ensures every bite is packed with an incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture that traditional tuna melts often lack.

Confession time: I, too, was once ambivalent about tuna. While my husband and daughter are fervent fans, capable of enjoying tuna fish sandwiches for weeks on end, I often shied away even from the task of opening a can. But this particular recipe changed everything for me. The inclusion of cream cheese, combined with fresh tomato slices and melted cheddar cheese, transforms the experience entirely. It’s a significant upgrade to a basic tuna melt, offering a taste that feels decidedly special and utterly delicious.

Beyond its exceptional flavor, serving this dish open-faced offers a smart way to manage carb and calorie intake. It’s a lighter alternative that doesn’t sacrifice on heartiness or satisfaction. Plus, the vibrant colors of the tuna mixture, fresh tomato, and golden cheese make for a visually appealing presentation. Alternatively, you can bypass the bread entirely and enjoy the creamy tuna mixture as a standalone dip, much like our popular Warm Artichoke Dip, proving its versatility as an appetizer or a light meal.

This recipe is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when dinner plans are non-existent, and time is of the essence. From start to finish, you can have this exquisite meal ready in approximately 20-25 minutes, making it a proud member of our Healthy 30 Minutes Meals collection. It’s a testament to how quickly you can create something truly special with minimal effort.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Tuna Melt: Step-by-Step

Creating these creamy open-faced tuna melts is surprisingly simple, breaking down into just a few straightforward steps. The magic begins with the creation of our signature warm tuna dip, which serves as the foundation of this extraordinary dish.

Crafting the Creamy Tuna Dip

The first step involves a brief sauté. In a skillet, gently soften diced celery and onion in a touch of olive oil. This crucial step not only enhances their flavor but also provides a delightful texture contrast within the creamy dip. Once softened, remove from heat and blend in the luxurious cream cheese, smooth mayonnaise, and a dash of garlic powder until everything is well combined and creamy. Finally, fold in the drained tuna fish. This combination creates a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying base that could easily be enjoyed on its own!

And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable if you find yourself unable to resist a taste test at this stage! Who could blame you? This creamy concoction, even before meeting its bread counterpart, is a treat. I’ve often considered simply serving it with chips and fresh vegetable dippers for a casual, delightful evening.

Assembling and Broiling for Golden Perfection

The next step brings it all together. Spread a generous layer of your hot tuna melt dip over your chosen bread. The warmth of the dip will start to gently infuse the bread, creating an inviting aroma. Top this with vibrant slices of fresh tomato, adding a touch of acidity and juiciness that perfectly complements the rich tuna. Finally, crown each melt with a generous sprinkle of your favorite cheese – we highly recommend sharp cheddar for its robust flavor and excellent melting qualities. Then, it’s off to the broiler! A few minutes under intense heat is all it takes for the cheese to become bubbly and golden, and for the entire sandwich to warm through beautifully. And just like that, a masterpiece is born!

Low-Carb Bread Options and Beyond

One of the brilliant aspects of this open-faced tuna melt recipe is its adaptability to various dietary needs, particularly for those following a low-carb lifestyle. The key lies in your choice of base. Finding the right “bread” can transform this dish into a carb-conscious delight without sacrificing the beloved qualities of a tuna melt. Here are some excellent low-carb and carb-friendly options:

Thin-Sliced Whole Grain Bread: For a slightly reduced carb count compared to regular bread, thin-sliced whole grain options offer fiber and a familiar texture. Look for varieties with lower net carbs per slice.
No-Carb or Very Low-Carb Bread: The market has expanded significantly with innovative bread alternatives. Many grocery stores and online retailers (like Amazon) now offer breads specifically designed to have little to no carbohydrates. These are fantastic for a true low-carb experience while still enjoying the sandwich format.
Very Low-Carb Flour Tortillas: When toasted, low-carb flour tortillas provide a thin, crispy base that holds the tuna mixture well and keeps the carb count minimal.
Whole Grain Flatbread: Similar to tortillas, whole grain flatbreads can offer a sturdy base. Look for thinner versions to keep carbs in check.
Cloud Bread: For an ultra-light, airy, and virtually carb-free option, homemade cloud bread is an excellent choice. Its delicate structure provides a unique textural contrast to the creamy tuna.

And remember, if all else fails or if you prefer to skip the bread entirely, this dish began its life as a delicious dip! Simply grab some crisp vegetable dippers like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or sturdy low-carb crackers, and scoop away. It’s a testament to the versatility and inherent deliciousness of the creamy tuna mixture.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Tuna Melt

The beauty of the open-faced tuna melt lies not only in its speed and simplicity but also in its incredible adaptability. Once you master the basic recipe, you can unleash your culinary creativity with endless variations to suit different tastes, occasions, or ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your next tuna melt creation:

Traditional & Fancy Bases: While bread is a popular choice, consider serving your tuna melt on an English muffin for a classic diner feel, or even in a flaky croissant for a touch of elegance and richness that makes it perfect for a brunch or a more sophisticated lunch.
Garnish with Purpose: Parsley garnish is more than just decoration. It adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors.
- For picky eaters: Feel free to omit the parsley garnish (or any “green stuff”) if you have sensitive palates in the house. The dish is still wonderfully flavorful without it.
- For sophisticated palates: Definitely add a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley. It significantly enhances the presentation and adds a subtle layer of fresh flavor. Dried parsley is a convenient staple in many kitchens and works beautifully here.
Onion Alternatives: If the sharper taste of white onion isn’t your preference, consider using finely chopped green onions (scallions) instead. They offer a milder, fresher onion flavor that can be equally delicious.
Add Bacon: For an extra layer of savory crunch and irresistible flavor, crumble some cooked bacon over the tuna mixture before broiling. The smoky bacon complements the creamy tuna and sharp cheddar perfectly.
Toast Thin Bread First: If you opt for very thin-sliced bread, give it a light toast in the toaster or under the broiler for a minute before adding the tuna mixture. This helps create a firmer base that can better hold the creamy topping without becoming soggy.
Streamline with Tuna Pouches: Shave even more time off your prep by using tuna that comes in convenient pouches instead of cans. These usually come pre-drained, making the prep even easier – just tear open the package and mix. No draining involved!
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tuna mixture for a subtle kick, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for more pronounced heat.
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses like provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a different flavor profile.
Pickle Power: Finely diced pickles or capers can be folded into the tuna mixture to add a tangy, briny element that cuts through the richness and adds complexity.

The Ultimate Creamy Open-Faced Tuna Melt Recipe

Get ready to whip up this incredibly easy and satisfying meal. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating the perfect creamy, cheesy tuna melt that’s sure to become a family favorite.

📋 Recipe

Creamy Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwiches

Creamy, cheesy tuna “dip” is slathered on whole grain bread and topped with fresh tomatoes and cheese. It’s a quick and easy comfort dish!

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Prep Time:
10

Cook Time:
15

Total Time:
25

Servings:
6 servings

Author:
Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup celery diced
½ cup onion diced
4 ounces Cream cheese cut into cubes
¼ cup Mayonnaise
Dash of garlic powder
10 ounces Solid White Albacore Tuna packed in water drained
6 slices Carb-free bread Or other bread of choice
1 tomato sliced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Optional parsley garnish

Instructions

Set oven to broil.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add celery and onion to pan and saute for about 3-5 minutes or until softened.
Add cream cheese, mayonnaise and garlic powder to pan. Stir to melt and combine ingredients.
Stir in tuna and remove from heat.
To assemble sandwiches, divide tuna mixture between slices of bread and spread in an even layer.
Place tomato slices on top of the tuna.
Sprinkle cheese over the top of the tomato.
Place sandwiches on a broiler pan and place in the oven for about 2 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
Garnish with parsley, if desired.

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Notes

The nutritional estimate is based upon no-carb bread. But, there are many options including traditional ones:

Other low carb and/or SBD Phase 1 bases:

Thin-sliced whole grain bread.
Little to no-carb bread available at the grocery store or on Amazon these days!
Very low-carb flour tortillas
Whole grain flatbread
Cloud bread.

Traditional breads include English muffins, croissants and thick crusty baguettes and breads.

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Nutrition

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

We invite you to try this recipe and discover the magic of a creamy open-faced tuna melt for yourself. It’s a dish that promises both comfort and convenience, easily fitting into any busy schedule while delivering big on flavor. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share your experience! We’d love to hear what you used as your bottom layer and see your culinary creations. Tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media so we can see and share what you’re cooking up!