Easy Open Faced Tuna Melt Sandwiches

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Some of my favorite childhood memories happened in my grandma’s kitchen. She didn’t make fancy meals, but somehow everything she made tasted amazing. This open faced tuna melt sandwich was one of those recipes we’d get excited about because we knew dinner was going to be cheesy, comforting, and filling.

Grandma kept the ingredients simple—just canned tuna, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, celery seed, salt, pepper, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese piled onto hamburger buns. She’d bake them until the cheese was melted and bubbly, then serve them hot from the oven.

I still like to sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top before serving because it gives them a little pop of color.

Now whenever I make these tuna melts, I’m instantly reminded of sitting around Grandma’s kitchen table. It’s amazing how one simple recipe can bring back so many wonderful memories.

If you’re looking for an easy lunch or a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love, I think this old-fashioned tuna melt is going to become one of your favorites too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of tuna melt recipes out there, but I keep coming back to this one because it’s the way I grew up eating them.

• It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
• The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand.
• It’s a great way to turn a few pantry staples into a satisfying meal.
• The melted sharp cheddar cheese makes every bite extra delicious.
• It’s one of those comforting recipes that never seems to go out of style.

Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the ones you make over and over again.

What Makes This Tuna Melt Different?

Most tuna melts are made like a grilled cheese sandwich, but Grandma always made hers open faced.

Instead of sandwiching everything between two slices of bread, she’d spoon the tuna mixture onto hamburger bun halves, top them with lots of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and bake them until the cheese was melted and lightly golden.

I actually prefer this method because the edges of the bun get just a little crispy, and every bite has plenty of cheesy goodness.

Plus, you can bake several at once, which makes dinner so much easier.

Ingredients

• Hamburger buns
• Canned tuna packed in water, drained well
• Hellmann’s mayonnaise
• Celery seed
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Dried parsley for garnish

A Few Helpful Tips

A couple of little things make these even better.

Drain the tuna really well. Nobody wants a watery tuna melt. I usually let mine sit in the strainer for a minute or two before mixing everything together.

Use freshly shredded cheese if you can. It melts so much better than the bagged kind, and sharp cheddar gives these sandwiches the best flavor.

Don’t skimp on the cheese. Grandma never did, and neither do I!

How to Make Grandma’s Open Faced Tuna Melt

Start by mixing together the drained tuna, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, celery seed, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

Arrange the hamburger bun halves on a baking pan and spread the tuna mixture evenly over each one.

Bake the sandwiches for about 20 minutes.

This gives the tuna mixture time to heat through and lets the edges of the buns get lightly toasted.

Top each sandwich with a generous handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown around the edges.

Right before serving, sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top if you’d like.

Make It Your Own

Even though I usually stick with Grandma’s version, there are plenty of ways to change things up if you want.

Try adding:

• sliced tomatoes
• dill pickles
• red onion
• chopped celery for a little crunch
• a dash of paprika
• Dijon mustard
• Swiss cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

But honestly? I think Grandma’s original version is pretty hard to beat.

What to Serve with Tuna Melts

These sandwiches go with just about anything.

Some of our favorites are:

• Homemade Potato chips
• French fries
• Pasta salad
• Macaroni salad
• Coleslaw
• Pickles
• Mixed Berry Salad

It’s the kind of meal that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough that everyone leaves the table happy.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftover tuna mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you’re ready to eat, just spread it on fresh hamburger buns, add the cheese, and bake. I think they’re always best fresh out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the tuna mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix it together a day or two ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the sandwiches.

Can I use a different cheese?

Of course! Sharp cheddar is my favorite because that’s what Grandma always used, but Swiss, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or American cheese would all work.

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

Definitely. Hamburger buns are my favorite because that’s how I grew up eating them, but thick slices of bread, English muffins, or Texas toast all make delicious tuna melts.

Why is my tuna mixture watery?

Usually it just means the tuna wasn’t drained enough. Taking an extra minute to drain it well makes a big difference.

A Little Taste of Childhood

There are some recipes that are fancy enough for holidays, and then there are the recipes that simply make you feel at home. This open faced tuna melt is definitely one of those.

It’s quick, inexpensive, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. More than that, it’s the kind of recipe that reminds me of family dinners, conversations around Grandma’s kitchen table, and the simple meals that always tasted the best.

I still smile every time I pull these cheesy tuna melts out of the oven because, for just a moment, it feels like I’m back in Grandma’s kitchen all over again. I hope this recipe brings a little of that same comfort to your family, too.