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Crispy English Muffin Tuna Melts Made Easy

Crispy English Muffin Tuna Melts Made Easy

Toasted English muffin halves are topped with well-seasoned tuna salad and cheddar cheese, then broiled or baked until hot, crisp, and lightly browned. This recipe makes four open-faced melts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tuna Salad
  • 2 5-ounce cans Tuna, drained well
  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk, about 2 tablespoons Celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon, optional Sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon, optional Lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Base and Topping
  • 2 whole muffins English muffins, split
  • 4 slices, about 3-4 ounces total Cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon, optional Butter or olive oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the broiler, toaster oven, or oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
  2. Drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid, and flake it into a medium bowl.
  3. Stir in the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  4. Place the English muffin halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispness, lightly brush the surfaces with butter or olive oil and toast for 2-3 minutes before adding the tuna.
  5. Divide the tuna mixture evenly among the four muffin halves, spreading it nearly to the edges so every bite has a generous topping.
  6. Top each melt with a slice of cheddar. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for about 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts and lightly browns. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 7-10 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately while the muffin edges are crisp, the filling is hot, and the cheese is soft and golden.

Notes

Water-packed tuna gives the filling a firmer, less oily texture. Drain and press the tuna well to help prevent soggy muffins. Broilers vary, so watch the cheese closely because it can brown very quickly.