Cheesy Tuna Melt
A quick and cheesy tuna melt featuring tuna, cheddar, and Parmesan on toasted buns, perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- Mix drained and flaked tuna, chopped onion, chopped dill pickle, and pepper in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine Cheez Whiz, Miracle Whip salad dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the tuna mixture to the cheese mixture and mix lightly.
- Spoon the tuna mixture onto the bottom halves of the split hamburger buns.
- Top each with a slice of tomato.
- Broil the assembled sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes or until the Cheez Whiz begins to melt.
- Serve the sandwiches with the top halves of the buns.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for Miracle Whip. You can also use leftover cooked crab or shrimp instead of tuna for a different flavor. If you have any fresh herbs like dill or parsley, adding them can enhance the taste. For additional crunch, mix in some chopped celery or bell peppers. This recipe is adaptable to your pantry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy tuna melts are great served with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve alongside crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing coleslaw. For a hearty appetizer, consider serving them with a side of Sour Cream Crab Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a couple of minutes until warmed through, ensuring the buns remain crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they may become slightly soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Tuna Melt contains roughly 501 calories, with 11g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil for a richer flavor and creamier texture. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid making the mixture too greasy. The oil can add an extra layer of taste that complements the other ingredients nicely.
What can I substitute for Cheez Whiz?
If you prefer not to use Cheez Whiz, you can substitute it with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Melt the cream cheese slightly before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency. This will give you a similar creamy texture while allowing for a more natural cheese flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free hamburger buns. Ensure all other ingredients, like the cheese spread and dressing, are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the same cheesy goodness without any gluten-related concerns.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).