Poor College Student Tuna Melts
A quick, budget-friendly tuna melt with melty cheese and crunchy pickles on toasted bread, perfect for a satisfying lunch or late-night snack for students or budget-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Check the roll for mold; it doesn't matter if it's stale. Slice in half and place open-faced on a cookie sheet.
- Put oven on broil.
- Open the tuna and place it in a bowl.
- Mix the tuna with the salad dressing and diced pickles.
- Spread the tuna mixture on the cut sides of the roll.
- Cut any visible mold off the cheese slices and lay them on top of the tuna mixture.
- Broil until the cheese is fully melted.
- Eat off of a paper plate or napkin.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of mayonnaise to the tuna mix alongside the salad dressing. If you're out of dill pickles, relish can be a great substitute. Don't worry about the roll being stale; it adds a nice crunch when broiled. For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder over the cheese before broiling. For more tuna ideas, check out Terri'S Favorite Tuna Bake.
Serving Suggestions
These tuna melts are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve them with a side of crispy potato chips or a simple salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with The Best Bloody Mary Ever for a relaxed brunch. For a fun twist, try them with a side of Shrimp Cracker Spread for a seafood-themed gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tuna melts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor College Student Tuna Melts contains roughly 1872 calories, with 120g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (240% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (152% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese works well, you can substitute with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Is it necessary to broil the melts?
Broiling is recommended as it quickly melts the cheese and gives a nice golden finish. However, if you don't have a broiler, you can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I add vegetables to the tuna mixture?
Yes, adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions can enhance the flavor and add crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely and mix them well with the tuna so they blend nicely into the melt.
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).