Creamy Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwich

Creamy Open-Faced Tuna Melts transform cheesy tuna dip made with cream cheese into an ultimate comfort dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. Slather it on bread, top with fresh tomato slices and cheddar cheese and broil it in the oven. 

Don't rule this out because you think there are too many carbs! We figured out bases for low-carb diets and every occasion!

If you're a fan of cheesy dips, then this sandwich is for you.

Confession time. I'm not in the hater camp, but I'm not a really big fan of tuna. My hubby and darling daughter are. They could go for weeks eating tuna fish sandwiches for lunch. I shy away from even opening and draining a can.

The difference between their sandwiches and this creamy hot sandwich (which I truly DO enjoy) is the addition of cream cheese, fresh tomato slices, and cheddar cheese. It's an upgrade to a basic tuna melt that tastes extra special. And delicious.

Serving it open-face is a way to cut out some carbs and calories. Plus, it's pretty! Or, you can forgo the bread altogether because it started out as a dip, much like Warm Artichoke Dip.

This recipe is perfect for nights when you need dinner in a flash and you don't have a plan. Start to finish, you're looking at about 20-25 minutes, which is why it's in our Healthy 30 Minutes Meals collection.

Steps

The first step is to make a warm tuna dip by softening celery and onion in a skillet and then blending together cream cheese and mayonnaise, followed by tuna fish.

Don't stop there and sit down for a taste! Is it just me? I could sit down with some chips and vegetable dippers and call it a night!

The next step is to spread the hot tuna melt dip over your favorite bread, top it with sliced tomato and more cheese and then broil! That's it!

Low-carb bread options

You can make this low-carb if you make a good choice for the bottom layer!  Find your "bread." It could be:

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

And if all else fails, pick a vegetable dipper or low-carb cracker and dig in! After all, it started out as a dip.

Variations

There are endless ways to serve open-face tuna melt sandwiches:

• Serve on an English muffin or in a croissant, traditional and a bit fancy.
• Leave off the parsley garnish (a.k.a the green stuff) if you have picky eaters in the house.
• Definitely add the parsley garnish if serving a more sophisticated palate because it adds to the presentation. (Dried parsley is a staple at our house.)
• Green onions are an alternative to white onion.
• Top with cooked bacon and then broil.
• If the bread is sliced thin, then toast it lightly first so it's firm enough to hold the tuna mixture.
• Shave a little time off the total cooking time by using tuna that comes in pouches. It makes the prep even easier - just tear open the package. No draining involved.

Please rate this recipe and let us know what you use as the bottom layer on your open-face tuna melt.  If you make it, tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see and SHARE what you are cooking up.

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!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 332kcal

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup celery diced1/2 cup celery diced
• 1/2 cup onion diced1/2 cup onion diced
• 4 ounces Cream cheese cut into cubes4 ounces Cream cheese cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• Dash of garlic powderDash of garlic powder
• 10 ounces Solid White Albacore Tuna packed in water drained10 ounces Solid White Albacore Tuna packed in water drained
• 6 slices Carb-free bread Or other bread of choice6 slices Carb-free bread Or other bread of choice
• 1 tomato sliced1 tomato sliced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• Optional parsley garnishOptional 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.

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.

Instantly Upgrade Dinner!FREE Low-Carb Sauce Cheat Sheet HERE!

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 661IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer