Tuna Melt Bagel
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and protein-packed meal, might I suggest this tuna melt bagel. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic tuna melt with the chewy, hearty texture of a whole-grain bagel. It’s the ultimate go-to for a simple lunch or quick dinner.
Erica’s Thoughts
Whenever I post a tuna melt on social media it makes me realize that people are SLEEPING on this gem of a quick meal. I get comments like “I never thought to do this!” and “that looks so good!” Yes friends, yes it is. We love a good tuna melt.
The other day I was craving a tuna melt but didn’t have the whole-grain bread that I like. I did however have Dave’s Killer everything bagels. Quick tuna salad piled on a seedy whole grain everything bagel? DUHHHHH.
These bagels are many lovely things:
- Quick and easy: ready in under 10 minutes, this tuna melt bagel is perfect for a quick lunch when you’re hangry.
- Packed with protein: tuna is one of my favorite protein sources, one 5oz can provides 32g protein, paired with 8g in an ounce of cheese and 12g in one Dave’s bagel, this entire recipe has a whopping rings in at 50 grams of protein, or 25g per serving.
- Customizable: this recipe is super versatile and you can swap around your favorite veggies and seasonings and use whatever type of bagel and cheese you love.
- Satisfying: the combo of lean protein and satisfying carbohydrates is the ultimate fuel for busy days.
What You’ll Need to Make a Tuna Melt Bagel
Whole grain bagel: I love Dave’s Killer everything bagels. They are full of nutty, seedy whole grain goodness and a sturdy base for this tuna melt. Choose any variety you love but a whole wheat bagel will give you a boost of fiber.
Canned tuna: my favorite is Wild Planet albacore tuna. It is sustainably sourced with incredible taste. You can find it at Costco or most major grocery stores.
Mayonnaise: just a touch of mayo provides moisture and flavor. I like olive oil mayo or avocado oil mayo.
Dijon mustard: I can’t have tuna without Dijon! Mustard adds a lovely, tangy depth of flavor.
Pickled jalapeños: oh my goodness, if you have access to a Trader Joe’s puh-leeease try the hot and sweet jalapeños, they are SO good. They’re sweet, a little spicy and add the perfect kick to this tuna salad.
Celery: celery is a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy tuna.
Red Onion: red onion adds a sharp, savory flavor and a bit of crunch.
Green Onions: you could use any fresh herbs you love, I’m partial to green onions.
Sharp cheddar cheese: you can use any variety of cheddar cheese but I love the flavor of sharp cheddar. Any melty cheese will work here.
Microgreens or arugula: technically optional, but I think greens add a pop of appealing color and nutrition. I get microgreens at Trader Joes or my local grocery store.
How to Make this Bagel Tuna Melt Recipe
Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to broil. Toast the bagel in a toaster or toaster oven until golden brown.
Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the can of tuna, mayo, Dijon mustard, pickled jalapeños, celery, red onion, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Bagel: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or foil. Place the toasted bagel halves on the prepared baking sheet. Divide the tuna mix evenly between the two halves. Sprinkle grated cheddar on each bagel half.
Broil: Place bagels under the broiler and cook for 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add microgreens or arugula if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Choose High-Quality Tuna: opt for tuna packed in water for a lighter option or tuna packed in olive oil for extra richness.
- Toast the Bagel: this step ensures your bagel stays crisp under the broiler.
- Watch the Broiler: keep a close eye on your bagel while broiling—it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Variation Ideas:
- You can absolutely use a slice of bread instead of a bagel if you wan.
- Try canned or shredded chicken to make this a chicken melt.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne pepper to make the tuna salad spicier.
- Feel free to add any other veggies you enjoy- red peppers, carrots, cucumbers, avocado slices or pickles.
- Colby jack, swiss cheese or Monterey jack are all great cheese substitutes if you don’t have cheddar.
- Sprinkle finished bagel with chili crisp seasoning or more bagel seasoning bc why not!
- Enjoy as a bagel sandwich instead of an open-faced melt if that’s more your style.
FAQs
You can prepare the tuna mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and broil the bagel just before serving for the best results.
Pair it with a simple side salad, raw veggies like snap peas or cucumbers, a cup of soup, or a handful of your favorite chips for a complete meal.
First, let me promise that you really can’t taste the mayo. BUT you could use plain Greek yogurt if you want.
Absolutely! English muffins, sourdough, whole grain bread or even a croissant would work well if you don’t have bagels on hand.
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! If you love more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, @itsaflavorfullife, I love connecting with you all there!
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Tuna Melt Bagel
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Broil
- Cuisine: American
Description
This tuna melt bagel is everything you love about comfort food with a nutritious twist. The combination of creamy tuna, crunchy veggies, melty cheese, and a hearty bagel base is such a satisfying, easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole grain bagel
- 1 5oz can tuna in water, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 pickled jalapeños, finely chopped (I love the hot and sweet ones from TJs!)
- 1 stalk celery, minced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon green goddess seasoning blend or similar all-purpose seasoning
- 1 oz sharp cheddar, grated
- for topping: microgreens or arugula, chili onion crunch seasoning, drizzle of olive oil, pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to broil. Toast the bagel in a toaster or toaster oven.
Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or foil. In a medium bowl combine tuna, mayo, mustard, pickled jalapeños, celery, red onion, green onions, salt, pepper and green goddess seasoning and mix until well combined.
Place toasted bagel on prepared baking sheet. Split tuna mixture between the bagel halves. Top with the grated cheese. Place in the oven and broil on high for 1 minute.
Top with greens of choice and chili crunch seasoning if using and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe is easily multipliable if you’d like to prep a larger batch of tuna salad.
Refer to above blog post for tips, variation ideas and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 bagel
- Calories: 339
- Sugar: 5.6 g
- Sodium: 751.9 mg
- Fat: 12.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.1 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 24.9 g
- Cholesterol: 48.7 mg
Another awesome recipe. Made it for dinner tonight and used bagel thins. Chef husband, “this is really, really good. Way more flavorful than regular tuna melts”. Bravo! Adding to the rotation.