This deli-style tuna melt on a scooped-out bagel gives you all the rich, savory flavor of a traditional tuna melt with a smart, lighter twist. Scooping out the soft inside of the bagel leaves a crisp, hollowed-out crust-making plenty of room to pile the creamy tuna salad high before smothering it in melted cheese. It's a quick, high-protein lunch that hits the spot every single time.
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Why Scoop The Bagel?
Scooping out some of the soft center leaves room for more tuna salad and helps the bagel stay crisp under the filling. Leave a thin layer inside so the bagel still holds its shape.
Ingredients
This recipe makes one tuna bagel melt. It's a single serving, but it can easily be shared as a snack. If you serve it with a tossed salad, it becomes a meal for two.
To make the perfect tuna melt on a bagel, here's what you'll need:
- 1 bagel (scooped out), any flavor
- 1 can of tuna, drained. Use solid white albacore tuna in water for best results
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 diced celery stalk
- 2 slices of cheese: American, Swiss, or cheddar works best.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional tuna salad add-ins: Mix in diced red onion, chopped dill, or shredded carrots. A squeeze of lemon juice or a little Dijon mustard can add extra flavor to the tuna.
How to Make a Tuna Melt on a Bagel
- Set your broiler to high or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the tuna to a medium-sized bowl and use the back of a fork to break it into small pieces.
- Mix in the mayo, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Slice the bagel in half and scoop out some of the inside with your fingers or a spoon to create space for the filling.
- Spread the tuna salad evenly over both bagel halves.
- Top each half with a slice of cheese.
- Put the bagel halves on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil them for about 1 minute. You can also bake them for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How To Scoop Out a Bagel
- Toast the bagel in the oven or a toaster before adding your toppings.
- Start by slicing the bagel in half with a serrated knife.
- Using a the spoon, gently pull out the soft inside, being careful not to tear the outer crust.
- Leave a thin layer of bread inside so the bagel keeps its shape.
Best Cheese for a Tuna Melt
American cheese is the classic choice for a tuna melt because it melts quickly and evenly under the broiler. It gives the sandwich that creamy, old-fashioned diner taste.
Cheddar is another good option if you want a sharper flavor. Use mild or medium cheddar for the smoothest melt.
Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella also work well, especially if that is what you have in the refrigerator.
For this tuna bagel melt, use one slice of cheese on each bagel half. Broil just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots.
Tips for the Best Tuna Melt
- Toast the bagel first if you want extra crunch
- Choose the right cheese. American melts the best, but Swiss and cheddar add great flavor.
- Watch the broiler to avoid burning your sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
- Sweet Coleslaw
- New York Deli Macaroni Salad
- Deli Potato Salad
- Sour Cream Dill Potato Salad
- Sour or half-sour pickles
- Potato chips or French fries
More Deli-Style Recipes
- Tuna Melt on a Tortilla
- Veggie Tuna Salad
- Veggie Egg Salad
- Deli-Style Chicken Salad
- Whole Foods Cranberry Apple Tuna Salad
For more inspiration, check out these easy Deli-Style Salad Recipes
FAQ
Everything bagels are great because the garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds add extra flavor. Plain, sesame, or onion bagels also work well. Use whatever bagel you have and enjoy.
Scooping out some of the soft center makes room for more tuna salad and cheese. It also helps the bagel stay crisp instead of getting too thick and doughy.
Yes. Bake the tuna bagel at 400°F until the cheese melts, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes. For a skillet version, place the bagel halves in a skillet over medium heat, cover the pan, and cook until the cheese melts.
American cheese melts smoothly and gives the tuna melt that classic diner taste. Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella also work well.
Yes. Air fry the scooped-out bagel halves at 375°F for 2 minutes to toast them. Add the tuna salad and cheese, then air fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Deli-Style Tuna Melt on a Scooped-Out Bagel
Ingredients
- 1 bagel scooped out, any flavor
- 1 5 ounce can of solid white albacore tuna in water
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 diced celery stalk
- 2 slices cheese (American, Swiss, or Cheddar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your broiler to high or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the tuna to a medium-sized bowl and use the back of a fork to break it into small, flaky pieces.
- Mix in the mayo, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Slice the bagel in half and scoop out some of the inside with your fingers or a spoon to create space for the filling.
- Spread the tuna salad evenly over both bagel halves.
- Top each half with a slice of cheese.
- Place the bagel halves on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for about 1 minute, or bake for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Lisa V says
We love tuna melts on everything bagels!
Charlie K says
So that's how you do it! Scooping out now! Thanks
Melanie says
We're having bagels tonight! Love this idea!