Horseradish-Cheddar Tuna Melts

Updated May 1, 2024

Horseradish-Cheddar Tuna Melts
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
4(201)
Notes
Read community notes

These no-frills, open-faced tuna melts pack a punch because horseradish and Cheddar make a rowdy pair. Jarred horseradish is a nose-tingling combination of grated horseradish, vinegar and salt, so the tuna only needs a couple tablespoons and a little mayo, garlic and black pepper to make it zesty and creamy. If you’re only serving two, the recipe halves easily, and you can broil it in a toaster oven. Eat for lunch or dinner alongside an iceberg salad, pickle spears or potato chips.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 2(5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
  • ¼cup mayonnaise, plus more as needed
  • 2tablespoons prepared or creamy horseradish, not drained, plus more as needed
  • 2garlic cloves, finely grated
  • Black pepper
  • 4English muffins, split with a fork
  • 8slices sharp Cheddar
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

526 calories; 32 grams fat; 13 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 8 grams monounsaturated fat; 8 grams polyunsaturated fat; 29 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 33 grams protein; 853 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange a rack about 6 inches from the broiler heat source and heat the broiler to high.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash together the tuna, mayonnaise, horseradish, garlic and a few grinds of pepper until smooth. Taste and, if it’s mild, add more horseradish; if it’s dry, add more mayonnaise.

  3. Step 3

    Place the English muffins on a sheet pan and toast lightly under the broiler on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side (check frequently to avoid burning). Arrange the English muffins split-sides up, then top with the tuna salad (about 3 tablespoons each). Top each with a slice of Cheddar. Broil until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives, if using. Eat right away.

Ratings

4 out of 5
201 user ratings
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This was so easy and so delicious. Will make again for sure!

I used plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo, added a little bit of lemon juice, capers and some sliced peppericinis for crunch. Absolutely delicious!

Made up extra tuna and added celery the next day over salad for lunch. Like kimchi, a nice spicy twist on tuna salad.

I love this recipe for a quick lunch. I adjusted for 2 people, and it was great. I usually have all the ingredients on hand, another plus.

This recipe is great as is. The only change I made was to use smoked gouda instead of cheddar because that's what I had on hand. A lovely quick dinner!

I haven't made this yet -- but it's on my shortlist. For those looking for a stronger horseradish, give Gold's Hot version a try. If you live in a ShopRite area, their Bowl and Basket prepared horseradish is even sharper.

I get that people don’t like mayo but also by adult hood have figured out ways to avoid it. How do you normally eat a tuna sandwich? Maybe yogurt will work someone suggested avocado or maybe this isn’t the recipe for you. And funny how some say too much horseradish and others not enough. Everything is a matter of personal taste, viva la difference. Best advice I have gotten is taste as you go, avoid recipes that have ingredients you dont like.

I make this with smashed firm tofu instead of fish, and I add a bunch of finely chopped walnuts, and some India relish.

Made as written, plus a few capers and a touch of coarse mustard. Lovely! Drain the tuna well to avoid the feel of 'too much mayo' (or reduce mayo). Will likely add celery and red onions next time just to give it some crunch.

Instead of mayo, use Greek or whatever plain yogurt you like, or avocado

Oh yeah! My doctors would love me to eat fish, but I sadly can’t stand it… tinned tuna is our compromise, but the usual swimming in mayo style salad tends to negate the health benefits. Made this with 1 TBSP horseradish, plus 1 mayo to 1 tin tuna. Added capers and celery, and adjusted for my location by using a ciabatta roll and oud kaas (iykyk). Topped with big handfuls of crunchy iceberg and served with crisp pickles on the side. Great flavor without a heaping cup of mayo!

May 16/24. Made whole wheat English muffins (Melissa Clarke), used fresh tuna marinated in oil and lemon juice. Good.

Mayo is disgusting. Any recommendations for a substitute?

Yes! Find a new recipe.

Perhaps someone actually has another recommendation.

I sometimes used smooshed avocado instead of mayo. Gives you the fat content and the sticktoitness of mayo. Only thing is you have green tuna salad which once you get used to is no biggie but be prepared to explain it to others not used to it!

This was virtually inedible when prepared as written. Maybe it was just the horseradish I bought (a major brand), but this was sooo bitter, you couldn't even eat it. I had to add a TON more mayo, which just made this super heavy and greasy. I love horseradish, so unfortunately, just dumped the 2 tablespoons in without tasting. If I made again, I'd start with 2 teaspoons...

Agree with others this could use more horseradish. I used 4T of Prepared Horseradish, and still felt it could use more. Maybe 6T? Fun on sourdough bread. Added finely minced celery and 1/4C minced onion.

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