There’s something so irresistible about warm bread stuffed with creamy tuna and gooey melted cheese.

This Tuna Melt Stuffed Bread is crisp on the outside, rich and cheesy inside, and perfect for sharing at family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of tuna, mayo, and cheddar creates a creamy yet savory filling.

French bread turns golden and crunchy while holding the rich topping.

It’s quick to make and feeds a crowd with little effort.

You can customize it with fresh herbs or extra toppings to your liking.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Solid white albacore tuna provides meaty texture and mild flavor.

Mayonnaise binds the filling and keeps it creamy.

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey, irresistible finish.

Tomatoes add freshness and juiciness to balance the richness.

French bread serves as the perfect crispy base.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Drain the tuna very well so the bread doesn’t get soggy.

Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.

Keep a close eye on the broiler—cheese can burn in seconds.

Let the bread rest a few minutes before slicing to avoid losing filling.

How to Make Tuna Melt Stuffed Bread

Step 1 – Prep the oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.

Step 2 – Mix the tuna filling

In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, onion, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Step 3 – Assemble the bread

Place half of the French bread loaf on the baking sheet.

Spread tuna mixture evenly, top with chopped tomatoes, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and extra pepper.

Step 4 – Bake covered

Loosely cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 5 – Broil to finish

Remove foil and broil 2–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6 – Rest and garnish

Let the bread cool 5 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with green onions and parsley if desired.

What to Serve Them With

Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.

Serve with tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Enjoy alongside roasted vegetables or potato wedges.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap cheddar with mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Add sliced pickles or olives for a briny kick.

Mix in a little Dijon mustard for extra tang.

Turn it into mini baguette melts for party appetizers.

Storage & Leftovers

Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated up to 2 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and cheese is melted again.

Avoid microwaving—it softens the bread too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different bread?
Yes, ciabatta, sourdough, or Italian bread work well.

Can I make this ahead?
You can assemble the bread and refrigerate for a few hours, then bake before serving.

Can I use canned tuna in oil?
Yes, just drain well and reduce the mayo slightly.

What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone also melt beautifully.

Can I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tuna mix.

How do I slice without the toppings sliding off?
Let the bread cool slightly and use a sharp serrated knife.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Melt Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite.

It’s quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and sure to become a family favorite.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Tuna Melt Stuffed Bread

This tuna melt stuffed bread is cheesy, savory, and perfect for sharing. French bread is loaded with a creamy tuna filling, fresh tomatoes, and sharp cheddar, then baked until golden and bubbly. An easy crowd-pleaser for lunch, dinner, or parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 310

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans solid white albacore tuna drained
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ medium yellow onion chopped
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ½ large loaf French bread
• 1 –2 medium tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 2 green onions chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet.
2. Mix tuna, mayo, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Place half of bread loaf on sheet.
4. Spread tuna mixture, add tomatoes, sprinkle cheese, and extra pepper.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake 10 minutes.
6. Remove foil and broil 2–5 minutes until cheese is golden.
7. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with green onion and parsley, then slice and serve.
8. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/tuna-melt-stuffed-bread/

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or swap with mozzarella for extra melt.
• Add sliced pickles or jalapeños for a tangy kick.
• Works great with baguette or ciabatta bread too.