How to Make the Perfect Tuna Melt Mini Bagels
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
These melty tuna bagels are made with a simple creamy tuna mixture topped with cheddar cheese and toasted until perfectly golden. They are a satisfying and protein-rich lunch that kids will love eating with their hands.
Why this recipe works
This Tuna Melt Mini Bagels recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 330 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 whole mini bagels sliced in half
- 2 cans tuna in water drained
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 slices cheddar cheese cut in half
- 2 tablespoons finely diced celery
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Tuna Mixture
Drain both cans of tuna thoroughly and place in a bowl, then add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and finely diced celery and stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Bagels
Slice the mini bagels in half and place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with foil, then lightly toast them under the broiler for about one minute until just barely golden so the base does not get too hard.
Step 3: Top and Melt
Spoon a generous amount of tuna mixture onto each bagel half and spread it evenly, then place half a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one and return the baking sheet to the broiler for two to three minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Step 4: Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the bagels to cool for two minutes so they are safe for kids to eat, then plate them and serve with a side of fruit or veggie sticks.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mini bagels → English muffins or small bread rolls
- mayonnaise → plain Greek yogurt for a lighter tuna mixture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not draining the tuna well enough which results in a watery mixture that makes the bagels soggy
- Broiling too long which dries out the tuna topping and makes the bagel too crunchy to eat comfortably
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 330 calories, 22g protein, 30g carbs, 13g fat, 2g fiber.
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