If you’re searching for a vibrant, satisfying twist on your usual sandwich routine, look no further than these Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels. They’re irresistibly creamy, brimming with fresh flavors from ripe avocado, crisp veggies, and zesty lemon, all topped with golden, bubbling cheese on a toasted bagel base. It’s the kind of meal that upgrades lunch or dinner into something memorable—impossible to resist and just as quick to make as it is delicious to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the crunch of veggies to the silky avocado and the irresistible melty cheese, this isn’t just another tuna melt—it’s the bagel sandwich your cravings truly deserve.
- Bagels: The sturdy base for your melt—everything or plain bagels work splendidly, offering just the right chew and flavor.
- Tuna (1 can, drained): The backbone of your filling! Opt for a high-quality tuna for the freshest, cleanest taste.
- Ripe Avocado (mashed): Brings luscious creaminess and a healthy touch—make sure it’s perfectly ripe for easy mixing.
- Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and keeps everything deliciously moist—Greek yogurt is an excellent lighter option.
- Dijon Mustard: For punchy flavor that wakes up your tastebuds.
- Lemon Juice: A quick splash brightens all the flavors and helps keep the avocado vibrant green.
- Garlic Powder: A simple way to infuse a little aromatic depth without chopping garlic.
- Black Pepper: For a gentle kick—freshly cracked is best!
- Salt: Balances and enhances every bite.
- Red Onion (finely diced): Offers satisfying crunch and bursts of mild sweetness.
- Celery (finely diced): Adds extra crunch and freshness, making the melt even more satisfying.
- Tomato Slices: Juicy, fresh, and perfect for keeping each bite lively.
- Cheddar or Provolone Cheese Slices: The melt factor—rich, bubbly, and impossible to resist when broiled.
- Butter (softened): For perfectly toasted, golden bagels; skip for a lighter version if you prefer.
How to Make Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels
Step 1: Mix the Tuna Avocado Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mashed avocado, your choice of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, diced red onion, and diced celery. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks creamy—taste and adjust the seasonings if you want a little extra zing or crunch. This vibrant blend is the star of your Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels, so don’t hesitate to sneak a little taste!
Step 2: Prep and Toast the Bagels
Lay your bagel halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Spread each half lightly with softened butter, if using. Pop them under your oven broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping an eye out for that perfect golden edge. Toasting helps the bagels stand up to the filling and gives them a satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Melts
Once your bagels are lightly toasted, spoon a generous layer of the tuna avocado mixture on each half. Top each with a ripe tomato slice and a piece of your chosen cheese. Don’t be shy—this is where the “melt” magic happens! Every bite should have a balance of creamy filling, juicy tomato, and oozy cheese.
Step 4: Broil Until Melty and Golden
Slide the assembled bagels back under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely—this step goes quickly! You want the cheese to bubble and melt beautifully without overcooking the topping. When the cheese is gooey and slightly golden in spots, your Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels are ready for the table.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Carefully remove the hot, melty bagels from the oven and let them sit for just a minute. This tiny bit of patience lets the cheese settle so the sandwich holds together perfectly when you take your first bite. Slice in half if desired, and enjoy the balance of flavors and textures you’ve created!
How to Serve Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even a dash of flaky sea salt on top of your Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels. A quick grind of black pepper or a few red chili flakes can also add zing! These little extras make each bite even more special—like the crown jewels atop your savory creation.
Side Dishes
Make a simple lunch feel like a full café experience by pairing your bagels with a bright green salad, a handful of sweet potato chips, or a tangy coleslaw. Even a bowl of fresh fruit or a crunchy dill pickle rounds out the meal beautifully without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels open-faced on a big platter for a family-style meal, or cut them into quarters for party-ready finger food at brunches and gatherings. Stack them with extra veg, use a mix of different cheeses, or offer a “build your own” bagel bar for guests—they’re as fun to serve as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels (which is rare!), wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days. The filling will soften the bagel over time, but the flavors meld beautifully for an even more intense bite.
Freezing
While the creamy avocado filling doesn’t love the freezer on its own, you can freeze the assembled (but not yet broiled) bagels if needed. Wrap each in foil and freeze for up to one month—just know the texture of the avocado may change slightly once thawed. For the very best results, enjoy them freshly made when possible.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the leftover melts on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melty and the filling is warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bagel soggy and the filling unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Lunch
Absolutely! While canned tuna is the classic choice, you can swap in canned salmon or even cooked, flaked chicken for a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust seasoning to complement your protein of choice.
What’s the best type of bagel for this recipe?
Everything bagels add an extra punch of flavor, but plain, whole wheat, or even sesame bagels all work beautifully. Just pick your favorite or whatever’s fresh from the bakery!
Is it possible to make Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a plant-based cheese instead of regular cheddar or provolone, and swap the mayo for a vegan version. The avocado keeps things creamy and delicious, dairy or not!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
The filling can be made a few hours in advance—just store it in the fridge and cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent the avocado from browning. Assemble and broil just before serving for maximum freshness.
How can I make my melts extra crispy?
For ultra-crispy Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels, toast the bagel halves until deeply golden before adding the topping, and broil them on the upper rack for an extra bubbly, browned cheese finish. You can even sprinkle a few breadcrumbs over the cheese for a little added crunch!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try these Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels as I am to share them! It’s a deliciously different take on the traditional tuna melt, full of color, nutrition, and true comfort food appeal. Give this recipe a go, and let it brighten up your next lunch, brunch, or dinner—you won’t regret it!
Print
Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagel halves (2 servings)
- Category: Main Course, Lunch
- Method: Broiling, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious twist on the classic tuna melt with these Avocado Tuna Melt Bagels. Creamy avocado and flavorful tuna make the perfect pair atop a toasted bagel, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Bagel:
- 2 bagels sliced in half
Tuna Avocado Mixture:
- 1 can (5 ounces) tuna, drained
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
Additional Toppings:
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 slices cheddar or provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler. In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, red onion, and celery until well combined.
- Arrange bagel halves on a baking sheet and lightly butter the cut sides. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and spread the tuna avocado mixture evenly over each bagel half. Top with a tomato slice and a slice of cheese.
- Return under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Everything bagels work especially well for extra flavor.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese or skip the butter on the bagels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bagel halves
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
