Tuna Melt Sub

Name: Tuna Melt Sub with Buffalo Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 small red onion; 1 cup cold water; 2 stalks celery; 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna in water, drained; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish; 1 tbsp horseradish mustard; 2 tbsp buffalo sauce; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp sazón seasoning; 1 large hoagie roll; Cooking oil spray; 4 slices Swiss cheese; 1/4 cup shredded three pepper gouda cheese

This elevated tuna melt sub combines drained canned tuna with buffalo sauce and horseradish mustard, then layers it with Swiss and Gouda cheese on a toasted hoagie roll for a tangy, umami-forward sandwich.

🌍American 🏷️Tuna melt 🏷️Tuna salad 🏷️Sandwich 🏷️Sub 🏷️Hoagie Cheesy

🏷️

-0:00

thegoldenbalanceonTikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$32–$53

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by thegoldenbalance

-0:00

thegoldenbalanceonTikTok

Ingredients

1/2 small red onion
1 cup cold water
2 stalks celery
2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna in water, drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tbsp horseradish mustard
2 tbsp buffalo sauce
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp sazón seasoning
1 large hoagie roll
Cooking oil spray
4 slices Swiss cheese
1/4 cup shredded three pepper gouda cheese

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Instructions

1
Finely dice the red onion. Place the diced onion in a bowl and cover with cold water to soak. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
2
Using a vegetable peeler, peel the outer membrane from the celery stalks, then finely dice the celery.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, the soaked and drained red onion, diced celery, and chopped fresh parsley.
4
Add the pickle relish, horseradish mustard, and buffalo sauce to the bowl.
5
Add the mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sazón seasoning.
6
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
7
Slice the hoagie roll open lengthwise, but not all the way through. Lightly spray the inside with cooking oil.
8
Toast the roll under a broiler or in a toaster oven until lightly golden.
9
Lay the Swiss cheese slices on the toasted roll and return to the broiler to melt.
10
Once the Swiss cheese is melted, spread the tuna salad mixture evenly over the cheese.
11
Top the tuna salad with the shredded Gouda cheese.
12
Return the sub to the broiler one last time to melt the Gouda cheese until bubbly and golden.
13
Close the sandwich, slice if desired, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Drain canned tuna thoroughly by pressing gently between paper towels to remove excess water; wet tuna will make the sandwich soggy.
Toast the hoagie roll until golden and crispy on both sides before filling — this adds structural support and prevents sogginess from the moist tuna salad.
Finely mince the red onion and celery into small dice so they integrate evenly throughout the tuna salad and provide balanced texture in each bite.
Layer the tuna salad first, then top with cheese, and return to the toaster oven or broiler for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts fully before serving.

Substitutions

Canned tuna in oil → canned tuna in water (drain both thoroughly; oil-packed adds richness but requires extra draining)
Horseradish mustard → spicy brown mustard or Dijon (reduces the sharp heat slightly)
Buffalo sauce → hot sauce or sriracha mayo (adjust heat to taste)
Sweet pickle relish → diced dill pickle or capers (for a tangier, briny note)

Storage & make-ahead

Store assembled sub tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator up to 2 days; reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to warm through without drying out.

Common Questions

Can I make the tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the tuna salad mixture (tuna, onion, celery, parsley, relish, mustard, buffalo sauce, mayo) up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Assemble and toast the sub just before serving.

What type of hoagie roll works best?

A sturdy, crusty hoagie or sub roll holds up best to the moist tuna salad and melted cheese. Avoid soft rolls, which will fall apart when toasted.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes. Provolone, cheddar, or Gruyère work well. The Swiss-Gouda blend adds nuttiness; any semi-firm melting cheese will work.

How do I prevent a soggy sandwich?

Toast the hoagie roll until crispy, drain the canned tuna thoroughly, and assemble just before serving. Avoid letting the sandwich sit assembled for more than a few minutes.