Sheet Pan Bagel Tuna Melts (15-Minute Family Dinner)

When dinner feels impossible and everyone's starving, these Sheet Pan Bagel Tuna Melts are the ultimate Emergency Meal - creamy, cheesy, and baked all at once on a single pan. No frying, no flipping, no batches, just six warm, melty sandwiches ready at the same time. Dinner for the whole family, done in under 15 minutes. 👇👇

Tuna melt bagels cut in half on a sheet pan.

Why I Love This Recipe

There's so much to love about this sheet pan meal. It's fast, flexible, and totally chaos-proof.

One baking sheet, zero stress: Toast, top, and bake everything on a single pan. Dinner for six? Done in one round.
15-minute win: From pantry to table before anyone can say "What's for dinner?"
Pantry staples only: Tuna, bagels, mayo, cheese; everything you probably already have.
Kid-approved comfort: Cheesy, toasty, and familiar enough that everyone actually eats it.
Budget-friendly and flexible: Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, and easy to swap ingredients.

Andi is holding a sheet pan with halved bagel tuna melts.

Andi's Note

This one saves me every time. When the evening goes sideways and I've got hungry faces asking for food, this is the meal I can pull off without thinking. I line up a baking sheet, split a few bagels, mix up a quick tuna filling, and in minutes I've got six golden, melty tuna melts coming out of the oven - no stovetop, no mess, no waiting for batches to cook.

If your nights ever look a little like mine - dance lessons, homework chaos, and dinner sneaking up out of nowhere, this one's for you. For more "real-life rescue" dinners like this, try my Sheet Pa n Quesadillas or Chicken Nugget Parmesan hack next.

Recipe Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz / 170 g each) tuna - drained
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard - optional
½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese - plus more for topping
2 green onions - or 2 Tbsp diced red onion (optional)
Salt and pepper - to taste
3 bagels - sliced in half (6 halves total)
1-2 tsp olive oil - for brushing bagels

Optional Add-Ons:

Tomato slices - add under the tuna mix before baking
Dried dill or parsley - sprinkle on top before serving
Everything bagels - for extra flavor

Watch How To Make It 👇👇

A tray with tuna melts on everything bagels.

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

STEP 1: Toast the Bagels

Preheat oven to 400°F or set broiler to high. Brush each bagel half (from 3 bagels) with 1-2 tsp olive oil (or butter) and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes until lightly crisp.

STEP 2: Make the Tuna Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cans of drained tuna, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp Dijon, ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, 2 chopped green onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well blended and creamy.

STEP 3: Assemble the Melts

Spoon the tuna mixture evenly over each of the 6 bagel halves. Top with a little more shredded cheese (about ¼ cup total).

STEP 4: Melt the Cheese

Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or switch to the broiler and broil for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil carefully: Watch the cheese melt under the broiler - it happens fast.

STEP 5: Serve Warm

Allow to cool slightly. Add tomato slices or sprinkle dried dill or parsley if using.

Serve immediately while warm and melty.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer works great for smaller batches or quick lunches. Preheat to 375°F and place the assembled bagel halves with tuna and cheese in a single layer in the basket. Air-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

NOTE: If your air fryer runs hot, check at the 2-minute mark to avoid overbrowning. They'll come out perfectly toasty and melty - no need to turn on the oven!

Can I add some veggies?

Add a slice of tomato or pickles under the tuna or sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill before serving. Even a quick squeeze of lemon juice on top after baking brightens everything up.

Two tuna bagel melts stacked on a plate.

Recipe Tips

Toast the bagels first: It helps prevent sogginess and gives a crunchier base.
Mix until creamy: A well-mixed tuna salad spreads easily and melts better.
Use what you have: Whatever bagel or cheese is in your kitchen will work.
Make it fun: Let kids top their own halves with extra cheese or add-ons.

Variations and Substitutions

Tuna Swap: Try canned salmon or canned chicken instead.
Cheese Options: Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone all melt beautifully.
Bagel Upgrade: Use whole-grain, everything bagels, cheese bagels or mini bagels.
Add-ins: A little pickle relish or chopped celery adds crunch and brightness.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

What To Serve With

A few quick sides can turn them into a complete dinner that still feels easy and balanced 👇
Fresh veggie sticks: Baby carrots, cucumber rounds, or snap peas with a little ranch or hummus.
Simple salad: Toss together lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber with a drizzle of my Greek Salad Dressing for a light, tangy side.
Soup shortcut: Pair with a warm bowl of store-bought tomato soup, vegetable soup for cozy, diner-style comfort. There are great pre-made soups from Costco if you're short on time, or you can browse my homemade soups here.
Fruit on the side: A bowl of grapes, apple slices, or orange wedges adds a fresh finish that kids actually eat.
Roasted or air-fried veggies: If you've got an extra few minutes, try seasoned roasted potatoes or Brussels sprouts for something healthier.
These easy add-ons keep cleanup minimal while making the meal feel a little more "complete" - even on the nights when you didn't think dinner was going to happen at all.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Best reheated in the oven or toaster oven to keep bagels crisp.

Freeze Ahead Option:

Assemble the bagel halves with the tuna mixture and cheese on top, but don't bake them yet.
Wrap each one individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them all together in a large freezer bag or airtight container.
Freeze for up to 3 months to avoid freezer burn.
When you're ready to serve, you can bake from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

A close-up of two bagel tuna melts stacked on a plate.

Dinner Rhythm Idea

When the day's been wild and you need something that just works, this recipe fits right between an Emergency Meal and a Grace Night dinner - quick, delicious, and zero pressure.

Meal 1 - Hot from the oven: Serve the tuna melts fresh with baby carrots, cucumber slices, and a side of your favorite pre-made soup.
Meal 2 - Lunchbox remix: Let leftovers cool, then pack a half-melt with fruit or veggie sticks for an easy next-day lunch.
Meal 3 - Snack night magic: Cut each bagel half into quarters and serve as warm, cheesy bites with some classic tomato soup.

This is the kind of meal that saves dinner and your sanity - one baking sheet, minimal cleanup, and everyone leaves happy.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?

Yes! Canned salmon works beautifully here. Just drain it really well and flake it with a fork before mixing. The flavor is a little richer and more savory than tuna, but it still pairs perfectly with the melty cheese.

What kind of cheese tastes best?

I love sharp cheddar for that classic tuna melt flavor, but mozzarella melts the smoothest. If you've got a mix of cheeses hanging out in the fridge (like Colby Jack or Swiss), toss them in. It's forgiving and always delicious.

Can I make these ahead for busy nights?

You can mix up the tuna filling earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When dinner time hits, just spread, top, and bake. Or, freeze the assembled bagels unbaked. They go straight from freezer to oven for an instant dinner win.

How can I keep the bagels from getting soggy?

Give the bagels a quick 5-minute pre-toast before adding the tuna mixture. This little step helps them stay crisp even after baking - totally worth it!

Why I Love This Recipe

Andi's Note

Recipe Ingredients

Watch How To Make It 👇👇