1950s Cheesy Tuna Toasties
Easy Retro Finger Food Sandwiches
Fun little bite sized sandwich’s originally published by Good Housekeeping’s in 1958, these cheesy tuna toasties are a mid-century favorite easy to make, easy to share, and ideal for lunch, entertaining, or game day spreads.
Tested in a modern kitchen, they still shine as a warm party bite that’s inexpensive, make ahead friendly, and ideal for game day spreads or casual gatherings.
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Blog Index:
1. 🍴 A Retro Bite of History
2. Frequently Asked Questions
3. Step by step instructions
4. Fun vintage serving tips
5. Retro shopping
6. Closing words
🍴 A Retro Bite of History
Cheesy Tuna Toasties come from Good Housekeeping’s Book of Breads & Sandwiches (1958), part of Good Housekeeping’s mid-century booklet cookbook series.
These small format cookbooks were issued as a coordinated set and typically stored together in binders, with roughly twenty titles covering everyday cooking and entertaining.
Designed for practical hosting, the recipes emphasized quick preparation, broiler-friendly techniques, and foods meant to be shared making these toasties a perfect example of 1950s party fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the tuna filling a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil just before serving so the toasties stay crisp and warm.
Are cheesy tuna toasties suitable for a ladies’ lunch?
Absolutely. When cut into small quarters and served with a simple salad or fruit plate, they make a light, satisfying lunch that feels charming rather than heavy very much in the spirit of mid-century entertaining.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Classic white sandwich bread works best and stays true to the original recipe. Its soft texture toasts evenly and holds the filling well without overpowering the flavors.
Step by step instructions
Classic American Comfort Food
Retro Cheesy Tuna Toasties Recipe
Good Housekeeping recipe, 1958
Era
1958 Mid-Century Classic
Cuisine
Classic American
Servings
Makes 6 sandwiches
(ideal for cutting into finger-size party squares)
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: About 15–18 minutes
Ingredients
1 can grated-style tuna (about 1 cup), drained
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh, frozen, or canned)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
6 slices white sandwich bread
Melted butter or margarine, for brushing
6 slices packaged processed Cheddar cheese
For serving (optional, per original):
Canned cranberry sauce
Instructions
Preheat broiler according to manufacturer’s directions.
In a bowl, mix tuna, horseradish, lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Remove crusts from the bread slices and lightly toast each slice.
Place the toasted bread on a cookie sheet and brush lightly with melted butter or margarine.
Top each slice with one slice of processed Cheddar cheese.
Return to the broiler briefly, just long enough to melt the cheese.
Remove from the broiler, add the tuna filling, and assemble the sandwiches.
Cut each sandwich into four quarters.
Serve warm, traditionally with canned cranberry sauce.
This recipe was originally designed for easy entertaining and works especially well cut into small squares for parties.
Note: Modern tuna cans are smaller than those used in the 1950s. I found using two 5-oz cans gave a better filling and stayed closer to the original one-cup measurement.
I added pickle to a few of the sandwiches, and they were a big hit.
The use of processed Cheddar reflects the convenience focused cooking of the late 1950s.
Testing Notes
Tested in a modern kitchen, these cheesy tuna toasties held together well and were especially easy to serve when cut into quarters. Lightly toasting the bread first helped prevent sogginess under the broiler, making them ideal as finger food for casual gatherings or game-day spreads.
They remind me of a cross between a grilled cheese and a tuna melt, but they aren’t greasy like those sandwiches which is why they make great finger food.
(Tip: Be sure to select the exact page you want to print - otherwise it may print the whole post!)
Fun vintage serving tips
1. Cocktail Party Squares
Cut the toasties into neat quarters and arrange them on a small platter with toothpicks. This was a classic 1950s trick for stretching simple sandwiches into elegant party fare perfect for mingling and nibbling.
2. Relish Tray Companion
Serve alongside a retro relish tray with pickles, olives, and canned cranberry sauce in a small dish. The sweet savory contrast was a popular mid-century pairing and adds instant nostalgia to the spread.
3. TV Tray Treat
Pile the toastie quarters onto a plate and serve with paper napkins for casual “television lunch” vibes. These were the kind of warm, tidy bites designed for eating while watching the game or a favorite show.
🛒 Retro Shopping
Available on Amazon: Coca-Cola - Coke Plastic Can Tumbler with Wrap and Red Lid 16oz, Clear
Available on Amazon: 50-Piece Football Party Food Tray Box Kit - 30 Oil-Resistant Paper Snack Trays & 20 Goalpost and Football Picks
Closing Words
Simple, satisfying, and easy to adapt, these cheesy tuna toasties are one of those mid-century recipes that still fit effortlessly into modern life.
Serve them warm for lunch, cut into quarters for party trays, or set them out as easy finger food for game day gatherings.
It’s a reminder that the best vintage recipes weren’t just nostalgic they were practical, flexible, and meant to be shared.
📌 Looking For More Vintage Party Foods!
