Patrick Oconnell
Swiss cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts and sandwiches, as its subtle flavour and slight saltiness complement the fishiness of tuna without overpowering it. Swiss cheese is also affordable and readily available in most grocery stores. It melts well and pairs nicely with other tuna melt ingredients like celery, tomato, and bacon. Swiss cheese can be substituted for other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or American cheese, depending on personal preference and taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Swiss cheese is subtle and slightly salty, which means it won't overpower the taste of tuna. |
| Texture | Swiss cheese is gooey and melts well, creating a creamy centre when combined with tuna. |
| Affordability | Swiss cheese is affordable and can be found at most grocery stores. |
| Recipe | To make a Swiss cheese tuna melt, combine tuna, mayo, tomato slices, and Swiss cheese between two slices of bread. Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese and tuna melt sandwiches
Tuna melts are a simple and delicious meal that can be made with pantry staples. They are a combination of a grilled cheese sandwich and a tuna salad sandwich.
To make a Swiss cheese and tuna melt sandwich, you will need:
- Bread of your choice (sliced sandwich bread, sourdough, rye, whole wheat, Texas toast, crusty homemade sourdough, or a ciabatta roll)
- Butter
- Tuna (canned in water or extra virgin olive oil)
- Mayonnaise
- Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: tomatoes, celery, pickles, red onion, pepper flakes, lettuce, bacon, jalapeno peppers, artichokes, herbs and spices (e.g. dill, basil, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed), lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, shallots, chives, water chestnuts, hard-boiled egg
First, make a tuna salad by combining the tuna with mayonnaise, and any other desired ingredients such as celery, pickles, red onion, and pepper flakes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest for brightness. If you want to add some spice, include a couple of minced pickled jalapeno peppers. Herbs such as dill, basil, and parsley, as well as spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed, will also add flavour to your tuna salad.
Next, generously butter one side of a slice of bread. You can also add a spread of Dijon-mayonnaise. Place a portion of your tuna salad on the unbuttered side of the bread. If desired, add tomato slices and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, add a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.
Finally, heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place the sandwich on the hot griddle, buttered side down. Gently spread butter on top of the bread slice. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Swiss cheese's subtle flavour
Swiss cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts and sandwiches due to its subtle flavour and slight saltiness, which means it won't overpower the taste of the tuna. Its mild, fresh flavour works well with the fishiness of tuna. Swiss cheese is also a good melting cheese, achieving that desirable "cheese pull" when combined with other melt ingredients. It is also a versatile cheese, pairing well with a variety of sandwich ingredients, such as tomato, bacon, and condiments like mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
Swiss cheese is a common and affordable option, making it accessible and budget-friendly for most people. Its subtle flavour and melting properties make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste of tuna without being overwhelming.
When making a tuna melt, Swiss cheese can be combined with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone to create a blend of flavours and textures. The versatility of Swiss cheese allows for experimentation with different combinations to suit individual tastes.
The mild flavour of Swiss cheese also complements various types of bread commonly used in tuna melts, such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat. It can be grilled, toasted, or melted in a sandwich press to achieve the desired level of crispness and gooeyness.
Additionally, Swiss cheese's subtle flavour can be enhanced with herbs and spices commonly used in tuna melts, such as dill, basil, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, or celery seed. Lemon juice can also be added to brighten the flavour profile of the sandwich.
Overall, Swiss cheese's subtle flavour, melting properties, and versatility make it a popular and tasty choice for tuna melts and sandwiches, offering a well-balanced and enjoyable eating experience.
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Swiss cheese's affordability
Swiss cheese is generally considered a more expensive variety of cheese. The cost is largely due to the lengthy and intricate production process, which involves specific bacteria consuming the lactic acid in the cheese and releasing carbon dioxide gas, forming the distinctive holes that characterise Swiss cheese. These holes, referred to as "eyes" by cheese experts, are larger when the cheese has been aged longer at higher temperatures—conditions that enhance flavour but slow down production. As a result of these time- and resource-intensive requirements, Swiss cheese tends to be more expensive than other varieties.
However, not all Swiss cheese is equally costly. The type of Swiss cheese commonly found in grocery stores, pre-sliced and packaged, tends to be mass-produced and may not adhere to the traditional production methods, resulting in a less flavourful and lower-cost product. This variety, often produced in North America, may not possess the same depth of flavour as its imported counterparts.
For those seeking a more affordable option, purchasing Swiss cheese from a local "cheese artist" rather than a large-scale "cheese business" can be a more budget-friendly alternative. Additionally, while imported Swiss cheese from Switzerland may be more expensive due to transportation and import costs, similar varieties are now produced in other European countries, such as France, Finland, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. These regionally produced options might offer a more accessible price point while still delivering the distinctive flavour and characteristics of Swiss cheese.
Ultimately, the affordability of Swiss cheese depends on various factors, including production methods, region of origin, and distribution channels. While it may be more expensive than some other cheeses, Swiss cheese remains a popular choice for its unique flavour and texture, and budget-conscious consumers can explore different options to find the best value without compromising quality.
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Other cheeses that go with tuna
Tuna melts are a popular sandwich, combining tuna with cheese, and other ingredients, such as celery, mayonnaise, and tomato. Swiss cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts, but other cheeses can be used.
Cheddar is a common alternative to Swiss cheese in a tuna melt. Cheddar is a good melting cheese, and smoked Wisconsin cheddar is a particularly popular option. Other melting cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, and provolone, are also recommended.
For those who prefer a tuna salad sandwich, rather than a melt, fresh, unaged cheeses are a good choice. Cream cheese and cottage cheese are two options suggested by The Cheese Empire and Simply Recipes, respectively.
For a more adventurous tuna melt, pepper jack or Muenster cheese can be used, or, for a spicier option, pickled jalapenos can be added to the sandwich.
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Tuna melt sandwich recipes
Tuna melt sandwiches are a great comfort food and can be made in less than 20 minutes. They are also a good way to use canned tuna. Here are some recipes for tuna melt sandwiches that use Swiss cheese.
Recipe 1: Classic Tuna Melt
This recipe is easy to make with pantry staples. You can use any kind of bread, but sturdy white bread, rye bread, Texas toast, or sourdough bread are recommended. For the tuna, use tuna packed in water, either chunk light or albacore. The tuna in pouches tastes better and you don't need to drain it. However, if you're using canned tuna, just drain the liquid and add some extra virgin olive oil.
For the cheese, Swiss cheese is recommended, but American or provolone also work great. To make the tuna salad, combine the tuna with mayonnaise, a few vegetables, Dijon mustard, and parsley. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Butter one side of each piece of bread. Place the tuna mixture on the unbuttered side of the bread and top with tomato slices and cheese. Place a second piece of bread on top, buttered side facing up. Repeat to make more sandwiches.
Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until golden on the bottom, then flip over and continue cooking until the cheese is melted. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve.
Recipe 2: Swiss Tuna Melts
This recipe uses flaked tuna, cheddar cheese, celery, and mayo. You can also add herbs and spices such as dill, basil, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed. Squeeze in some lemon juice or zest for added brightness. Use any type of bread you prefer, such as rye, whole wheat, sourdough, or ciabatta.
Prepare the sandwich as you would a grilled cheese sandwich. Butter one side of each slice of bread, then place the buttered side down. Top with the tuna salad mixture, followed by the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Grill in a preheated skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides and the cheese is melted.
Recipe 3: Grilled Tuna Melts
This recipe includes Swiss cheese, tuna salad, tomato slices, and crispy bacon. You can use your favourite bread. To make the tuna salad, combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. Butter each slice of bread. Place the tuna mixture on one slice of bread, then top with tomato slices and cheese. Add the other slice of bread, buttered side up. Grill the sandwich on a skillet or sandwich griddler over moderate heat until the bread is toasted to a rich golden brown.
Variations and Tips:
- You can add minced pickled jalapeño peppers for a spicy tuna melt.
- For a low-carb option, use a lettuce wrap, keto bread, or make it an open-faced sandwich.
- To make it health-conscious, find a low-sodium or low-calorie tuna.
- You can use different types of cheese such as Asiago, jalapeño jack, Colby jack, or cheddar.
- For extra texture and flavour, add toppings such as sliced pickles, soft avocados, or lettuce.
- To make it more crispy, add a swipe of butter to the bread before grilling.
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Frequently asked questions
A Swiss tuna melt is a sandwich made with Swiss cheese, tuna, and various other ingredients. It is typically grilled and can be made on a stovetop or in an oven.
You can add a variety of ingredients to a Swiss tuna melt, including celery, mayonnaise, tomatoes, bacon, herbs and spices, artichokes, and lemon juice.
You can use any type of bread for a Swiss tuna melt, such as sliced sandwich bread, sourdough, rye, whole wheat, or ciabatta.
