Bushra Griffith
Tuna melts are a classic sandwich that combines tuna and cheese. The best cheeses for tuna melts are those that melt well, such as American cheese, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Havarti. The type of cheese used can be adjusted based on personal preference, and some recipes call for multiple types of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Sharp Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Havarti |
| Tuna type | Canned, Albacore |
| Bread type | Sourdough, Pullman, Ciabatta, French |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Lemon juice, Salt, Pepper, Celery, Red onion, Pickles, Capers, Jalapenos, Lettuce, Tomato, Cornichons, Whole-grain mustard |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The best type of cheese for a tuna melt is a sharp cheddar
- You can also use provolone, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or American cheese
- For extra flavour, add celery, red onion, and pepper flakes to the tuna melt
- Tuna melts are best made with canned albacore tuna
- Tuna melts are best cooked in a skillet or under a broiler
The best type of cheese for a tuna melt is a sharp cheddar
While some recipes suggest using American cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Havarti, cheddar is a better option for a few reasons. Firstly, it has a sharper taste that pairs well with the other ingredients in a tuna melt, such as tuna, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and vegetables like celery, red onion, and pickles. The sharpness of cheddar adds a distinct flavour that complements the other flavours in the sandwich.
Additionally, cheddar has a higher melting point than some other cheeses, which means it will melt slowly and evenly, creating a creamy texture without becoming greasy or separating. This is important when cooking a tuna melt, as the sandwich needs to be heated long enough for the bread to toast and the tuna to heat through without burning the cheese.
Sharp cheddar also has a firmer texture than some other cheeses, which means it will grate nicely and melt evenly. This contributes to the overall texture of the tuna melt, ensuring that the cheese blends well with the other ingredients without becoming too runny or clumpy.
Finally, sharp cheddar has a longer shelf life than some other cheeses due to its lower moisture content. This means you can buy it in larger quantities and use it for multiple tuna melt sessions without worrying about it spoiling quickly.
In conclusion, while there are several types of cheese that can be used in a tuna melt, sharp cheddar is the best option due to its superior flavour, melting abilities, texture, and longevity. It elevates the classic tuna melt, making it a truly indulgent and satisfying sandwich experience.
Keeping Cheese Runny: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
You can also use provolone, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or American cheese
Tuna melts are a classic American sandwich, with a melty, cheesy filling and a crispy, golden crust. While cheddar is a popular choice, you can also use provolone, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or American cheese.
Provolone is a great option if you're looking for that irresistible cheese pull. It melts beautifully and pairs well with sharp cheddar for the ultimate flavour and melt factor. Provolone also goes well with other cheeses, such as mozzarella and pepper jack.
Monterey Jack is another excellent choice for a tuna melt. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts easily, making it a good match for the sharp cheddar or extra-sharp cheddar typically used in tuna melts.
Swiss cheese is a more robust option, with a slightly nutty flavour. It melts well and can add a unique twist to your tuna melt. You can also experiment with other types of Swiss cheese, such as Havarti.
American cheese is a classic choice for a tuna melt. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it a versatile option. It pairs well with other ingredients commonly used in tuna melts, such as celery, red onion, and pickles.
When making a tuna melt, the key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in the sandwich. So feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and toppings to find your perfect tuna melt!
Melting Cheese in a Double Boiler: The Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
For extra flavour, add celery, red onion, and pepper flakes to the tuna melt
A tuna melt is a classic sandwich filled with a flavourful tuna salad and lots of melted cheese. To make your tuna melt extra special, add celery, red onion, and pepper flakes to the tuna salad mixture for an extra flavour kick.
The key to a great tuna melt is to ensure that the tuna salad is not bland. Adding celery, red onion, and pepper flakes will give the tuna salad a flavourful boost. The celery and red onion add a satisfying crunch to the sandwich, while the pepper flakes bring a subtle warmth.
To make the tuna salad, start by draining the tuna and adding it to a bowl with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little extra kick). Use a fork to break up the tuna into flakes, then add in the celery, finely chopped red onion, and any other desired seasonings. Toss everything together until combined.
Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Butter one side of each bread slice and place the slices buttered-side down. On the unbuttered side, add a generous portion of your flavour-packed tuna salad, a couple of slices of tomato, and two slices of cheese. If you want to take the spice level up another notch, you can opt for a spicy cheese variety. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered-side up.
Finally, bake your sandwich in the oven until the cheese is melted and oozy, and the bread is toasted to a golden brown. Slice the sandwich to reveal that satisfying cheese pull, and enjoy!
Enchilado Cheese: Melting Magic or Messy Mishap?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tuna melts are best made with canned albacore tuna
Tuna melts are a classic American diner food, and there are many ways to make them. The key ingredients are bread, butter, cheese, mayonnaise, and tuna. While you can use fresh tuna, canned tuna is the most popular choice for a tuna melt. Canned albacore tuna, in particular, is a great option because of its firm texture and versatile flavour profile. It is also a more sustainable choice, with more of the global tuna catch being certified to the MSC standard.
When making a tuna melt, the first step is to butter your bread. Sourdough bread is a classic choice, but you can use any type of sandwich bread that you like. Buttering the bread adds flavour and results in the perfect toasty bite. You can also spread mayonnaise on the bread, which some people prefer. Next, add your tuna salad. This can be made with canned albacore tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and various other mix-ins like celery, pickles, and red onion.
For the "melt" aspect of the sandwich, you need to use a cheese that melts well. American cheese, Monterey jack, Swiss cheese, and cheddar are all great options. Place the cheese on top of the tuna salad, and then add any other toppings you like. Finally, top with the other piece of bread, buttered side up.
To cook your tuna melt, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet, cheese side down, and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted. If using cheddar, cover the pan after turning the sandwich to ensure the cheese melts properly. You can also bake your tuna melts in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Tuna melts are a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to your personal preferences. Canned albacore tuna is an excellent choice for the tuna component, as it has a firm texture and versatile flavour profile, making it a popular and sustainable option.
Shredded Cheese Melting: Does Pre-Shredded Cheese Melt?
You may want to see also
Tuna melts are best cooked in a skillet or under a broiler
Tuna melts are a classic American diner food. The best tuna melts have cheese that is fully melted and oozy. The melt can be started on the cheese side to ensure this. While American cheese is a popular choice, cheddar, Monterey jack, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and pepper jack are also used.
To cook under a broiler, spread the bread butter side up and toast for a couple of minutes. Top with cheese, tuna mixture, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. An open-faced tuna melt can also be made by skipping the top piece of bread and placing the sandwich under the broiler until the cheese melts.
Melted Wine Bottles: Crafting a Unique Cheese Tray
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses for a tuna melt are those that melt well, such as American cheese, cheddar (white, orange or sharp), Swiss, Havarti, provolone, muenster, Monterey Jack, or fontina.
Sturdy bread such as sourdough, rye, whole wheat, French, Italian, or country loaf is best for a tuna melt.
You can add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, green onion, red onion, celery, water chestnuts, capers, chile paste, hot sauce, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.
