Patrick Oconnell
Tuna sandwiches are a popular choice for a quick and easy meal, and there are many ways to make them your own. One popular option is to make a tuna melt, which involves adding cheese to a tuna sandwich and grilling it until the cheese is melted. The type of cheese you use for a tuna melt is important as it acts as a culinary glue to hold all the ingredients together. Popular choices include cheddar, gouda, havarti, American cheese, and Swiss cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, Monterey jack, Swiss, cheddar, Fontina, Gruyere, Havarti, Muenster |
| Tuna type | Canned, packed in olive oil or water |
| Bread | Sourdough, Pullman, gluten-free, sandwich bread |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pepper flakes, parsley, salt, pepper, steak seasoning, capers, lemon juice, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, spinach, arugula, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, chives, green onions, avocado, butter |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheddar is the classic choice
When it comes to tuna sandwiches, specifically the classic tuna melt, cheddar is the classic choice. This sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for an easy lunch or late-night meal. The key to a great tuna melt is a flavourful tuna salad and melty, oozy cheese.
Cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melts because it has a sharp bite and a strong flavour that pairs well with the tuna. It also melts easily, creating a gooey, oozy texture that is satisfying and indulgent. To make the perfect cheddar tuna melt, it is recommended to slice your own cheese for maximum flavour and meltiness.
To make a classic tuna melt with cheddar, start by buttering your bread. You can use any bread you like, but sourdough and thicker slices are popular choices. Next, add the tuna salad: mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Then, place a slice of cheddar on the unbuttered side of the bread and top with the tuna mixture. Add a slice of tomato and some extra cheese, if desired. Finally, top with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side up, and cook in a skillet or on a griddle until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
You can also get creative with your tuna melt and add extra toppings like avocado, arugula, or sliced almonds. Some people like to add a thin layer of Dijon mustard to the bread or include capers in the tuna salad for a briny flavour. No matter your preferences, a tuna melt with cheddar cheese is a classic, comforting choice that's hard to beat.
McDonald's Cheese: Real or Sauce?
You may want to see also
American cheese is another popular option
American cheese is a good option for a tuna melt because it has a good melting point and will give you that iconic cheese pull when you bite into the sandwich. It's also a mild cheese, so it won't overpower the other flavors in the sandwich. To make a tuna melt, simply combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. Butter one side of a slice of bread, then add the cheese to the unbuttered side, followed by the tuna mixture. Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up, and cook in a skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
If you're making a tuna melt, you can also add sliced tomatoes, which go well with American cheese. You could also add some crunch with chopped fresh chives or sliced green onions. For a bit of spice, add some pepper flakes. If you're looking for a more well-rounded meal, serve your tuna melt with a side of sweet potato fries or potato chips.
If you're looking for a healthier option, you could try using low-fat or light cottage cheese instead of American cheese. This might seem like a strange choice, but it adds protein and a creamy texture to the sandwich. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise for a healthier option.
Feta Cheese on Pizza: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Go for sweetness with gouda
While cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melts, you can go for sweetness with gouda. Gouda is known for its mild, sweet flavour and buttery texture, which can add a unique twist to your tuna sandwich. It has a distinctive, almost caramel-like taste that can complement the savouriness of the tuna.
When making a tuna melt, you'll want to ensure that your cheese melts evenly and oozes. To achieve this, grate or slice your gouda thinly and place it directly on the bread. This will allow the heat to penetrate the cheese more easily and create that gooey, melted texture.
Gouda's sweetness can be a great contrast to the savoury, salty, and tangy elements of a tuna melt. The sweetness can balance the acidity of pickles, capers, or jalapeños, and enhance the flavour of the tuna.
To make a gouda tuna melt, start by buttering your bread. You can use any type of bread you prefer, but thicker slices or sourdough are classic choices for tuna melts. Buttering the bread will not only enhance the flavour but also create a golden, crispy exterior when toasted.
Next, layer your bread with thin slices or a generous sprinkling of grated gouda. Then, add your tuna mixture, which typically includes tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. Finally, top it off with another layer of gouda before placing the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and place your sandwich in it, cooking until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. You can also bake your sandwich in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
With its sweet and buttery flavour, gouda can be a delicious and unique twist to your tuna melt sandwich, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.
The Ultimate Guide to Using Cheese Wire String
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Havarti has a buttery flavour
Tuna melts are a popular sandwich choice, and for good reason—they're crispy, cheesy, and filling. While some people prefer to use cheddar, American, or Monterey jack cheese, others opt for something a little different. One such option is Havarti, a semi-soft cheese with a buttery flavour and a hint of sweetness.
Havarti is a Danish cow's milk cheese with a smooth, elastic texture. It has a mild, buttery taste that pairs beautifully with the robust flavour of tuna. Its creamy texture ensures a satisfying melt, making it ideal for tuna melts. The slight sweetness of Havarti also complements the savoury notes of tuna, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.
When making a tuna melt with Havarti, it's important to consider the other ingredients. The cheese should be shredded to achieve the classic cheese pull. In terms of toppings, sliced red onion, tomato, avocado, and arugula are popular choices. For an extra kick of flavour, a thin layer of Dijon mustard can be spread on the bread before toasting.
To assemble the sandwich, butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down and add the shredded Havarti to the unbuttered side. Top with the tuna mixture, followed by additional toppings of your choice. Finish with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Toast the sandwich on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
The result is a delicious, crispy tuna melt with a gooey, buttery centre. The Havarti cheese adds a unique twist to the classic tuna melt, making it a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile cheese that enhances the overall taste experience. So, if you're looking to switch up your tuna melt game, Havarti is definitely worth considering!
Provolone Cheese: An Italian Favorite?
You may want to see also
Swiss cheese is also an option
When it comes to tuna sandwiches, there are a variety of cheeses that pair well with the fish. While cheddar is a popular choice, Swiss cheese is also an option.
Swiss cheese is a good alternative to the sharper, more intense cheddars and American cheeses often used in tuna melts. Swiss cheese has a milder flavour and a creamy texture that can complement the tuna without overwhelming it. It also melts well, which is an important factor when aiming for that classic cheese pull in a tuna melt sandwich.
Tuna and Swiss cheese sandwiches can be grilled, toasted, or served cold. If you're making a tuna melt, simply assemble the sandwich and cook it in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking. You can also bake it in the oven. For a cold sandwich, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, ready to be enjoyed when you want a quick, easy, and refreshing meal.
When making a tuna and Swiss cheese sandwich, you can stick to a simple combination of tuna, mayonnaise, and cheese, or add in some vegetables and seasonings. Red onion, celery, and pickles are popular additions, providing a crunchy texture and extra flavour. You could also add some Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try almonds, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, spinach, or arugula.
Swiss cheese is a versatile option for tuna sandwiches, whether you're making a warm, comforting tuna melt or a quick, easy, and refreshing cold sandwich. It's a great choice for those who prefer a milder flavour or want to experiment with different ingredients.
Five Guys' Secret Cheese Sauce: Brand Unveiled
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to use for a tuna melt sandwich include cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, provolone, muenster, American cheese, and Parmesan.
You can use any sliced bread you like for a tuna melt sandwich, such as sourdough, rye, whole wheat, or Texas toast.
In addition to cheese and bread, you can add ingredients like tomatoes, red onions, celery, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mustard to a tuna melt sandwich.
To make a tuna melt sandwich, first drain your canned tuna and mix it with your desired ingredients. Butter the outside of your bread slices so they get golden brown and toasty in the skillet. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
To prevent your tuna sandwich from becoming soggy, make sure to drain your canned tuna well. You can do this by emptying the tuna into a fine-mesh strainer and pressing down on it to release any liquid.
