Tasty Tuna Melts: Choosing The Perfect Cheesy Combo

Tuna melts are a popular sandwich, especially for lunch. But what cheese should you use to get that perfect melt? While some people prefer American cheese or mild cheddar, others opt for provolone, smoked gouda, or even smoked Wisconsin cheddar. Ultimately, the best cheese for a tuna melt is a matter of personal preference—so feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite!

Tuna melt cheese options: cheddar, American, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Muenster

Tuna melts are a great comfort food and a lunchtime staple for many. While the classic tuna melt uses American cheese, there are several other options to choose from. Here are some popular cheese options for a tuna melt:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melts as it melts well and adds a sharp, delicious flavour to the sandwich. It is also a versatile option, with mild, sharp, and aged variants that can be used depending on preference.

American

American cheese is a classic choice for a tuna melt as it melts wonderfully, giving the sandwich a gooey texture. It also has a mild flavour that pairs well with the tuna.

Provolone

Provolone is another cheese that melts well and is often paired with American cheese in tuna melts. It has a mild flavour and provides a good cheese pull, making it a great option for those who want a cheesy, gooey sandwich.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that can be used in tuna melts. It melts easily and is a good option for those who want a cheesy sandwich without an overwhelming flavour.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour that melts well, making it a suitable option for tuna melts. It is often mentioned alongside American cheese as a classic choice.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is known for its distinctive flavour and meltability, making it a good option for those who want to add a unique taste to their tuna melt.

Muenster

Muenster is a mild, meltable cheese that can be used in tuna melts for those who prefer a less sharp flavour.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and any meltable cheese can be used in a tuna melt. Experimenting with different cheeses and combinations can lead to a unique and tasty sandwich.

Tuna melt bread options: sourdough, whole wheat, white, or French

When it comes to bread options for a tuna melt, you have a variety of choices, each with its own unique characteristics and impact on the overall taste and texture of the sandwich. Here are some detailed insights into four popular bread choices: sourdough, whole wheat, white, and French.

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for tuna melts due to its tangy flavour and hearty texture. Its tangy taste complements the richness of the tuna, while its dense structure can withstand the weight of the fillings without becoming soggy or disintegrating. Sourdough's unique flavour also adds a distinctive touch to your sandwich. It is a versatile bread that can be grilled or toasted to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and airy inside.

Whole wheat bread is another excellent option for tuna melts. It has a milder flavour profile compared to sourdough, allowing the rich flavours of the tuna and other ingredients to shine through. Whole wheat bread is known for its ability to absorb sauces and flavours without becoming overly soggy. It tends to have a lighter, airier texture than sourdough, resulting in a sandwich that feels less heavy. Additionally, whole wheat bread often contains more sugar, adding a subtle sweetness to your tuna melt.

White bread is a classic and common choice for tuna melts. It is soft and fluffy, making it a versatile option for any sandwich. White bread's soft texture allows it to absorb the juices and flavours of the tuna melt without becoming overly soggy. It is a safe choice for those who prefer a traditional sandwich experience. However, keep in mind that very soft and fluffy white bread may not hold up well with heavier fillings.

French bread is a traditional option for tuna melts, known for its crispy exterior and soft interior. It is relatively thin, allowing it to crisp up quickly in the oven or on a grill. French bread pairs well with melted cheeses as it can withstand the weight of the fillings without falling apart. Its thin structure also enables it to absorb flavours from various toppings, enhancing the overall taste of your tuna melt.

Each of these bread options offers a distinct experience for your tuna melt. Sourdough brings a tangy flavour and sturdy texture, whole wheat offers a milder taste and excellent sauce absorption, white bread provides a classic soft and fluffy texture, and French bread delivers a crispy exterior with a soft interior. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and the specific characteristics you desire in your tuna melt sandwich.

Tuna melt toppings: celery, red onion, pickles, lettuce, or tomato

Tuna melts are a great, easy-to-make meal, but what toppings should you add to make it perfect? Here are some ideas for toppings that will add flavour and texture to your tuna melt:

Celery

A classic tuna melt topping, celery adds a bold, bitter taste and a signature crunch. It's a great way to add freshness to your sandwich, and it pairs well with creamy mayonnaise. If you're not a fan of celery, you could try cucumber, cabbage, spinach, or bell peppers for a similar crunch.

Red Onion

Red onions are a must-have for a tuna melt, adding a satisfying crunch and a sharp, pungent flavour. They also bring a pop of colour to your sandwich. If you want to tone down the sharpness, you can try green onions or chives for a more subtle onion flavour.

Pickles

Pickles, or gherkins, add a tangy, briny element to your tuna melt. They provide acidity and saltiness, and pair well with the tuna. You can use dill pickles, or if you prefer something milder, go for cornichons. If you're not a fan of pickles, capers or pickled jalapenos can add a similar briny taste.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a great way to add a fresh, crispy texture to your tuna melt. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce are good choices as they are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. If you want to go really crispy, you could even use iceberg lettuce!

Tomato

Tomatoes add a juicy, tangy flavour to your tuna melt. Cherry tomatoes are a great choice as they are sweet and less watery than larger varieties. If you want to add even more flavour, try slicing the tomatoes and marinating them in olive oil and balsamic vinegar before adding them to your sandwich.

So, there you have it! These toppings will take your tuna melt to the next level in terms of taste and texture. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination.

Tuna melt sides: chips, potato salad, or coleslaw

Tuna melts are a delicious, hot, crispy, and cheesy meal option. But what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your tuna melt:

Chips

Chips are a classic side dish for a sandwich, and the same goes for tuna melts. You can go for classic potato chips, or spice things up with some kettle-style potato chips, or even dill pickle kettle-style chips. Chips are a great, easy option for a crunchy and salty side to your tuna melt.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is another potato-based side dish that would go well with a tuna melt. It's a hearty option that can be made in a variety of ways, such as with the addition of tuna or coleslaw, to elevate the flavours and make it a more filling meal.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that can add some texture to your meal. It's a great option if you're looking for something a little lighter to accompany your tuna melt. You can even add coleslaw directly to your tuna melt sandwich for some extra crunch!

Other Sides

There are also some other side dish options that would pair well with a tuna melt. You could go for a fresh side like a salad, or a heartier option like soup. If you're looking for something more indulgent, why not try some crispy, crunchy onion rings? Or, for something a little healthier, a simple side of sliced tomatoes could be a great way to round out your meal.

So, there you have it! Whether you're looking for something classic like chips, or something a little more creative like coleslaw, there are plenty of side dish options to choose from to accompany your tuna melt.

Tuna melt mix-ins: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or parsley

The classic tuna melt is a simple, comforting staple, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for customisation! While some people like to add red onions and celery for crunch, others like to experiment with different mix-ins. Here are some popular options:

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a common addition to a tuna melt. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavour to the sandwich. However, some people prefer to use cream cheese or skip the mayo altogether to let the flavour of the fish shine through.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard is an unusual but tasty addition to a tuna melt. It adds a mild hint of spice and a creamy texture that helps to combine all the ingredients. The tanginess of the mustard also helps to balance out the richness of the tuna.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a great way to add a tangy flavour to your tuna melt. It can also help to cut through the richness of the dish, especially if it includes fatty ingredients like oil-packed tuna or mayonnaise.

Parsley

While dill is a popular herb to add to a tuna melt, some people prefer parsley. Parsley has a dark green colour that adds visual appeal to the sandwich, and its savoury flavour provides a refreshing, earthy contrast to the other ingredients.

Frequently asked questions