Cheese Options For A Delicious Tuna Melt

what cheese goes with tuna melt

Tuna melts are a popular sandwich, often made with tinned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and cheese. The best cheeses for tuna melts are those that melt well, such as American cheese, provolone, cheddar, and Monterey Jack.

Characteristics Values
Type of cheese American, Provolone, Smoked gouda, Smoked cheddar, Mild cheddar, Fontina, Havarti, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, Muenster, Brie
Bread Sourdough, Pullman, White, Whole wheat
Other ingredients Red onion, Celery, Capers, Pickled jalapeño, Dill, Lemon juice, Butter, Tomato slices, Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Kewpie mayo, Salt, Pepper, Potato chips, Hot sauce

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Provolone and American cheese melt well

When it comes to tuna melts, cheese is a key ingredient. You want a cheese that melts well, creating that iconic cheese pull and adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Two cheeses that fit the bill perfectly are provolone and American cheese.

Provolone is a mild, slightly sweet Italian cheese with a smooth, creamy texture. It melts beautifully, making it ideal for tuna melts. American cheese, on the other hand, is a processed cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy, gooey texture when melted. It is a popular choice for tuna melts due to its excellent melting properties.

Combining provolone and American cheese in a tuna melt sandwich creates a delicious blend of flavours and textures. The provolone adds a subtle sweetness, while the American cheese provides a creamy, gooey factor that is essential in a melt sandwich.

To make the perfect tuna melt with provolone and American cheese, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

  • Canned tuna (drained)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon juice
  • Celery (finely chopped)
  • Red onion (finely chopped)
  • Bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
  • Butter (softened)
  • Provolone cheese (sliced)
  • American cheese (sliced)

Method:

  • In a bowl, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
  • Place the buttered slices of bread, buttered side down, in a hot skillet or on a baking sheet.
  • Layer a slice of American cheese on each slice of bread.
  • Divide the tuna mixture evenly over the cheese on each slice of bread.
  • Add a slice of provolone cheese to each sandwich.
  • Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
  • Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat or bake until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

The result will be a warm, toasty, and cheesy tuna melt with the perfect blend of flavours and textures. The provolone and American cheese will melt together, creating a creamy and gooey texture that is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

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Sharp cheddar adds flavour

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melts, adding a "ton of delicious flavour" to the sandwich.

When making a tuna melt, the cheese must be "fully melted and oozy". Cheddar is a good choice for this because it is specifically made to melt well. The sharper the cheddar, the better the flavour. However, it is important to note that the sharper the cheddar, the less melty it will be. Therefore, mild cheddar may be preferable for some.

When making a tuna melt, it is also important to ensure that the tuna mixture is not watery. This can be achieved by draining the canned tuna well and mashing it into small chunks before mixing it with the other ingredients.

In addition to sharp cheddar, other cheeses that work well in a tuna melt include American cheese, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Swiss cheese.

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Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack are good alternatives

Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that can be used in a tuna melt. It has a high melting point, which means it will melt evenly and create a nice, gooey texture. It is also a good option for those who want to add cheese to their tuna melt but do not want an overwhelming cheese flavour.

Colby Jack is another excellent choice for a tuna melt. It is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, which gives it a mild, buttery flavour with a slight tang. The cheese has a semi-soft texture and melts well, making it ideal for sandwiches.

Monterey Jack is a good option for those who want a cheese with a bit more flavour. It has a mild, buttery taste with a hint of tanginess and a semi-soft texture that melts smoothly. It is also a very versatile cheese that can be paired with various ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, and spices.

All three of these cheeses will add a creamy, savoury element to your tuna melt without overpowering the other ingredients. They melt well and have a mild flavour that will complement the tuna salad without being too strong.

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Aged white cheddar has a strong, sharp flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in a tuna melt. It pairs well with the creamy tuna mixture, adding a nice tang and a bit of extra texture. The key to a good tuna melt is making sure the cheese is fully melted, so it's important to cook the sandwich slowly and evenly, over medium or medium-low heat. This gives the cheese time to melt without burning the bread. Covering the pan can also help to ensure the cheese melts properly.

When constructing your tuna melt, it's a good idea to start with the cheese. Place a slice of bread, buttered-side down, in a skillet or on a baking sheet. Top with a slice of cheese, followed by the tuna mixture, and then another slice of cheese. Finally, add the second slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up. This will help ensure that you get that perfect cheese pull when you take a bite.

In addition to aged white cheddar, other types of cheese that work well in a tuna melt include American, provolone, Muenster, Swiss, and Havarti. For a fancier option, you could try smoked Gouda. And if you're feeling creative, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby Jack, Asiago, or Monterey Jack.

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You can also try smoked gouda, muenster, or fontina

While the classic tuna melt uses cheddar, American, or provolone cheese, you can also try smoked gouda, muenster, or fontina. Smoked gouda is a particularly good choice for a fancy tuna melt. Muenster is a meltable cheese that works well in a tuna melt, as is smoked cheddar, which adds a fantastic flavour. Fontina is another great option for a tuna melt as it has a lot of flavour and is a good melting cheese.

If you're looking for something different, you could also try Swiss, havarti, Monterey jack, mozzarella, Colby jack, or asiago.

Frequently asked questions

Good melting cheeses are best for a tuna melt. This includes American cheese, provolone, cheddar, Muenster, Swiss, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Fontina, Gouda, and Brie.

White sandwich bread is the classic choice for a tuna melt, but you can also use sourdough, whole wheat, or French bread.

Some good sides to have with a tuna melt include Green Bean Fries, Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Garlic Parmesan Parsley Potato Stacks, and chips.

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