Tasty Twists: Tuna, Cheese Sandwich And More

Tuna and cheese sandwiches are a classic, but what can you serve with them to take your meal to the next level? A tuna melt—a hot tuna salad sandwich topped with cheese—is a popular choice, and there are several ways to elevate this dish. For a simple option, serve with a handful of crackers or classic potato chips. For a more substantial meal, air-fryer potato chips, cottage cheese, or fresh veggies with dill dip are all tasty options. If you're making a tuna and cheese sandwich, you might consider adding some extras to the sandwich itself. Sliced raw red onion, tomato, avocado, or pickle can add a refreshing crunch, while a spread of Dijon mustard can give it a zesty kick.

Tuna melts with mustard, celery, onion, and pickles

Tuna melts are a delightful, comforting and easy-to-make sandwich. The classic combination of tuna, cheese, and bread is elevated with the addition of mustard, celery, onion, and pickles. Here's a recipe and some tips to make the perfect tuna melt with these ingredients:

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna (water-packed or oil-packed)
• Mayonnaise (Kewpie or Hellman's Vegan mayo are good options)
• Mustard
• Celery
• Red onion (finely chopped)
• Pickles (dill pickles or sweet pickles, finely chopped)
• Bread (sourdough, Pullman, brioche buns, or any sandwich bread of your choice)
• Butter
• Cheese (American, cheddar, or any melting cheese)
• Optional: Lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, tomato, lettuce, avocado

Instructions:

• Drain the canned tuna and flake it with a fork.
• Chop the celery and red onion into small, fine pieces.
• Finely chop the pickles.
• In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, and pickles. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Spread the tuna mixture on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
• Add sliced tomato, lettuce, or avocado if desired.
• Top with a slice of cheese.
• Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
• Heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place the sandwich on the skillet, buttered side down.
• Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4 minutes per side. If using a thicker cheese like cheddar, cover the pan after turning the sandwich to ensure the cheese melts properly.
• Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and slice it in half.
• Serve with a side of dill pickles and kettle-style potato chips.

Tips:

• For an extra crunch and a briny flavour, add capers or pickled jalapeños to the tuna mixture.
• If you prefer your sandwich with more heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• To make the sandwich open-faced, serve it with the topping on only one slice of bread.
• You can also add sliced raw red onion, pickled red onions, or avocado slices after the sandwich is cooked for a fresh touch.

Bread options: sourdough, rye, whole wheat, brioche, or ciabatta

When making a tuna and cheese sandwich, there are several bread options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and flavour profile. Here are some popular choices:

Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a classic choice for sandwiches. It has a slightly tangy flavour and a chewy texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the tuna and cheese. Sourdough is known for its long fermentation process, which gives it a distinctive taste and a crisp crust. It's a versatile option that can be used for grilled sandwiches or served toasted.

Rye

Rye bread adds a hearty and robust flavour to the sandwich. It has a distinct earthy and slightly nutty taste that complements the tuna. Rye bread is often denser and darker in colour than other types of bread, providing a unique texture and visual appeal to the sandwich.

Whole Wheat

Whole wheat bread is a nutritious and wholesome option. It has a nutty flavour and a slightly coarser texture compared to refined flour breads. Whole wheat bread adds a touch of sweetness and a hearty flavour to the sandwich, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier option without compromising on taste.

Brioche

Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that adds a touch of indulgence to the sandwich. It has a soft and fluffy texture, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches or melts. Brioche buns or rolls are particularly popular for tuna melts, as they can withstand the weight and moisture of the filling while adding a touch of sweetness to the overall flavour profile.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian-style bread characterised by its airy texture and crisp crust. It has a chewy exterior and a soft interior, making it perfect for sandwiches. Ciabatta adds a rustic touch to the tuna and cheese sandwich, providing a satisfying bite and a beautiful presentation.

Each of these bread options offers a unique twist to the traditional tuna and cheese sandwich, allowing you to customise your sandwich to your taste preferences and create a memorable dining experience.

Salad and fresh veggies as a side

A tuna and cheese sandwich is a hearty meal, so a fresh and light salad is a great choice to balance it out. You could go for a classic green salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, but why not try something a little different?

A tuna and cheese sandwich is a great opportunity to get creative with your salad. Try adding some fruit to your salad, such as apples or avocado. You could also include some nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats. For example, a spinach salad with apples, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette would be delicious. Or how about a kale salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-tahini dressing?

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, why not try a grain bowl? Cook up some quinoa, farro, or brown rice and top it with roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, or butternut squash. You can also add some beans or lentils for extra protein.

Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to just one type of salad. Why not make a few different ones and have a salad bar? That way, everyone can customize their plate to their own tastes. Don't forget to include some fresh veggies, such as baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and bell peppers, which can be dipped in hummus or another tasty dip.

Chips as a side

Chips are a great side to a tuna and cheese sandwich, especially if you're after something crunchy and savoury to accompany the creamy, oozy sandwich.

A tuna melt sandwich is a hot tuna salad sandwich topped with cheese. It's a comforting, indulgent, and satisfying meal, and chips are the perfect side to add a satisfying crunch.

Classic potato chips are a great option, especially if you're looking for something simple and quick. Kettle-style potato chips are another excellent choice, and if you want to add a tangy twist, opt for dill pickle kettle chips. For an extra kick, serve the chips with hot sauce.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can bake your own potato chips in the oven. Simply slice some potatoes very thinly, drizzle with a little oil, and bake until crispy. You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavour.

Chips are a great, easy side to a tuna and cheese sandwich, and they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Potato salad as a side

A tuna and cheese sandwich is a hearty meal, but it can be made even more filling and delicious with a side of potato salad. Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with sandwiches, and it can be easily customised to complement the flavours of your tuna melt. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Creamy Potato Salad

For a creamy potato salad, start by boiling some waxy potatoes until they are tender. You can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, or peel them beforehand for a smoother finish. While the potatoes are cooking, chop up some red onions, celery, and gherkins. You can also add boiled eggs for extra protein. For the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, a dash of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Once the potatoes are cool, chop them into bite-sized pieces and gently mix them with the dressing and chopped vegetables. This creamy potato salad will add a tangy, refreshing element to your tuna and cheese sandwich.

Herby Potato Salad

If you're looking for something a little lighter, an herby potato salad is a great option. Boil or steam some baby potatoes until tender, then halve or quarter them. Chop up some fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, and mix them with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss the warm potatoes in the vinaigrette, then stir in the fresh herbs. This potato salad is bright and flavourful, and it will complement the richness of your tuna and cheese sandwich.

Spicy Potato Salad

For a spicy twist on the classic, try adding some kick to your potato salad. Boil or steam your favourite potatoes, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cook some chopped bacon until crispy, then drain the bacon fat and whisk it together with stone-ground mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and a dash of your favourite hot sauce. Toss the potatoes in the dressing, then stir through the crispy bacon, chopped spring onions, and fresh parsley. This spicy potato salad will add a kick to your tuna and cheese sandwich, creating a truly satisfying meal.

Sweet Potato Salad

For a slightly sweeter take on potato salad, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Roast cubes of sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are tender and caramelised. Meanwhile, make a dressing by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and warm water until you have a smooth, pourable sauce. Toss the roasted sweet potato in the dressing, then stir through chopped pecans, cranberries, and fresh parsley. This sweet potato salad will add a unique flavour profile to your tuna and cheese sandwich, creating an interesting and delicious combination.

German-Style Potato Salad

If you're looking for something a little different, try a German-style potato salad. Boil some waxy potatoes until tender, then cut them into thick slices. Fry some bacon until crispy, then set it aside and cook chopped onions in the bacon fat until softened. Whisk together a simple vinaigrette with apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Crumble the bacon and add it to the potatoes, along with the onions and vinaigrette. This warm potato salad is hearty and flavourful, making it the perfect side to your tuna and cheese sandwich.

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