Andy Montoya
Tuna melt sandwiches are a popular comfort food, consisting of a hot, cheesy, and filling combination of ingredients. While the specific ingredients in a tuna melt sandwich may vary, the core components include canned tuna, cheese, and bread. The type of cheese used in a tuna melt sandwich can vary, with options such as cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese being common choices. The versatility of the tuna melt sandwich allows individuals to customise it according to their preferences, making it a beloved classic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Pullman, French, Ciabatta, Canyon Bakehouse Heritage-Style, Whole Foods’ Gluten Free Sandwich Bread, Italian, Texas Toast |
| Butter | Yes |
| Cheese | American, Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Asiago, Colby Jack, Gruyere, Havarti, Fontina, Muenster |
| Tuna | Canned, drained |
| Mayonnaise | Yes |
| Vegetables | Celery, Red onion, Capers, Tomato, Chile paste, Pickles, Green onion, Parsley, Dill, Arugula, Avocado, Lettuce |
| Seasoning | Cayenne pepper, Steak seasoning, Dijon mustard, Salt, Black pepper, Chile flakes, Lemon juice, Sweet green relish |
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What You'll Learn
Tuna melt sandwich cheese options
Tuna melt sandwiches are a popular comfort food, and for good reason! They are easy to make and incredibly tasty. While there are many ways to make a tuna melt sandwich, the key ingredients are canned tuna, cheese, and bread. This leaves a lot of room for creativity, especially when it comes to the type of cheese you choose.
Cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melt sandwiches, as it has a strong flavour and melts easily. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of shredded cheddar for the classic cheese pull experience. If you're looking for something a little different, but still want that classic cheddar flavour, you could try using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, as suggested by Chef John from Allrecipes.
If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other cheese options to choose from. Some people like to use American cheese, which has a mild flavour and melts well. Others prefer something with a little more kick, like pepper jack or jalapeño jack cheese. If you're a fan of spicy food, you could even try using a blend of pepper jack and sharp cheddar for an extra spicy kick. For a more subtle flavour, you could try asiago cheese, Colby jack cheese, or provolone. If you're feeling fancy, you might try fontina, gruyere, or havarti.
No matter what type of cheese you choose, the key to a great tuna melt is to make sure it's nice and melted. This can be done in a skillet on the stovetop, under the broiler in the oven, or even in a toaster oven. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!
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Tuna melt sandwich toppings
Tuna melt sandwiches are a great way to use canned tuna, and they are easy to make. The classic tuna melt is made with buttered bread, cheese, and a tuna salad mixture. However, there are many ways to make this sandwich your own by adding different toppings.
A popular topping for tuna melt sandwiches is tomato. Adding sliced tomato can give the sandwich a fresh taste and a bit of juiciness. Another common topping is red onion, which adds a bit of crunch and flavour. If you want to add some spice, you can include pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Some people like to add celery to their tuna melt sandwiches for extra crunch. You can also include pickles, either sliced or as relish, for a tangy flavour. If you're looking for a more substantial sandwich, you can add avocado slices or a fried egg.
For those who like their sandwiches with a kick, sliced jalapeños can be a great addition. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
The possibilities for toppings on a tuna melt sandwich are endless, and you can personalise it to your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, crunchy, or fresh, there are many ways to make this classic sandwich your own.
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Tuna melt sandwich bread options
Tuna melt sandwiches are a popular comfort food, and there are many ways to make them. While some people prefer to use sliced bread, others opt for buns or rolls. You can also choose from a variety of bread types, including Italian, French, sourdough, ciabatta, and Texas toast. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, Canyon Bakehouse Heritage-Style Bread or Whole Foods' Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread are good choices.
For those who prefer their tuna melt sandwiches with a crispy texture, toasting the bread is a popular option. This can be done by spreading butter on the bread and placing it in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Another option is to use mayonnaise instead of butter, as it takes longer to brown and does not leave a taste on the bread.
Some people also like to add extra toppings to their tuna melt sandwiches. Popular choices include celery, red onion, capers, pickles, and tomato slices. For a spicy kick, you can add pepper flakes or jalapenos. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can use low-carb or keto bread, or opt for an open-faced sandwich.
While the type of bread and toppings may vary, the key ingredient in a tuna melt sandwich is the cheese. Popular choices include cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and pepper jack. To achieve the classic cheese pull, it is recommended to use shredded cheese.
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Tuna melt sandwich cooking methods
Tuna melt sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. They are also a great way to use canned tuna. The key to a tasty tuna melt is ensuring that the cheese is fully melted and oozy, and that the sandwich has a good crunch. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect tuna melt:
Ingredients
First, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- Bread (any type, but thicker slices work best)
- Butter
- Tuna (canned, preferably in extra virgin olive oil)
- Cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, or any other variety that melts well)
- Mayonnaise
- Celery
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Salt and pepper
- Any other desired toppings (see below for suggestions)
Method
- Flake the tuna inside a bowl and add mayonnaise, minced pickles, and any other desired seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the tuna mixture on the unbuttered side of the bread.
- Top the tuna with sliced or grated cheese.
- Add any other desired toppings, such as sliced tomato, avocado, or arugula.
- Cover with the remaining slices of bread, buttered-side up.
- Place the sandwiches on a preheated skillet, griddle, or baking sheet and cook until golden brown on the bottom.
- Flip the sandwiches and cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Variations
There are endless variations and additions to the classic tuna melt. Here are some ideas:
- Add chopped fresh chives, sliced green onions, or shallots for extra flavour and crunch.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Havarti, provolone, or muenster.
- Add a pop of flavour with a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one of the bread slices.
- For a briny flavour, add a couple of teaspoons of drained capers to the tuna salad.
- Make it low-carb by using keto bread, a lettuce wrap, or serving it open-faced.
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Tuna melt sandwich sides
A tuna melt sandwich is a classic, comforting, and filling meal. It is a hot, crispy, and cheesy sandwich that can be served with a variety of sides to make a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with a tuna melt sandwich:
Potato Chips
Potato chips are a classic side dish for sandwiches, and they go well with the crispy and cheesy nature of a tuna melt. For an extra kick, try dousing the chips with hot sauce.
Salad
A fresh and crunchy salad can be a great side dish to pair with the warm and comforting tuna melt. A simple salad with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber can be a refreshing contrast to the sandwich.
Crackers
Crackers are a great option to serve on the side, especially if you want to enjoy the tuna melt as a dip. Scoop some of the tuna salad onto a cracker for a tasty bite.
Pickles
Dill pickles are a classic side dish for sandwiches, and they can add a tangy and crunchy element to the meal. They also go well with the tuna melt's other potential side, potato chips.
Tomato Slices
Fresh tomato slices can be a simple and tasty side dish. They add a burst of freshness and pair well with the flavours of the tuna melt.
Customised Sides
The beauty of a tuna melt sandwich is that it is completely customisable. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different sides that suit your taste preferences. For example, you could add sliced red onions, arugula, avocado slices, or even a hard-boiled egg to your plate to enhance your dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheese used in a tuna melt sandwich is cheddar cheese. However, American cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone, sliced pepper jack, fontina, gruyere, havarti, muenster, asiago, and Colby jack cheese are also used.
Apart from cheese, a tuna melt sandwich also includes tuna, bread, butter, and mayonnaise. Some popular additional ingredients include celery, red onion, capers, tomatoes, and pickles.
To make a tuna melt sandwich, first, mix the tuna with mayonnaise, celery, red onion, capers, and any other desired ingredients. Next, spread butter on one side of a slice of bread and place the buttered side down on a skillet. Add the tuna mixture and top it with cheese. Cover it with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up. Cook the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Yes, you can use buns, keto bread, or lettuce wraps as alternatives to bread in a tuna melt sandwich.
