Cheese Choice For The Perfect Tuna Melt

Tuna melts are a classic American diner food, and the perfect tuna melt should be warm, toasty, and oozy with cheese. But what kind of cheese is best? The answer depends on your personal preference, but a good melting cheese is key. Cheddar is a popular choice, but other options include American cheese, provolone, Swiss, Muenster, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and more.

The best melting cheeses for tuna melts

The classic tuna melt is a diner staple that has been around for years. It's a simple recipe, but when all the components come together, something magical happens. Crispy bread, creamy tuna salad, tomatoes, and melted cheese—what's not to like?

The key to a good tuna melt is the tuna salad, but a close second is the cheese. A tuna melt should be oozy and gooey, so you need a cheese with a good melting factor. Here are some of the best melting cheeses for tuna melts:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melts and with good reason. It has a strong flavour and is specifically made to be a good melting cheese. When choosing a cheddar for your tuna melt, go for a mild variety as sharper, extra-sharp, or aged cheddars are less melty.

American Cheese

American cheese is extra gooey and melty, making it a perfect choice for a tuna melt. It also has the added benefit of acting as a "glue" between the tuna salad and the bread.

Provolone

Provolone is another cheese that melts wonderfully, which is exactly what you want in a tuna melt. It's a good choice if you're looking for a cheese with a good cheese pull.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is a soft, young cheese that has a good melting factor. It's a great option if you're looking for a classic, meltable cheese for your tuna melt.

Havarti

Like Swiss cheese, Havarti is a soft, young cheese that melts well. It's a good choice if you want a creamy, meltable cheese for your tuna melt.

In addition to the cheeses listed above, you could also try Muenster, smoked Gouda, Fontina, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack to add some spice. Ultimately, the best cheese for a tuna melt is the one that melts well and suits your taste preferences.

Tuna melt recipes

Tuna melts are a type of sandwich that combines a creamy tuna mixture with melted cheese. While there are many variations, a classic tuna melt recipe involves layering tuna salad, tomato, and cheese between two slices of buttered bread, then toasting or grilling the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Here are some detailed recipes to try:

Classic Tuna Melt

This recipe is a good starting point and can be modified to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (6.5 oz) tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp finely diced celery
• 1 tbsp minced green onion
• 2 tsp capers, drained
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise, or more to taste
• 1 tsp Asian chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
• ⅓ cup fresh mozzarella cheese
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• 2 thick slices French bread
• ¼ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions:

• Combine tuna, celery, green onion, capers, mayonnaise, and chile paste in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to lightly break apart the tuna. Add small pieces of mozzarella and stir to mix. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate the tuna salad until needed.
• Preheat your oven's broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Generously spread butter on both sides of the French bread slices.
• Broil the buttered bread until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Remove the bread from the oven and turn the slices over so that the darkest sides are facing down.
• Spread the tuna salad onto the bread slices using two forks, pressing it onto the bread and spreading it to the edges.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar over each sandwich and dust with cayenne pepper.
• Place the sandwiches under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 5-6 minutes.

Ultimate Tuna Melt

This recipe includes additional ingredients like Dijon mustard and parsley, and offers suggestions for customisations.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz (1 can) tuna fish, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices cheddar cheese (optional: extra slices for the bottom)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• Optional toppings: tomato, sliced pickles, avocado, or lettuce

Instructions:

• Combine the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
• Butter each slice of bread and place butter-side down. Add the cheese to the unbuttered side.
• Add the tuna mixture on top of the cheese. If desired, add toppings like tomato and additional cheese.
• Preheat a skillet to medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the bread is golden brown.
• Flip the sandwich and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sandwich is golden brown on the other side.
• Alternatively, you can use a broiler: spread the bread butter-side up and toast for a couple of minutes. Then add the cheese, tuna mixture, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Bon Appétit's Tuna Melt

This recipe includes additional ingredients like dill, capers or pickled jalapeño, and suggests serving the sandwich with kettle-style potato chips and hot sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped dill
• 1 tbsp drained capers or chopped pickled jalapeños, plus 1 tbsp brine
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 7 oz jar oil-packed tuna fillets or 1.5 5-oz cans, drained
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 tbsp butter, room temperature
• 8 slices Pullman or sourdough bread
• 4 slices American cheese or sharp cheddar
• Optional: dill pickles, kettle-style potato chips, and hot sauce for serving

Instructions:

• Combine the red onion, celery, mayonnaise, dill, capers or jalapeño, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Mix in the tuna, breaking it up with a fork. Season with pepper and add brine to taste.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Divide the cheese among 4 slices of bread, placing it on the unbuttered side.
• Divide the tuna mixture evenly over the cheese. Close the sandwiches with the remaining 4 bread slices, buttered side up.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches cheese-side down and cook for about 4 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula to ensure good contact with the skillet. If using cheddar, cover the pan after turning the sandwiches to ensure the cheese melts.
• Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half. Serve with dill pickles and potato chips doused with hot sauce.

Tuna melt side dishes

Tuna melts are a classic lunchtime meal, but they can also be enjoyed for dinner. They are made up of tuna, melted cheese, and toasted bread. Adding sides can make this dish extra special.

Classic sides to tuna melts are similar to those of any sandwich, but some go exceptionally well with tuna. These include:

• Coleslaw—the creamy, crunchy texture and tangy flavour complement the tuna melt.
• Crisps/chips—a classic sandwich side, these can be ready-salted or dill pickle-flavoured.
• Pickles/gherkins—the tangy, sweet flavour of these adds a refreshing taste to the rich sandwich.
• Potato salad—a hearty, creamy side dish that goes well with the tuna melt.
• Crunchy green salad—a perfect, healthy contrast to the rich sandwich.

Some more creative, yet still accessible, sides to tuna melts include:

• Sweet potato fries—a tasty, slightly sweet, and nutritious alternative to regular fries.
• Tomato basil soup—a classic, tangy, and slightly sweet soup that pairs well with the tuna and cheese.
• Avocado and corn salad—a vibrant, zesty side that adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Dill pickle pasta salad—tangy and flavourful, this unique side complements the savoury sandwich.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts—a healthy, bitter side with a contrasting texture to the sandwich.
• Garlic bread—a comforting side that adds a savoury taste to the meal.

For a lighter, healthier option, a bowl of fruit or a yoghurt can be served as a refreshing pudding.

How to make a healthy tuna melt

A tuna melt is a type of sandwich that combines tuna, cheese, and various other ingredients to create a warm, toasty, and comforting meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and healthy tuna melt:

Ingredients:

• Tuna: Use a good-quality tuna such as albacore tuna or oil-packed tuna fillets. Drain the tuna well to prevent a watery mixture.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts as it melts well and has a sharp flavour. Other options include American cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, Provolone, or Mozzarella.
• Mayonnaise: Use regular mayonnaise or Kewpie mayo for extra creaminess and tang.
• Vegetables: Finely chop red onions, celery, and dill pickles to add crunch and flavour to the tuna melt. You can also include tomato slices and fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
• Bread: Sourdough bread is a classic choice, but you can also use whole wheat, white bread, or French bread.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, lemon juice, capers, and red pepper flakes add flavour and tanginess to the tuna melt.
• Butter: Use softened or room-temperature butter to spread on the bread for toasting.

Instructions:

• Mix the Tuna: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, finely chopped vegetables (onion, celery, pickles), lemon juice, capers, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use a fork to break up the tuna and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Prepare the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can also add butter to the other side if you want a richer sandwich.
• Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of the bread, pile on a generous portion of the tuna salad. Add tomato slices and cheese. Top it with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.
• Cook the Tuna Melt: You can cook the tuna melt in a skillet or bake it in the oven.

• For a skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches, buttered side down, and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4 minutes per side.
• For the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Serve: Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and slice them in half. Serve with your choice of sides, such as dill pickles, kettle-style potato chips, or a side salad.

Feel free to customise your tuna melt by adding or substituting ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your healthy and delicious tuna melt!

How to make a low-carb tuna melt

Ingredients

• Canned tuna
• Cheese (cheddar, American, provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or monterey jack)
• Mayonnaise
• Butter
• Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Onion
• Celery
• Lemon
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: relish, hot sauce, mustard, garlic powder, parsley, or dill

Method

If you're looking to cut down on carbs but still want to enjoy the classic comfort of a tuna melt, there are a few ways to adapt the traditional recipe. One option is to make tuna melt fritters or patties, binding the tuna with eggs and cream cheese and frying in a non-stick pan.

First, whisk together a couple of eggs. Then add in your chopped onion (or onion powder), well-drained canned tuna, shredded cheese of your choice, and softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into patties and place them on a lined and greased baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

Alternatively, you can make a low-carb version of the classic sandwich by melting slices of cheese and filling them with tuna salad. Place slices of provolone or another melting cheese on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven until bubbly. Remove from the oven and add a spoonful of tuna salad—a mixture of canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and optional relish—to one side of each slice. Fold the cheese over the filling to create a triangle and place the baking sheet under the broiler for a minute or so, until the cheese is browned and sealed.

For a more traditional tuna melt, you can use low-carb bread or go without. Spread butter on one side of your bread of choice and layer on the tuna salad, tomato slices, salt, pepper, and cheese. Cook in a skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

For a truly indulgent tuna melt, you can add a variety of extras. Try celery, pickles, red onion, or shallots for some crunch, or capers or pickled jalapeños for a briny kick. A squeeze of lemon juice will add a tangy freshness, while a smear of mustard will bring some extra heat.

Frequently asked questions