Cheese And Tuna: The Perfect Melty Match

Tuna melts are sandwiches typically made with a layer of tuna salad, cheese, and other toppings between two slices of bread. The choice of cheese is crucial to the success of a tuna melt, as it should melt easily and complement the other ingredients. Popular options include American cheese, cheddar cheese, provolone, Swiss cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Melting factors: the best cheeses for tuna melts are those that melt well, such as American cheese, provolone, and cheddar

When it comes to crafting the perfect tuna melt, there are a few key components to consider. The bread should be crispy and golden, the tuna mixture should be creamy and flavourful, and the cheese should be melted to gooey perfection. Indeed, the "melt" in tuna melt is of utmost importance, and choosing a cheese that melts well is crucial to the success of this sandwich.

American cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts, known for its meltability and gooey texture. It has a mild flavour and tends to melt smoothly, making it ideal for this type of sandwich. Provolone is another excellent option, offering a good cheese pull and a mild, slightly sweet taste. When melted, provolone becomes soft and creamy, adding a delightful texture to the tuna melt.

Cheddar cheese, particularly sharp cheddar, is also a favourite among tuna melt enthusiasts. While older cheddars may not melt as readily, younger, milder cheddars can provide a nice balance of flavour and meltability. The result is a sandwich with a sharp bite and a creamy, oozy texture.

When assembling a tuna melt, it's important to layer the cheese properly. Start by placing a slice of cheese on the bread, followed by the tuna mixture, and then top it off with another slice of cheese. This ensures that the cheese acts as a "glue" between the tuna and bread, creating a cohesive sandwich.

In addition to American cheese, provolone, and cheddar, other cheeses that melt well include Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, Muenster, Havarti, and Colby Jack. These cheeses will provide a similar melting factor and can be used interchangeably, depending on your preference.

Remember, the key to a great tuna melt is a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the flavours of the tuna and other ingredients. By choosing cheeses with excellent melting qualities, you'll achieve that iconic cheese pull and take your tuna melt to the next level.

Tuna type: for a tuna melt, it is recommended to use albacore white tuna as it has a mild, fresh taste

Tuna melts are a great comfort food and a fantastic way to shake up your lunch routine. While there are many ways to make a tuna melt, the type of tuna you use can make a big difference. For a truly exceptional tuna melt, it is recommended to use albacore white tuna.

Albacore tuna is a type of tuna that is widely regarded as being superior in taste and quality compared to other types of canned tuna. It has a mild, fresh flavour and a firm, meaty texture that sets it apart. This variety of tuna is also a good source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for your sandwich.

When selecting albacore tuna for your tuna melt, look for high-quality options, preferably wild-caught or pole-and-line caught, to ensure the best flavour and texture. It may be a bit more expensive than other types of canned tuna, but the difference in taste is well worth the extra cost.

Once you have your albacore tuna, you can create a delicious tuna melt by combining it with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and your choice of seasonings. For added crunch and flavour, consider including chopped celery, pickles, red onion, or diced shallots in your mixture.

When it comes to cheese, the options are endless. A classic choice is cheddar, but you can also use Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or American cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try pepper jack, Havarti, Colby Jack, or any other melty cheese that suits your taste.

To assemble your tuna melt, spread the tuna mixture on a slice of buttered bread, add your choice of toppings, such as tomato slices or lettuce, and then layer on the cheese. Top it off with another slice of bread, buttered side up, and cook in a skillet or on a panini press until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted to perfection.

So, the next time you're craving a tuna melt, remember that using albacore white tuna will take your sandwich to the next level. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and savoury goodness of a well-made tuna melt with the perfect blend of flavours and textures.

Bread: while you can use any type of bread, classic, soft, white bread is best for maximum meltability

When it comes to choosing the bread for your tuna melt, the world is your oyster. You can use any bread you like! However, if you want to achieve the ultimate melt and that classic, comforting tuna melt experience, opt for classic, soft, white bread.

White bread is the traditional choice for a reason. It gives you that squishy, crisp texture that is so desirable in a melt sandwich. It also provides the perfect base for your other ingredients, allowing the tuna mixture to shine and the cheese to reach its maximum melt potential.

While bread options like sourdough or whole wheat are delicious and nutritious, they may not give you that classic melt texture. Sourdough, in particular, is a denser bread that may not crisp up in the same way as soft white bread. If you're a fan of sourdough's tangy flavour, you could try a softer variety, such as Pullman bread, which is often used for sandwiches.

If you're after that nostalgic, diner-style tuna melt, soft, white bread is the way to go. It will give you that satisfying crunch on the outside, while remaining soft and yielding on the inside, soaked through with the creamy tuna mixture.

Of course, if you have specific dietary requirements or simply prefer a different type of bread, don't be afraid to experiment. You can try whole wheat, rye, or even a tortilla wrap if you're going low-carb. But for that classic, comforting tuna melt experience, soft, white bread is the perfect choice.

So, fire up that skillet, grab your favourite melty cheese, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food, best enjoyed with a side of crispy chips and a tangy pickle!

Assembly: to assemble a tuna melt, layer the tuna, cheese, and toppings between two slices of buttered bread and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted

Assembly

To assemble a tuna melt, layer the tuna, cheese, and toppings between two slices of buttered bread and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted.

First, make the tuna mixture and spread it on a slice of bread. You can make the tuna mixture by draining the canned tuna and mixing it with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. For the best results, be sure to drain the tuna well to prevent a watery tuna mixture.

Next, layer on your desired toppings. Classic toppings include tomato, salt, and pepper, but you can also add lettuce, potato chips, or extra pickles for a crunchy texture.

Now, add the cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice for tuna melts, as it has a sharp flavour and melts well. However, you can also use American cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, Provolone, Mozzarella, or Colby Jack, among others.

Finally, top it off with another slice of bread, buttered side up, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. For an even melt, cover the pan with a lid.

Toppings: popular toppings for tuna melts include celery, red onion, pickles, lettuce, and tomato

When it comes to toppings, tuna melts can be customised to your taste. Popular toppings include celery, red onion, and pickles for added crunch and flavour. Lettuce and tomato are also common additions, with some recipes calling for butter lettuce and sliced tomatoes to add freshness to the sandwich.

Some recipes suggest capers or shallots as alternatives to the more standard toppings, while others recommend soft avocado, extra cheese, or even hot sauce on the side. If you're looking for a spicier kick, you could also add red pepper flakes to your tuna melt.

You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread, and different cheeses, like American, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Cheddar, to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions