Bushra Griffith
Tuna melts are sandwiches filled with a creamy tuna mixture, cheese, and other ingredients, grilled to perfection. The best type of cheese for a tuna melt is a matter of personal preference, but popular options include cheddar, American cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss, and provolone. The key to a good tuna melt is ensuring that the cheese is fully melted and oozy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Provolone, Havarti |
| Tuna type | Chunk light, Albacore |
| Bread | Sourdough, Pullman, Crispy, Golden |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Mayonnaise, Pickles, Onions, Celery, Mustard, Dill, Tomatoes, Salt, Pepper, Lemon juice, Red pepper flakes |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice
When making a tuna melt, the cheese must be fully melted and oozy. Cheddar cheese melts like a dream when heated, giving the sandwich the perfect melt factor. It is also a good melting cheese and pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich, such as tuna, mayonnaise, pickles, onions, celery, mustard, dill, and seasonings.
Cheddar cheese is a sharp and bold cheese that can add a rich flavour to the sandwich. It is also a good source of protein and calcium. Sharp cheddar cheese, or extra sharp cheddar, can be used to add an even more intense flavour to the tuna melt. It is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, grated, or melted to suit different recipes and tastes.
To make a classic tuna melt, butter each slice of bread on one side. On the unbuttered side of the bread, spread the tuna salad mixture and layer two slices of cheddar cheese on top. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Heat a skillet to medium heat and place the sandwich in the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
In addition to cheddar cheese, other cheeses that can be used in a tuna melt include American cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and Havarti. These cheeses also melt well and can add a creamy texture to the sandwich. However, cheddar cheese remains a popular choice for its distinct flavour and melting properties.
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American cheese is another option
While cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts, American cheese is another option. American cheese is a good choice for a tuna melt because it melts really nicely and has a mild flavour. It also provides that irresistible cheese pull that makes a tuna melt so appealing.
If you want to use American cheese in your tuna melt, here is a suggested method. First, drain your canned tuna and mix it with mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add sliced celery, red onion, parsley, and garlic powder to the mixture. Butter each slice of bread on one side. On the side that isn't buttered, spread the tuna salad and add slices of American cheese. Layer the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the skillet, cooking for about 2-4 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. You can also bake the sandwiches in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Serve the tuna melt warm, with a side of potato chips and pickles.
American cheese is a good choice for a tuna melt if you want a mild, creamy flavour that will melt easily. It is also widely available and affordable, making it a convenient option for this classic sandwich.
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Provolone is a good melter
Tuna melts are sandwiches filled with a creamy tuna and mayonnaise mixture, flavoured with pickles, onions, celery, mustard, and seasonings. This is sandwiched between two slices of bread, often sourdough, with cheese and cooked until golden. The cheese must be fully melted and oozy, so it is important to choose a cheese with good melting properties.
Provolone is a good choice for a tuna melt as it has a mild flavour that will not overpower the other ingredients. It also has a higher melting point than some other cheeses, so it will not become greasy or separate during cooking. It has a nice stretch when melted, giving the sandwich that iconic cheese pull.
When making a tuna melt, the sandwich is assembled and then placed in a skillet or on a baking sheet and cooked until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. The sandwich should be served warm, with the cheese fully melted and oozy. Provolone's melting properties make it a good choice for this, as it will melt evenly and give the sandwich the desired ooziness.
In addition to provolone, other cheeses that work well in a tuna melt include cheddar, American cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, Monterey jack, Swiss cheese, and Havarti. These cheeses all melt well and have flavours that complement the other ingredients in the sandwich.
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Monterey Jack for a kick
For a kick of spice, opt for Monterey Jack cheese in your tuna melt. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for something a little more adventurous than the classic cheddar option.
When making a tuna melt, it's important to start with a good melting cheese. While cheddar is a popular choice, known for its bold, rich flavour and ability to melt like a dream, some people prefer something a little different. That's where Monterey Jack comes in.
Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and just the right amount of spice to give your tuna melt a little kick. It melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheese pull that makes a tuna melt so satisfying.
To make the perfect Monterey Jack tuna melt, start by combining tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Butter your bread on one side, and spread the tuna mixture on the other. Layer on the Monterey Jack cheese, followed by sliced tomatoes and additional salt and pepper if desired. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Heat a skillet to medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the bread is golden brown. Flip the sandwich and cook for another few minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sandwich is golden brown on both sides. Serve warm and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!
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Mozzarella for a milder tuna melt
Mozzarella is a great option for a milder tuna melt. It is a mild-tasting cheese that melts well and is a good alternative to the sharper flavours of cheddar or American cheese. It is a great choice if you want the other ingredients in your tuna melt to shine through.
To make a mozzarella tuna melt, you can start by combining tuna, celery, onion, mayonnaise, and seasonings in a bowl. You can also add in some dill or even some dill pickle juice to give it a tangy flavour. If you want to add some crunch, you can include some finely diced red onion, peppers, green onion, or shallots. You can then spread this mixture on your bread of choice—sourdough or Pullman bread are popular options—and top it with a slice of mozzarella cheese and tomato.
Place your sandwiches in a skillet or on a baking sheet and cook until the cheese has melted and turned golden. You can also place them under a hot grill to ensure the cheese melts before the bread burns. Serve your tuna melts warm, with a side of potato chips, a pickle spear, or a summer fruit salad.
Mozzarella tuna melts are a great option if you're looking for a milder, more subtle flavour. The mildness of the mozzarella allows the other ingredients in the tuna melt to stand out, and it melts beautifully to create a creamy, oozy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
A tuna melt is a sandwich filled with a creamy tuna mixture and cheese. It is cooked until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
The best cheese for a tuna melt is one that melts well. Popular options include American cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and provolone cheese.
To make a tuna melt, mix tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, mustard, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Butter the bread and spread the tuna mixture on one slice. Add cheese and layer the other slice of bread on top. Cook the sandwich on a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
