How to Make a Great Tuna Melt

How to make a great tuna melt largely depends on you. It is so versatile, so adaptable that it depends on your taste and the taste of anyone you are making it for. My first question is who invented the thing anyway?

Legend has it that the tuna melt was accidentally invented in the 1960s at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Hoboken, NJ, when the cook didn’t notice that a bowl of tuna salad had tipped over onto a grilled cheese. Who knows? It could have been in the 1940’s.

The Great Tuna Melt

The type of tuna you select will affect the taste. I stay away from the albacore as it is drier than the others. Skipjack is the most common type of canned tuna, often labeled as “chunk light.” Skipjack has a stronger flavor and a softer texture than either albacore or yellowfin, and it’s also usually the least expensive option. Because it’s lower on the food chain than albacore, skipjack also tends to have lower levels of mercury.

The Bread

Choosing the “best” bread for a tuna melt largely depends on your personal preference, dietary restrictions, and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Sourdough: Many people love using sourdough for a tuna melt due to its sturdy structure and tangy flavor. The contrast between the sourdough and the creamy, cheesy tuna salad can be quite delicious.
2. Whole Grain or Whole Wheat: These breads are a healthy choice because they are high in fiber and other nutrients. The nutty, complex flavor of whole grains can complement the flavors of the tuna and cheese nicely.
3. Rye: The unique, slightly sour and hearty flavor of rye bread can pair well with tuna and cheese, offering a unique spin on a classic tuna melt.
4. English Muffins: For a different approach, consider using an English muffin. They can be toasted to a nice crisp and their unique texture holds up well to the creamy tuna and melted cheese.
5. White Bread: Traditional white bread is a classic choice. It’s soft, but can get nicely crispy when grilled. While not as nutrient-dense as whole grain or whole wheat options, its mild flavor doesn’t compete with the filling.
6. Ciabatta or Baguette: For a more artisan approach, these breads provide a sturdy and crispy exterior for your tuna melt.

The Key

A main key to a great tuna melt is making sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the filling and has a texture and flavor you enjoy. Toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich can also help prevent it from getting too soggy from the tuna salad.

The Cheese

Choosing the “best” cheese for a tuna melt can be largely a matter of personal preference, as different cheeses can contribute different flavors, textures, and meltability. That said, here are a few common choices:

1. Cheddar: This is a popular choice due to its sharp flavor that pairs well with tuna. Both mild and sharp cheddar melt well.
2. Swiss: Swiss cheese has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that can complement the taste of tuna. It also melts well, which makes it a good choice for a tuna melt.
3. American: This processed cheese is known for its exceptional meltability, which can result in a particularly gooey and creamy tuna melt.
4. Monterey Jack or Colby: These cheeses have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the tuna, and they also melt well.
5. Gruyere: This cheese is known for its rich, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, as well as its excellent meltability.
6. Provolone: This cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and melts well, making it another good choice.
7. Pepper Jack: If you prefer a spicy kick, pepper jack can provide a bit of heat in addition to good melting properties.

Add-ins

Adding various ingredients to your tuna melt can provide extra flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here are some ideas for add-ins:

1. Vegetables: You can add thinly sliced tomatoes, red onions, pickles, or cucumbers for added crunch and flavor. Some people also like to add lettuce, arugula, or spinach for some extra greens, although these are usually added after the sandwich is grilled to keep them fresh and crisp.
2. Avocado: Adding slices of avocado can provide a creamy texture and additional healthy fats.
3. Bacon: While not as healthy as some other add-ins, bacon can provide a salty, crispy element that some people enjoy in their tuna melts.
4. Jalapenos or other peppers: If you like a little heat, adding sliced jalapenos or other spicy peppers can be a tasty addition.
5. Olives: Sliced black or green olives can provide a tangy, briny contrast to the creamy tuna and cheese.
6. Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley can brighten up the flavor of your tuna melt. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or black pepper.
7. Celery: Adding finely chopped celery to the tuna salad gives a bit of crunch and a refreshing flavor.
8. Capers: These small pickled flower buds add a burst of tangy, salty flavor that pairs well with tuna.
9. Hard-Boiled Egg: Some people like to add chopped hard-boiled egg to their tuna salad for additional protein and a rich flavor.

Remember, the best add-ins for your tuna melt will depend on your personal tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different combinations to find what you enjoy most.

Besides Butter

Besides butter, there are several other options you can use to grill your tuna melt:

1. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a popular alternative to butter. It spreads easily, doesn’t burn as quickly as butter, and can result in a crispy, golden-brown crust. Some people actually prefer this method because it can result in a more evenly browned and crispy texture.
2. Olive oil: This is a healthier alternative to butter. It can give your bread a nice crunch and a subtle flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil is best used at lower heat due to its lower smoke point.
3. Canola or Vegetable Oil: These oils are neutral in flavor and can withstand higher cooking temperatures.
4. Coconut oil: This can be used for a tropical twist. Just be aware that it may impart a slight coconut flavor to the sandwich, which could be either a pro or a con depending on your taste preferences.
5. Avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it another good option for grilling sandwiches.
6. Ghee (clarified butter): Ghee has a higher smoke point than regular butter, which makes it less likely to burn at the grilling stage. It also has a rich, nutty flavor.
7. Non-stick cooking spray: This can be a good lower-calorie option, as it provides a thin, even layer of oil that helps prevent sticking and aids in browning.

Remember, regardless of what fat you choose, moderation is key. All fats are high in calories, so using them sparingly can help keep your overall calorie intake in check.