When it comes to tuna melts, the sky’s the limit when it comes to what type of cheese you can use. But which one is the best? We’ve put together a list of the 10 best cheese for tuna melt so that you can make your perfect melt every time.
From gooey and melted to a crispy and golden brown, we’ve got you covered! So next time you’re in the mood for a tuna melt, be sure to check out this list for some inspiration. Happy melting!
What Is A Tuna Melt?
A tuna melt sandwich has a tuna filling and a slice of cheese on top. It is then placed in a pan or a broiler until the cheese thaws and gooey and bubbling. The best part about this sandwich? You can put any cheese you want, to make it your own! And you can put whatever filling you want, including tuna and salmon.
What Cheese Should You Use For A Tuna Melt?
A good cheese for a tuna melt will be the one that melts the most smoothly, has a mild taste, so it doesn’t overpower your tuna filling, and melts best on top of the sandwich. Some cheeses that fit this description are American, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, fontina, and Gruyere.
The 10 Best Cheese For Tuna Melt 2023
1. American Cheese For A Tuna Melt
American cheese is probably the best cheese for tuna melt because it melts the best. This type of cheese originated in New York City in the mid-1800s when immigrants were trying to imitate the Swiss cheese they tasted on their travels. This yellow, mild cheese has an excellent melting point and tastes good with your tuna filling.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna in water
- 1 tbsp capers
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
How to make American Cheese For A Tuna Melt
- Drain the liquid from your canned tuna and set it in a middle-sized bowl. Mix the mayo, mustard, pickles, and capers with your tuna. Season to taste (optional).
- Apply the tuna mixture onto the bread pieces.
- Layer a slice of cheese on top of each sandwich and broil until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Enjoy your delicious tuna melt!
2. Swiss Cheese For A Tuna Melt
Swiss cheese is very similar to American and fits all of the same criteria for a good tuna melt cheese, with one exception: it has a slightly stronger taste.
Swiss will be perfect for you if you like that flavor profile in your tuna melts. As Americans, this type is the best cheese for tuna melt sandwich in New York City and was created by an immigrant trying to imitate the famous Swiss cheese varieties.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna in water
- 2 tbsp light mayo
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Swiss Cheese For A Tuna Melt
- Drain the water from your tuna and put it in a bowl. Mix the mayo, celery, salt, and pepper with your tuna until combined.
- Apply the tuna mix onto the bread pieces.
- Layer a slice of cheese on top of each sandwich and broil until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Enjoy your delicious tuna melt!
3. Easy Diner-Style Tuna Melt Recipe
This tuna melt recipe is one of our favorites because it’s so simple to prepare but still delicious. The perfect dish for a busy night when you don’t have the time or energy to cook.
Ingredients
- One 5-ounce (142g) oil- or water-packed canned tuna, drained thoroughly
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery
- Two slices of sandwich bread, cut in half diagonally
- 1 1/2 cup (150g) Hellmann’s mayonnaise (see note)
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- For brushing the bread, use clarified butter or melted butter.
How to make Easy Diner-Style Tuna Melt
- In a small bowl, mix the tuna and celery.
- Spread one side of each bread triangle with mayonnaise, then top both sides with an equal amount of cheese. Top one side with equal amounts of tuna salad and place the other bread triangle on top to create a sandwich in the Ninja foodi air fryer or in the Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Place the sandwiches into the pan, so they do not touch and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes (see note). Flip and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown and the cheese has melted 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve with coleslaw, home fries, or chips.
- Enjoy your delicious tuna melt!
Note: You can use water instead of mayo if you prefer a lighter sandwich. The amount of oil required to cook this recipe will depend on the size pan you’re using and how much oil is absorbed by the bread. Just be sure to add a teaspoon at a time until you’ve reached your desired amount.
4. Caribbean Breaded Tuna Melt recipe
In this Caribbean is the best tuna melt recipe, the fish is coated in a tasty batter and fried to crispy perfection. Every bite is packed with a flavor punch from the spices and peppers in the batter, making for a delicious sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 avocado, smashed with a fork in a small bowl, divided into two piles
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or sauce, divided evenly between the two piles (half of each)
- 2 teaspoons seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces (250g) white fish, cod, or flounder work well for this recipe
- 2 tablespoons flour, divided in half
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for deep frying
How to make Caribbean Breaded Tuna Melt
- Mix the salt and black pepper with your fish in a medium bowl.
- Mix in one tablespoon of flour and one egg. Coat the fish evenly and set it aside to rest for 10 minutes.
- Repeat step two using half of each of the ingredients: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.
- Mix the remaining two tablespoons of flour with one tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
- Fill a deep frying pan or pot with oil (the oil should be about 3 inches (7.6cm) deep). Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176C).
- Dip each slice of fish in the flour mixture, then breadcrumbs, then egg.
- Fry the fish for six minutes or until golden brown. The fish should be well done, not raw in the middle.
- Drain cooked fish on paper towels and keep warm.
- Spread one avocado half evenly over each piece of bread to create two tuna melts.
- Spread both sides of bread with the mayonnaise and top one side with half of each cheese, tomato, onion, and lettuce.
- Place two prepared fish pieces on each sandwich and sprinkle each generously with seasoning salt to taste. Close sandwiches and serve immediately while still warm.
5. Lemon-Dill Tuna Melt Sandwiches recipe
If you love creamy, lemony fish, then this recipe is for you! The addition of dill gives this sandwich an extra refreshing taste.
Ingredients
- Two 6 oz (170g) cans of tuna in water, drained and flaked with a fork
- 1 cup Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice from a freshly squeezed lemon
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed or 2 teaspoons fresh finely chopped dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (optional)
How to make Lemon-Dill Tuna Melt Sandwiches
- Add the tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dill in a large bowl.
- Mix well with a fork or spoon until combined.
- Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper for taste if required.
- Spread on bread slices of your choice for sandwiches or eat with a fork if you’re in a hurry! *Bread not included in nutrition facts.
6. Tuna Melt on Toast recipe
This tuna melt breakfast recipe takes toast to a whole new level. Of deliciousness! The creamy cheese and soft tuna flavors make for an excellent combination.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp dried bread crumbs or 1 piece of bread torn into small pieces
- Pinch cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
- 4 oz tuna in water, drained and flaked with a fork
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 tbsp shredded Cheddar cheese
How to make Tuna Melt on Toast
- stir together mayonnaise and ketchup until well combined in a small bowl.
- Stir in tuna and bread crumbs (or pieces of cornbread). Add cayenne pepper if used. Taste mixture and add salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Spread the mixture evenly over two slices of bread and top with cheese. Place another slice of bread on top to make sandwiches.
- Preheat a panini press, griddle, or large frying pan over moderate heat. Add sandwiches and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy (approx.. 4-6 minutes per side). *Bread not included in nutrition facts.
7. Tuna Melt Bagel recipe
Don’t have time to make a sandwich? I could eat the best cheese for tuna melt every day. and now you can too! This version combines the classic flavors people love with the ease of a microwaveable breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 bagel (preferably a sesame seed bagel), sliced in half
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or cornichons
- 2 oz can tuna in water, exhausted and flaked with a fork
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to make Tuna Melt Bagel
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176C). Using its paper wrapping, line a baking sheet with the tuna melt.
- Slice the bagel in half and smear each cut side lightly with mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle with finely chopped dill pickles or cornichons and top each half with tuna. Drizzle with mayonnaise if you wish.
- Bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bagel is warm inside. *Bread not included in nutrition facts.
8. Tuna Pita Melt recipe
Making a tuna melt at home is an excellent way to save money… and it tastes 10x better too! This pita version is excellent for lunch.
Ingredients
- 5 oz of tuna in water, drained and flaked with a fork
- 3 tbsp Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- ½ tsp dried dill weed or 1 tsp fresh, finely chopped dill
- 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced into four rounds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make Tuna Pita Melt
- In a small bowl, add the tuna and mayonnaise. Mix well with a fork until combined.
- Stir in the dried dill weed or fresh, finely chopped dill until well combined.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the tuna mixture on one side of a pita bread round. Top with tomato slice and salt and pepper to taste. Fold the other half over, filling to sandwich together tightly. *Bread not included in nutrition facts.
9. Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese recipe
Grilled cheese is already a fantastic lunchtime treat. but add tuna, and it’s even better! This tasty twist on the classic is one of our favorites.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of whole-grain bread (we love Sara Lee’s Hearty Grain bread)
- 1 tbsp Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- 2 oz can tuna in water drained and flaked with a fork
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to make Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese
- Using your kitchen shears or a knife, cut each slice of bread down the center horizontally to create two flat rounds.
- Spread 1 tbsp of mayonnaise on one piece of bread, shielding the surface thoroughly. Top with tuna in an even layer and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the tuna mixture with another slice of bread and the mayo side down. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 patties and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy on both sides. *Bread not included in nutrition facts.
10. Tuna Melt Bread Boxes Recipe
These are perfect for lunch, especially if you’re on the go. They are full of flavor and stay fresh until you’re ready to eat!
Ingredients
- 2 whole-grain pieces of bread (we love Pepperidge Farm Sprouted Grain)
- 3 tbsp Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
- ½ tsp dried dill weed or 1 tsp fresh, finely chopped dill
- 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced into four rounds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make Tuna Melt Bread Boxes
- Using your kitchen shears or a knife, cut each slice of bread down the center horizontally to create two flat rounds.
- Spread one tablespoon of mayonnaise on one piece of bread, shielding the surface thoroughly. Top with tuna in an even layer and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover tuna mixture with other pieces of bread, mayo side down. Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add 2 patties and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy on both sides. *Bread not included in nutrition facts.
FAQ About best cheese for tuna melt
Q: What kind of cheese is best for tuna melts?
Many people think that American cheese is the way to make a tuna melt. But cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack… pretty much any type will do! Just make sure it’s sliced thinly or grated, so it melts evenly.
Q: How do you keep tuna melt from getting soggy?
The best way to keep a tuna melt from getting soggy is to use toasted bread and don’t overfill it. That means no more than 2 tablespoons of mayo and maybe even less for a healthier sandwich. If you’re making it ahead of time, pack the filling separately from the bread and add it just before eating.
Q: Do cheese and tuna go together?
Yes, cheese and tuna go well together. When making a tuna melt, balance the creamy mayonnaise with sharp cheddar or another flavorful cheese that melts well. Serve the sandwich on toasted bread for best results!
Q: How do you make tuna taste good?
The best way to make tuna taste good is to add many healthy ingredients, like onion, celery, or pickle. You can also spice it up with chili sauce or tabasco sauce. And if you’re making your homemade tuna salad, try adding some nonfat Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without saturated fat.
Q: How do you make tuna salad taste good?
The best way to make tuna salad taste good is to use nonfat Greek yogurt. Using low-fat or fat-free mayo will also cut down on the saturated fat content. Try adding some fresh garlic or lemon juice for brightness and spice it up with chili sauce or tabasco sauce for more flavor.
Q: How many calories are in tuna salad?
Tuna is a good source of lean protein, so it doesn’t add too much extra fat to your meal. A 2-tbsp serving of tuna salad contains less than 100 calories, and less than 1g sat fat!* **Looking for a healthier tuna salad recipe? Try our Tuna Salad Recipe with Greek Yogurt!
Q: What cheeses does Subway have?
At Subway, you can order any sub “overstuffed” with double meat for no extra charge. And if you ask nicely, your sandwich artist will pile on the veggies too! They offer American Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Swiss Cheese, and White Cheese for cheese.
Q: How many carbs are in tuna?
A single serving of tuna (about 2 oz) contains 0g of carbs. It’s also a good source of protein, with about 22g per serving!* **Looking for a low-carb option? Try our Tuna Salad Recipe with Greek Yogurt!
Q: Is peanut butter and tuna healthy?
Peanut Butter & Tuna is an easy recipe that’s loaded with protein. And most of the fat in peanut butter is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (the same kind found in olive oil and avocados). Plus, half of the calories come from protein, and only one-third comes from carbs!
Final Verdict
The 10 best cheese for tuna melt is Swiss, white cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack cheese, Havarti dill Havarti cheese.
I hope this list of the top 10 best cheese for tuna melt gives you some ideas and inspiration if you are looking for an easy dinner idea or want something different at lunchtime. If not, feel free to comment below with what kind of melted cheese you like! Thank you so much for reading!