Best Cheese for Tuna Melt [10 Amazing Ideas]

There are many things to love in this world, but when it comes to the perfect comfort food, not many sandwiches beat a tuna melt for me. There are endless variations on this recipe, but one thing is always key: the cheese. I’ve tried tuna melt with so many types of cheese that I’ve decided to present the best of the best. So, what’s the best cheese for a tuna melt? 

Tuna melt can be prepared with a diversity of cheeses, from classics feta cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar, or some others that are usually richer in flavor like Gouda, Swiss cheese, provolone, Brie, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese. 

So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious tuna melt, make sure you have at least one of these ten kinds of cheese on hand! They’ll make your tuna melt even tastier. Now, let’s see why these ten are the best matches!

Provolone Cheese

If I had to pick just one cheese for my tuna melt, it would have to be provolone. It’s a strong, salty cheese that perfectly matches the tuna’s flavor. Plus, it melts beautifully and has a nice, creamy texture.

I like to use a mix of shredded and sliced provolone in my tuna melts. The shredded cheese gives it excellent coverage, and the sliced cheese gets all nice and gooey. If you can find it, I recommend using smoked provolone since it takes the tuna melt to a whole new level.

Plus, it’s a good source of calcium and protein, which makes it a healthy choice for a light lunch or dinner.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is the way to go if you’re looking for classic cheese to melt into your tuna melt. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with both tuna and bread, and it melts smoothly without becoming greasy. Plus, it’s easy to find at any grocery store.

Another reason why cheddar cheese is such a popular choice for tuna melts is that it’s versatile and pairs well with just about everything. This sharp, nutty cheese is a classic for a reason. 

Moreover, it’s one of the more affordable cheeses out there, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. And the marbled variety works and looks great, too!

Mozzarella Cheese

If you’re looking for an ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience with your tuna melt, then mozzarella cheese is the way to go. Mozzarella is my go-to when it comes to a classic tuna melt. 

Not only does it offer that perfect balance of creaminess and saltiness, but it also melts incredibly well. Plus, it’s a great way to get extra calcium into your diet. [1]

As with any cheese, try to get the best quality. Fresh mozzarella is always a good choice for a tuna melt since it’s super soft, creamy, and melts like a dream. But you can also use pre-shredded mozzarella if that works better for you.

Monterey Jack Cheese

The fourth cheese on my list is Monterey Jack cheese. This semi-soft cheese is an excellent option for a tuna melt because it also melts quickly and easily. 

The flavor of Monterey Jack cheese is mild yet slightly salty, with just a hint of sweetness, balancing out the richness of the tuna and mayo.

Monterey Jack is also a great choice because it’s lower in fat than most other cheeses, so if you’re looking for something lighter and still delicious, this is the way to go. Plus, it’s available in various forms — from brick to grated — so you can easily find something to suit your needs.

Pepper Jack Cheese

Are you looking for something extra zesty? Pepper Jack Cheese brings a subtle kick to your otherwise plain tuna melt.

It’s a Monterey Jack cheese that has been spiced up with jalapeño peppers and other chili peppers, and it adds a delightful smoky flavor. The creamy texture makes it perfect for melting, too. 

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the spiciness; you can control how intense you want your melt to be by adding more or fewer peppers!

Plus, if you like a bit of crunch in your sandwich, you can get Pepper Jack Cheese with added diced jalapeños. Of course, this will increase the level of spiciness, so be ready! Either way, I’m sure you’ll find that Pepper Jack Cheese adds fantastic flavor to any tuna melt.

Gruyere Cheese

When it comes to finding the best cheese for your tuna melt, Gruyere is one to keep in mind. This cheese is mild and nutty with a bit of sweetness, making it great for pairing with tuna.

When melted, Gruyere has a beautiful texture that’s creamy and gooey and can hold up when combined with other ingredients like canned tuna. When I first tried a Gruyere tuna melt, it was life-changing, and I’m not overreacting. The incredible depth of flavor makes these tuna melts stand out from the rest.

One thing to note: Gruyere can be a bit pricier than many other kinds of cheese, but it’s worth it! Thanks to its complexity in flavor, a little goes a long way, so you don’t need to spend too much for your delicious tuna melt.

Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor. It’s great for adding a bit of luxury to your tuna melt. Since it has such a light flavor, the subtle nuances of the Brie won’t overpower the other ingredients.

When it comes to melting, Brie really shines. When it’s heated, it creates this irresistible, gooey consistency. Add some Brie slices to your tuna melt, and you won’t be disappointed! 

If you want an extra bit of richness, you can even opt for truffle brie for an extra special treat!

Feta Cheese

Coming in at number eight is feta cheese. It’s a mild, tangy cheese that is perfect for the salty, savory tuna melt. Feta cheese has a crumbly texture, making it ideal for pan-frying, and its slightly sour flavor will balance out the sweet and savory elements in your tuna melt.

To get the best results, I highly recommend choosing high-quality feta instead of pre-shredded or pre-packaged options, as they have a lot more liquid which might make your tuna melts soggy. 

Plus, the extra flavor you get from high-quality feta will really elevate your dish. And, lastly, it doesn’t hurt that feta is generally lower in fat than other cheeses, so you can feel a bit better about indulging! [2]

Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a nutty, buttery flavor and a slightly grainy texture. It melts perfectly and has an even, creamy texture that complements the tuna perfectly, and it also adds richness to the sandwich and makes it even more satisfying.

Also, once I discovered the smoked Gouda, I just knew it would go perfectly here. If you’re looking for something a bit more special, definitely go for the smoked variety! The smoky flavor enhances the tuna’s fishy taste, making for a truly delightful combination! 

With Gouda, you really can’t go wrong — it’s always delicious on a tuna melt!

Swiss Cheese

Last but not least, you need to try tuna melt with Swiss cheese. 

And I’m not talking about the plastic-wrapped kind you get at the grocery store. I’m talking about a nice, aged Swiss cut into thick slices. It melts beautifully and has a nutty, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with tuna.

Swiss cheese might be milder than other cheese diversities, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain plenty of flavor. In addition, this cheese usually has a mild taste, which is perfect for those who don’t like cheeses with too much-added flavor. 

Which cheese do you usually use for your tuna melts and why? I’m excited to read all about it in the comments below!