The Absolute Best Cheese To Use On A Tuna Melt

If you've ever been craving a satisfying sandwich, you might have found yourself browsing Owen Han's social media accounts. The self-taught chef, content creator, and author of the cookbook "Stacked" knows how to build the perfect sandwich. From selecting the right bread to stacking high-quality ingredients, Han is known as the King of Sandwiches for good reason. That's why The Takeout turned to Han for advice on making the ideal tuna melt.

In an exclusive interview, Han shared his perspective on the best cheese to ensure that a tuna melt has that perfectly melty texture. "I always use fontina or havarti," he told The Takeout, adding that they "melt beautifully[,] creating a gooey and creamy texture." No one wants a tuna melt with slabs of waxy, unmelted cheese, which is why these options are perfect. Whether you're making creamy, mayo-free avocado tuna salad or Martha Stewart's tuna salad recipe, the mellow flavor of these cheeses doesn't compete with the other ingredients. What about the worst cheese to use? Han urges tuna melt lovers to "avoid any cheese with strong or distinct flavors like feta or blue cheese that don't melt as well." 

As a (totally optional but very fun) finishing touch, Han has been known to use a blowtorch to make the cheese brown and bubbly on his own mouthwatering tuna melt. If you want to learn Han's best sandwich-making tips and techniques, he is hosting the Perfect Sandwich Demo & Dine Event at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami on February 23, 2025. 

Of course, there is more to a tuna melt than just the gooey cheese. Owen Han packs a flavorful punch into his tuna melt with a handful of unexpected ingredients. To add "a tangy, fresh boost," he suggests zingy Dijon mustard, fiery hot sauce, or bright, fresh herbs. Han also adds that pickled jalapeños, capers, or smoked paprika are great "for extra flavor." Umami-packed capers rescue bland tuna salad, while the paprika draws out smoky notes and adds a slightly peppery finish.

Han has another great piece of advice for a standout tuna melt: "A touch of honey or lemon zest can balance the richness with sweetness and brightness," he told The Takeout. Honey gives the sweetness in the mayo a subtle boost, while the citrus provides a delicate yet vibrant element to round out the tuna melt. No matter what you add to your tuna salad, don't forget to finish your melt with plenty of havarti or fontina cheese!

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is being held in Miami February 20-23. Learn more and buy tickets here.