Tuna melts are a classic comfort food that is loved by many. These quick and easy sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
But when it comes to what to serve with tuna melts, many of us are scratching our heads, wondering how to make a complete meal out of this simple dish.
If you’re searching for some delicious ideas for what to serve with tuna melts, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore some creative and easy side dishes that pair ideally with tuna melts.
Whether you’re looking to elevate the dish for a special occasion or just want to switch it up for a weeknight meal, the possibilities are endless.
Here are the top 15 dishes that will elevate your tuna melt-eating experience to the next level!
What is tuna melting? What does tuna melts taste like?
Tuna melts are a classic sandwich made with tuna and cheese, usually on toasted bread. The combination of melted cheese and flaky tuna gives the dish an unmistakable flavor.
The tuna is typically canned, but fresh tuna can also be used in this recipe. Common seasonings like onion powder, dill, garlic powder and mayonnaise can be added to the mixture before it’s assembled onto the bread.
When cooked up properly in a skillet or oven, the outside of the sandwich will have a crunchy consistency while the inside will remain tender and cheesy. It’s a tasty lunchtime favorite that’s sure to satisfy any appetite!
Best Sides to serve with tuna melts
1. Potato Salad
Potato Salad is a perfect classic side dish and is a great option to pair with tuna melts. The creaminess and tang of the potato salad perfectly complement the rich and savory flavor of the tuna melt.
You can make a basic version with boiled potatoes, eggs, and mayo, or get creative with added ingredients like bacon, herbs, or even mustard.
2. Fruit Salad
Brighten up your tuna melt meal with a refreshing fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruits like pineapple, mango, and melon contrasts perfectly with the salty and savory flavors in the tuna melt.
Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some healthy and colorful options into your meal.
3. Soup
A cup of soup is always a great choice to serve alongside a tuna melt. Tomato soup or French onion soup are classic combos, but you can also try something more unexpected, like roasted cauliflower soup or even a spicy corn chowder.
You can opt for a canned soup, but we highly recommend making your own from scratch. It’s super easy and doesn’t require many ingredients.
4. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option that can be prepared easily and quickly.
Zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper are all excellent choices that can be seasoned with herbs and spices and grilled to perfection. Their smoky flavor and crispy texture make a great contrast to the soft and creamy tuna melt.
5. Garlic Bread
For a carb-heavy option that’s guaranteed to satisfy, garlic bread is the perfect choice.
The strong garlic flavor and crunchy texture pair well with the rich and cheesy tuna melt. You can make it with store-bought bread or go the extra mile and make your own from scratch.
Discover More: Delicious Recipes to Serve with French Bread
6. Fresh Salad
A fresh salad is another easy and healthy side dish that goes well with tuna melts. You can either make a classic Caesar salad, or you can go for a simple side like a Caprese salad.
The fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar will add a burst of flavor that will elevate your tuna melt to a whole new dimension.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re looking for something crunchy and sweet, sweet potato fries are excellent to serve with tuna melts. They’re a healthier alternative to regular fries and are equally tasty. (Recipe)
You can either bake them in the oven or air fry them to get the perfect crispiness. They pair well with almost everything, and your tuna melts will be no exception.
8. Classic Chips
You can never go wrong with classic chips. They’re easy to grab and are a nostalgic favorite for many. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a movie night snack.
We recommend going for salt and vinegar or jalapeno-flavored chips to add some zing to your tuna melt.
9. Coleslaw
The sweet and sour coleslaw can add an interesting texture and a touch of crunch to your tuna melt’s soft and mushy texture.
10. Pickles
The sour and tangy pickles can be a great palate cleanser and a refreshing snack to accompany your tuna melt.
11. Baked beans
The sweet and smoky baked beans can be a great complement to the rich and creamy tuna melt.
12. Creamed spinach
The earthy and creamy flavor of creamed spinach can be a fantastic dip for your tuna melt, adding an interesting dimension to the taste.
13. Corn on the cob
The juicy and sweet corn on the cob can add a touch of summer to your tuna melt, making it a perfect seasonal pairing.
Explore More: Best Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob
14. Macaroni and cheese
The cheesy and creamy mac and cheese can complement the tuna melt’s creamy and cheesy texture, taking it to the next level.
15. Grilled Chicken
The smoky and savory grilled chicken can add a much-needed dose of protein to your tuna melt meal and make it a completely balanced meal.
What kind of soup goes with tuna melts?
Tuna melts are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by all. For an added boost of flavor and texture, what better accompaniment than a hearty bowl of soup?
Here are five soups that pair perfectly with tuna melts for a complete meal:
1. Creamy Tomato Soup
Creamy Tomato Soup is a classic soup that is the perfect pairing for a savory tuna melt sandwich.
The richness of the cream, along with the sweetness of the tomatoes, make this soup an ideal partner to your meal.
Discover More: Delicious Pairings for Tomato Soup
2. Clam Chowder
A classic seafood chowder is a great way to liven up your tuna melt experience.
The salty brininess of clams is enough to add excitement, but when paired with chunks of potato and creamy broth, it’s like having two meals in one!
3. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Another creamy option that goes great with tuna melts, this veggie-packed soup is sure to please any palate!
The sharpness of cheddar cheese contrasts nicely with the subtle taste of broccoli, making it a winning combination for any diner.
4. French Onion Soup
Nothing says comfort food is better than French onion soup! Laden with melted cheese on top and flavorful onions throughout, this soup adds an extra layer of indulgence to your meal that you won’t want to miss out on.
Learn More: What to Serve With French Onion Soup
5. Minestrone Soup
A versatile vegetable-based broth filled with all sorts of tasty ingredients, including beans and pasta, minestrone soup is a healthy choice packed full of flavor that pairs perfectly with your tuna melt sandwich!
What are the best flavors to go with tuna melts?
Tuna melts are a classic sandwich that can be enjoyed with a variety of flavors. For a traditional twist, adding melted cheese to the mix makes for an indulgent and comforting treat.
For a more adventurous take on the dish, incorporating herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients can create a unique and tasty combination. Using tangy condiments like pickles, mustard, and hot sauce gives it an extra kick of flavor.
You can also add crunchy vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and lettuce to give it some texture.
Additionally, combining creamy spreads like mayonnaise or avocado with tuna provides depth while adding richness to the overall flavor profile.
Lastly, adding fresh citrus fruits like lemon or lime juice adds brightness and pairs beautifully with the savory characteristics of tuna melts. With so many options available for creating delicious tun melts you’ll never get bored of this classic sandwich!
Find Out More: Wine and Tuna Tartare Pairings
How do you jazz up tuna melts?
To jazz up tuna melts, you can try adding some extra ingredients like pickles, capers, herbs such as parsley or dill, chopped celery or onions.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or provolone.
You could even add a bit of spicy mayonnaise for a kick! Additionally, make sure to toast the bread for an extra crunchy experience. Enjoy!
How do you display tuna melts on a platter?
To display tuna melts on a platter, arrange them in a circular formation. Start by placing one tuna melt in the middle of the platter. Then, place two more on either side of the centerpiece, about an inch apart from each other and the centerpiece.
For a larger platter, continue to add two more tuna melts to each side until your desired arrangement is created.
Finally, garnish the platter with fresh parsley or herbs for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
After arranging all of the melts, serve them warm with accompaniments such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges or extra melted cheese for an added flavor experience.
Wrap Up on What to serve with tuna melts
There are countless options when it comes to pairing side dishes with tuna melts. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy or indulgent and comforting, there’s a choice for everyone.
By experimenting with different flavors, textures, and ingredients, you can create the perfect complement to your classic tuna melt dish.
So next time you’re in the mood for a comfort meal, try out one of these creative and delicious side dishes to take your tuna melt to the next level.
FAQs
How many tuna melts per person?
With the average tuna melt sandwich containing around 5 ounces of protein, it’s suggested that each person should have at least two tuna melts per meal in order to meet their daily recommended protein intake.
This means that if you’re serving a party of four, 8 tuna melts should be enough to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Additionally, if you make the sandwiches slightly smaller than average, you can get away with making 10-12 sandwiches for four people.
What is the good side of tuna melt?
A tuna melt is a delicious and classic sandwich that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A great side dish to go along with it would be a fresh salad topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives.
For some extra flavor and texture, croutons or nuts can also be added. For an even heartier meal, roasted potatoes or French fries are perfect choices.
To add some extra nutrition and crunch to the plate, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans would be great complements.
For a bit of sweetness to balance out the salty and savory flavors of the tuna melt, fruit is always a great option – try apple slices or berries for an extra burst of color and flavor!
What meat goes with tuna melt?
A tuna melt is a classic sandwich that pairs the savory taste of canned tuna with melted cheese and mayonnaise between two slices of toasted bread. It’s an easy sandwich to make and can be served open-faced or closed.
To enhance the flavor and texture of a tuna melt, consider pairing it with different types of meat.
Try adding crispy bacon, thinly sliced ham, or smoky tempeh for a protein-packed meal that offers more complex flavors.
For even more flavor diversity, top your sandwich with pickled jalapeños, olives, or capers.
What cheese goes with tuna melt sandwiches?
Cheese is a classic topping for tuna melt sandwiches, adding a creamy richness that perfectly complements the savory flavor of the tuna.
A typical cheese of choice for tuna melts is cheddar, but there are plenty of other options as well, such as Swiss, Provolone, or Monterey Jack. Adding not only flavor but texture and melty goodness, cheese can take a humble tuna melt and turn it into an amazing comfort food experience.
Not to mention, adding cheese to your sandwich will also increase your calcium intake!