Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable)

Zesty spicy tuna salad with melted cheese on toasted sourdough. A classic comfort sandwich ready in just 20 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Spicy Tuna Salad

01 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
02 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
03 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
06 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

09 - 8 slices sourdough bread
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced

# Directions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
02 - Lay out sourdough bread slices and butter one side of each slice evenly.
03 - Flip 4 bread slices so unbuttered side faces up. Divide spicy tuna salad evenly among them. Top each with shredded cheese and tomato slices.
04 - Cover toppings with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces outward on all sandwiches.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need real food fast.
  • The creamy, spicy tuna paired with gooey melted cheese creates a flavor combination that feels indulgent without any fuss.
  • You can adjust the heat level easily, so it works whether you're cooking for someone who loves fire or prefers just a hint of warmth.
  • It uses pantry staples you probably already have, so no special grocery run required.
02 -
  • Don't crank the heat too high or the bread will burn before the cheese melts, medium heat gives you time to get that perfect golden crust.
  • Drain the tuna really well by pressing it with a fork in the strainer, excess water will make your filling watery and your bread soggy.
  • Soften the butter before you spread it so you don't tear the bread, cold butter rips holes and makes grilling uneven.
03 -
  • Press down gently on the sandwiches with your spatula while they cook to help the cheese melt faster and create better contact with the pan for an even crust.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the tuna salad for a bright pop that makes the flavors sing.
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