Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable)

Zesty tuna salad with spicy kick and melted cheese on toasted sourdough. A delicious, easy comfort sandwich ready in 20 minutes.

# What You’ll Use:

→ 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 chopped fresh parsley
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

# How-To:

01 - Combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. 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 the unbuttered side faces up. Divide spicy tuna salad evenly among them. Top each with shredded cheese and tomato slices.
04 - Place remaining bread slices on top with buttered side facing outward, creating sealed sandwiches.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns pantry staples into something that feels indulgent and exciting without any fancy ingredients.
  • The spicy kick wakes up your taste buds while the melted cheese keeps it cozy and familiar.
  • You can have it on the table in twenty minutes, making it perfect for rushed evenings or lazy weekends.
  • Every bite delivers crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy all at once.
02 -
  • Do not turn the heat too high or the bread will burn before the cheese melts, and you will end up with a sad, unmelted center.
  • Drain the tuna thoroughly and even press it gently with paper towels if it seems wet, because extra moisture will make your bread soggy.
  • Let the butter soften at room temperature instead of microwaving it, so it spreads evenly without tearing the bread.
03 -
  • Press the sandwiches gently with your spatula while they cook to help the cheese melt faster and create better contact with the skillet for even browning.
  • If you are making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Leftover tuna salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days, so you can prep it ahead and assemble sandwiches quickly whenever hunger strikes.
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