Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable Version)

Zesty tuna salad and melted cheddar atop toasted sourdough, delivering bold flavors in every bite.

# The Ingredients You'll 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 chopped fresh parsley (optional)
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sandwich

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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
02 - Arrange sourdough bread slices on a flat surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
03 - Flip half of the slices with the unbuttered side up. Distribute spicy tuna salad evenly over these slices, then layer shredded cheese and tomato slices if using.
04 - Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately while warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in 20 minutes but tastes like you spent way more effort in the kitchen.
  • The heat builds slowly, letting you taste each layer instead of just feeling your mouth burn.
  • You can make the tuna salad ahead and toast the sandwiches whenever hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Wet tuna is the #1 reason sandwiches get soggy—really drain it, even squeeze it in paper towels if you're serious.
  • Butter the outside of the bread, not the inside; this prevents the filling from sliding around and gives you that perfect golden crust.
03 -
  • Toast your bread lightly first before buttering and building, and the sandwich gets crispier without getting soggy from the filling.
  • A cast iron skillet holds heat better than nonstick and gives you a more even golden brown every time.
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