Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable)

Zesty tuna salad with spicy kick and gooey melted cheese on toasted sourdough bread. Ready in 20 minutes.

# What 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
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 Steps:

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 - Place 4 bread slices unbuttered side up. Divide spicy tuna salad evenly among them. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese and tomato slices.
04 - Cover each sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle 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 melted.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms pantry staples into something surprisingly exciting with just a few bold additions.
  • The contrast between creamy, spicy tuna and crispy, buttery bread is ridiculously satisfying.
  • You can dial the heat up or down without losing any of the comforting, melty goodness.
02 -
  • Drain the tuna really well, or the salad will be soupy and soak into the bread before it even hits the pan.
  • Don't rush the cooking, medium heat gives you time to melt the cheese without burning the bread.
  • Taste the tuna salad before assembling, it's easy to adjust the heat or seasoning when it's still in the bowl.
03 -
  • Press the sandwiches gently with your spatula while they cook, it helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact with the pan.
  • If your skillet isn't big enough for all four sandwiches, work in batches and keep the finished ones warm in a low oven.
  • Let the butter come to room temperature before spreading, it goes on smoother and won't tear the bread.
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