Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printer Version)

Golden sourdough sandwich with spicy tuna salad, melted cheddar, and fresh toppings. A quick and satisfying comfort classic.

# 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, optional
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 or pepper jack cheese
12 - 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
02 - Lay out sourdough bread slices and spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
03 - Place 4 bread slices with unbuttered side facing up. Divide spicy tuna salad evenly among them. Top each with shredded cheese and tomato slices if desired.
04 - Cover each sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered side 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 diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes pantry staples and transforms them into something that tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The spicy kick from the sriracha cuts through the richness of the cheese and makes every bite interesting.
  • You can have this on the table in twenty minutes, which means no excuses on busy nights.
  • The crispy buttered sourdough gives you that satisfying crunch that makes any sandwich feel like an event.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese melts, so keep it at medium and be patient.
  • Pressing the sandwiches gently with your spatula helps the cheese melt faster and gives you better contact with the pan for even browning.
  • Drain the tuna really well or the salad will be watery and make your bread soggy no matter how carefully you toast it.
03 -
  • Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan if you have one, because the weight helps press the sandwich and creates better contact for even browning.
  • Let the butter come to room temperature before spreading it, because cold butter tears the bread and leaves you with uneven coverage.
  • If you want extra spice, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the butter before spreading it on the bread for a subtle heat that hits you on every bite.
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