Dinner

The Best Spicy Tuna Melt Recipe

Byreem everly October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

The spicy tuna melt is a delicious twist on a classic sandwich, combining creamy tuna with a kick of heat and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack that packs bold flavors in every bite.

A close-up shows a sandwich held by a woman's hand, cut in half to reveal two inner layers between three soft, light brown toasted bread slices. The bottom and top bread slices are golden and slightly crusty. Between the bread layers is a creamy filling mixed with small pieces of green herbs and tiny bits of red onion, and a thick, melted layer of white and light yellow cheese oozes smoothly across the filling. The sandwich background is a white marbled texture with a blurred lemon in the upper back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices toast bread
140 g canned tuna (drained)
1 small red onion (finely chopped)
2 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
2 small pickles (finely chopped)
Juice of ½ lemon
3 tbsp cheddar cheese, for the tuna mixture (grated)
3 tbsp cheddar cheese (to add on top of the sandwich) (grated)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Sriracha
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Chili flakes (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the tuna, red onion, chives, pickles, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the bread slices in the pan and toast only one side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Spread the tuna mixture evenly over the toasted side of two slices of bread. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese on top of the tuna mixture. Place the other two slices of bread on top, with the toasted side facing in, so the untoasted sides are on the outside.
Step 4: Return the sandwiches to the pan and toast the remaining sides until golden brown and crispy, pressing slightly with a spatula for even toasting.
Step 5: Remove the sandwiches from the pan, let them cool for a minute, then slice and enjoy your spicy tuna melt.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, try adding a slice of avocado inside the sandwich before toasting.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different spicy flavor.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Sriracha and chili flakes.
Serve with a side of pickles or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store any leftover spicy tuna melt wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to maintain the crispy bread and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

How to Serve

A close-up of a toasted sandwich resting on a wooden board with a white marbled texture background, showing two slices of golden-brown toasted bread with a crunchy texture on the top and sides. Inside, there is a creamy filling that is slightly oozing out along the bottom edge, with visible small bits of red and green, suggesting chopped vegetables mixed into a smooth cheesy or egg salad layer. The sandwich is square and thick, with the filling held tightly between the toasted bread slices, glowing warmly from the natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, but fresh tuna should be cooked and flaked before mixing. Canned tuna is convenient and works best for this recipe due to its texture and ease of preparation.