Get ready to fall in love with Tuna Melt Patties—a dish that brings together the best parts of a classic tuna melt and a savory fish cake. These golden, cheesy patties are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from tangy Dijon, fresh green onions, and melty cheddar. Whether you serve them on a bun, over greens, or as a snack straight from the skillet, Tuna Melt Patties are a surefire way to please everyone at your table and make weeknight dinners feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tuna Melt Patties prove that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something truly crave-worthy. Each component here is simple, pantry-friendly, and essential—working together to deliver that signature taste, perfect texture, and irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Tuna (2 5-ounce cans, drained): The star of the show, bringing protein and that classic tuna flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Binds the patties and gives them a satisfying bite with a bit of crunch.
- Egg (1 large): Helps everything stick together and adds richness.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and moisture; Greek yogurt works for a lighter twist.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings tang and a touch of sharpness to brighten the flavors.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Gives subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Balances the richness and adds a gentle kick.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Melts beautifully inside each patty for that gooey, melty center.
- Green Onions (2, thinly sliced): Add color, freshness, and a mild onion bite.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, for frying): Ensures a crisp, golden crust and helps keep the patties from sticking.
How to Make Tuna Melt Patties
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl, then add the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together thoroughly until you have a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture. Don’t overmix—just enough so everything is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape into Patties
Scoop out the mixture and gently form it into six equal-sized patties. Press them together firmly but carefully; you want them to hold their shape without being too compact. If the mixture is a bit sticky, wet your hands lightly with water to make shaping easier.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Give it a minute or two to heat up—when a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles, you’re ready to go. This step is key to achieving that golden, crispy crust for your Tuna Melt Patties.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Carefully lay the patties in the hot skillet, leaving a little space between each one. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, then flip gently using a spatula. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and the patties are cooked through. Resist the urge to flip too early—they’ll hold together best if you let them form a solid crust first.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer the cooked Tuna Melt Patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them while they’re still warm and the cheese is perfectly melty inside. Now comes the fun part—deciding how you want to enjoy them!
How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way! Sprinkle extra sliced green onions or fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of tartar sauce, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt makes these patties feel extra special and adds another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Tuna Melt Patties are wonderfully versatile and pair well with just about anything. Try them with a crisp side salad, a pile of tangy coleslaw, or a classic batch of sweet potato fries. For a heartier meal, nestle them onto a toasted bun or English muffin with lettuce and tomato.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Serve Tuna Melt Patties in lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option or cut them into quarters as a protein-packed appetizer for parties. You can also stack them on slider buns for irresistible mini sandwiches or use them as a savory topping for a grain bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Tuna Melt Patties, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, place uncooked Tuna Melt Patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together and you can pull out just what you need. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and cook up beautifully straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the patties may lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked fresh tuna, just flake it and use it in place of canned. The flavor will be even more pronounced and special.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack. Each brings its own unique flavor and gooey factor to your Tuna Melt Patties.
Are Tuna Melt Patties gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your Dijon mustard and mayo are certified gluten-free.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake Tuna Melt Patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’re still delicious and lighter.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Be sure to drain the tuna well and mix the ingredients thoroughly so the egg and breadcrumbs can do their job as binders. Letting the patties chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, give Tuna Melt Patties a try. They’re a little nostalgic, a lot delicious, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Whip up a batch soon—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy tuna!
Print
Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Tuna Melt Patties are a quick and easy main course combining canned tuna with savory seasonings and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly pan-fried to golden brown, they can be served as sandwiches, on salads, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter meal. A versatile, protein-rich dish ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the tuna mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, pressing gently to ensure they hold together well during cooking.
- Heat Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and serve warm. They pair well with a side salad, on sandwich buns for a tuna melt style sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat patties in additional breadcrumbs before frying.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce fat and add a tangy flavor.
- These patties freeze well: freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
