If you’re searching for a cozy, scrumptious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe. It takes your favorite tuna melt sandwich and transforms it into delightful patties packed with gooey cheese and seasoned to perfection. These patties offer the perfect balance of crunchy edges and tender insides, making every bite utterly satisfying and utterly addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch with friends, these patties hit the spot with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret behind these tasty patties. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding moisture, binding the mixture, or layering in flavor.
- Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each): Use well-drained tuna for a flaky, not soggy, base that keeps patties firm and delicious.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a natural binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Adds texture and helps absorb moisture, ensuring crispy edges.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Brings richness and a touch of creaminess, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, mild bite that brightens up the patties.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle tang that complements the tuna beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a warm, savory note throughout the mix.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the depth of flavor with a gentle onion essence.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that bring everything together wonderfully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Creates that irresistible molten layer melting atop each patty.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For cooking, giving you golden-brown, perfectly crispy patties with a rich finish.
How to Make Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Step 1: Drain and Flake Tuna
Start by draining your tuna very well to squeeze out any excess liquid—this is key to achieving crispy patties that won’t fall apart. Transfer the tuna to a large bowl and gently flake it apart using a fork. Taking time here gives your patties a great texture that is neither too mushy nor dry.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
To the flaked tuna, add the egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the patties tender and moist but still holding together. Adjust the texture by adding more breadcrumbs if it’s too wet, or a splash of water if it’s a bit dry.
Step 3: Form Patties
Using about half a cup from the mixture, shape four even, round patties around ¾ to 1 inch thick. Setting them on a plate before cooking is a good idea. If time permits, refrigerate these patties for 15-20 minutes. This step lets them firm up nicely, which helps prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.
Step 4: Cook Patties
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully lay your formed patties in the skillet without crowding, then cook them for roughly 4-5 minutes per side. Watch as the edges turn golden and crispy—this is where that delightful crunch comes from. Flip gently and cook the other side until equally crisp and the patties are heated through.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat to low and sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid immediately to trap the heat and melt the cheese perfectly. In just 1-2 minutes, you’ll have irresistibly gooey, bubbly cheese blankets atop your patties, elevating every bite.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your hot Tuna Melt Patties to a serving plate carefully. Serve them immediately for the best experience—whether that’s on toasted buns with your favorite fixings or simply presented solo alongside crisp salads or roasted veggies. The cheesy, crispy patties are delicious and versatile, ready to become a family favorite.
How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickles pair wonderfully with these patties. A dollop of tartar sauce or a drizzle of sriracha aioli adds a lovely tangy or spicy twist that complements the cheesy tuna beautifully.
Side Dishes
These patties shine alongside simple sides such as a green salad with vinaigrette, crispy oven-baked fries, or steamed veggies. For a heartier meal, pair with creamy coleslaw or buttered corn on the cob to balance textures and flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by building tuna melt sliders with mini buns for parties or stacking the patties atop leafy greens for a low-carb option. You can even crumble them over mixed greens for a warm and savory salad topping that’s as satisfying as it is unexpected.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the Tuna Melt Patties cool completely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This way, you’ve got a handy, tasty meal or snack ready to reheat whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked and cooled patties on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. This is perfect for prepping meals in advance or saving extra portions for busy days.
Reheating
For reheating, the skillet is your best friend. Warm a little butter over medium heat and cook patties for a few minutes on each side until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, warmed in a microwave, they remain tasty but won’t keep quite the original crisp.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
While fresh tuna can work, canned tuna is preferred for this recipe because it’s already cooked and flaky, making it much easier to mix and form into patties. If using fresh tuna, cook it first and ensure it flakes apart well before proceeding.
What type of cheese works best for the melt?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, offering great meltability and sharp flavor. Swiss cheese is also excellent for a milder, creamy finish. Feel free to experiment with your favorites like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different textures and tastes.
Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture crispy without gluten.
Is it possible to bake these patties instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Just be sure to flip them halfway through and finish with cheese melted under the broiler for a few minutes.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
The key is proper draining of the tuna and not overmixing the ingredients. Additionally, chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape better. Using the right amount of binders like egg and breadcrumbs is essential, so adjust as needed based on the mixture’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Tuna Melt Patties Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved comfort food classic, offering a hands-on meal full of cheesy goodness and crispy, flavorful bites. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something both satisfying and quick to prepare. I encourage you to try making these patties yourself—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy tuna!
Print
Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich, transformed into crispy, cheesy patties perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. With a golden crust and gooey melted cheddar cheese, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, easy to prepare on the stovetop in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Drain and Flake Tuna: Drain tuna very well, pressing out excess liquid. Transfer to a large bowl and flake with a fork. Proper draining is crucial for crispy patties.
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl with the flaked tuna, add the egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep patties tender. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of water.
- Form Patties: Take about ½ cup of the mixture and gently form it into 4 equally sized, round patties, approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Place the formed patties on a plate. If time allows, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up and prevent breaking during cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the formed patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden-brown and crispy. Carefully flip each patty and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until also golden-brown and heated through.
- Melt the Cheese: Once patties are cooked on both sides, reduce the heat to low. Evenly sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese on top of each patty. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s gloriously gooey and bubbling. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the hot, cheesy Tuna Melt Patties to a serving plate. Serve immediately, optionally on toasted hamburger buns or bread slices with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a dollop of tartar sauce or sriracha aioli, or enjoy as a standalone main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure tuna is well-drained to avoid soggy patties.
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold shape better.
- Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for best results.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Swiss or your preferred melting cheese.
- Serve with toasted buns and condiments for a classic tuna melt sandwich experience.
