Picture this: golden, crispy tuna patties with gooey melted cheese, bursting with flavor and ready to steal the spotlight at your next meal. These tuna melt patties are the perfect fusion of comfort food and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a protein-packed snack, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tuna melt patty recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Serve these patties on their own, over salad greens, or sandwiched between toasted bread for a classic tuna melt twist.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like canned tuna and cheese, this recipe is as affordable as it is delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these patties are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or mix-ins like diced peppers or herbs to make it uniquely yours.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, these patties strike the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these tuna melt patties—they’re made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s break it down:
- Canned Tuna: The star of the show—well-drained to avoid soggy patties.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Gouda works perfectly for that melty goodness.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the mixture.
- Onion: Chopped finely for a subtle crunch and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray or brush it lightly with oil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs. Add chopped onions, shredded cheese, well-drained canned tuna, and softened cream cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape Patties: Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture; this recipe makes about 9 patties.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the patties over (if they’re still too soft to flip, bake for a few more minutes). Bake for another 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as-is or on toasted bread with additional melted cheese for an irresistible tuna melt experience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9 patties
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties
These patties are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Classic Tuna Melt Sandwich: Place a patty between two slices of toasted bread with extra cheese and broil until melty.
- Over Greens: Serve on top of a fresh salad for a lighter option.
- With Dips: Pair with tartar sauce or garlic aioli for added flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Drain Tuna Well: Excess liquid can make the patties fall apart.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: It blends more easily into the mixture.
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Dill, parsley, or paprika can add an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! Cooked and flaked fresh tuna works just as well. - How do I prevent my patties from falling apart?
Make sure your tuna is well-drained and don’t skip the eggs—they act as a binder. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. - Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes! Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. - What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Gouda, or even mozzarella are great options. - Can I freeze these patties?
Yes! Freeze them after baking; reheat in an oven or skillet when ready to serve. - How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Ensure all ingredients used (like breadcrumbs if added) are gluten-free. - What can I serve alongside these patties?
Roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even sweet potato fries pair wonderfully. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Finely chopped bell peppers or grated zucchini can be mixed into the batter.
Conclusion
Tuna melt patties are more than just a meal—they’re an experience packed with flavor and comfort. With their cheesy goodness and crispy edges, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl and get started—trust me, you’re going to love this!
Print
Tuna Melt Patties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Tuna Melt Patties are a delightful twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich. The patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, loaded with savory tuna, herbs, and seasonings. Topped with melted cheese, they make a perfect quick lunch or light dinner served on a bun or over a salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (adjust for desired texture)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped red onion, celery, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper (and jalapeño if using). Mix until well combined.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a compact patty.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and heated through.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, covering the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- Serve: Serve the tuna melt patties hot. They can be enjoyed on a toasted bun with fresh greens and tomato slices or as a protein-packed topping over a salad.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat mayonnaise.
- Serve with a squeeze of extra lemon juice or tartar sauce on the side.
- These patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg