Tuna Melt Patties

These Tuna Melt Patties are crispy, pan-fried patties made from canned tuna, melted cheese, and savory seasonings—served stacked between toasted bread or on their own. They combine the comfort of a classic tuna melt with the convenience of individual patties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melty, savory goodness – gooey cheese inside a crisp patty
Quick and satisfying – pantry ingredients come together in under 30 minutes
Portable & versatile – serve as sliders, open-faced sandwiches, or a snack
Easy to customize – tweak spices, cheese, or add-ins to match your taste

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1–2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko (more if needed to bind)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for frying)
Bread slices or buns for serving (optional)

directions

In a large bowl, combine tuna, shredded cheese, chopped onion, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently.
Stir in breadcrumbs until mixture holds together; add more if too loose.
Divide into 6 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 2½ inches wide.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place patties in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
If desired, top each patty with an extra pinch of cheese during the last minute and allow it to melt.
Serve immediately—on buns or toasted bread, or as standalone patties with a dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 patties (serves 3–4)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: ~18 minutes

Variations

Melty upgrade: Place a slice of cheese on each patty after frying and broil briefly until bubbly
Herb & zest twist: Stir in chopped parsley, dill, or a little lemon zest for freshness
Spicy option: Add diced jalapeño or drop of hot sauce to the mix
Vegetarian swap: Use mashed chickpeas or drained white beans instead of tuna
Gluten-free version: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled patties in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low-medium heat until heated through, about 2–3 minutes per side
Freezer: Flash-freeze patties on a tray, then store in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; reheat in skillet or oven until hot

Tuna Melt Patties

FAQs

Can I use tuna in oil?

Yes—drain well to prevent excess greasiness in the patties.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Use enough binder (egg, mayo, breadcrumbs) and handle gently when flipping.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes—place patties on a greased sheet and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check labels if serving on bread.

Can they be made ahead?

Yes—assemble patties, refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking; or freeze uncooked patties and cook later, adding a few minutes to cook time.

What dipping sauces work best?

Tartar sauce, spicy mayo, chimichurri, or aioli make great accompaniments.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes—use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely, and skip mayo if needed.

Can I make mini sliders?

Yes—form smaller patties and serve on slider buns or mini toasts, reducing cook time by a minute.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes—cheesy, savory flavors appeal to many kids; reduce onion or omit hot ingredients if preferred.

What pairs well as sides?

Enjoy with green salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries for a full meal.

Conclusion

These Tuna Melt Patties offer the perfect balance of cheesy comfort and savory tuna flavor in a crispy, handheld format. Ready in under 20 minutes and easy to customize—these patties make a delicious lunch, quick dinner, or tasty snack.