Description
These Tuna Melt Patties are crispy, pan-fried patties made with canned tuna, melty cheese, and savory seasonings. Perfect on their own or between slices of bread, they bring the nostalgic comfort of a tuna melt in a handheld form.
Ingredients
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 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko (more if needed)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)
Bread slices or buns for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix tuna, shredded cheese, onion, mayonnaise, egg, mustard (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Stir in breadcrumbs until mixture holds together. Add more if needed.
- Divide mixture into 6 portions and form into patties (~2½ inches wide).
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Optional: Top with extra cheese in final minute of cooking and cover to melt.
- Serve warm on buns, bread, or as standalone patties with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Drain tuna well to avoid soggy patties.
Customize with herbs like dill, parsley, or lemon zest for brightness.
Make mini patties for sliders or appetizers—reduce cooking time slightly.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option.
Reheat gently in skillet or oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main or Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
