If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Tuna Melt Patties Recipe is one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. There’s something truly comforting about crispy patties filled with melty cheese and savory tuna. Plus, they can be served in so many ways—on toasted bread, as a sandwich, or even alongside a fresh salad.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up with simple pantry staples. No fancy ingredients here! Whether you’re feeding the kids after school or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, these tuna melt patties are sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking time, dinner is ready before you know it!
Family-Friendly Flavor: The cheesy goodness and crispy texture make these patties irresistible for both kids and adults.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own, in a sandwich, or with a fresh salad—your choice!
Great for Meal Prep: These patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for an easy lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for these Tuna Melt Patties are simple and wholesome. Most of them are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you need:

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 egg
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)
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add Veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Change the Cheese: Switch out cheddar for feta or pepper jack to give your patties a different twist.
Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the mix if you like a little heat.
Try Different Binders: Instead of breadcrumbs, consider using crushed crackers or cooked quinoa for a unique texture.

How to Make Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This step is crucial because it creates the flavorful base that holds our patties together!

Step 2: Add Cheese & Shape Patties

Next, stir in the shredded cheese and chopped green onions until evenly distributed. Then form the mixture into 4-5 patties. Shaping them evenly helps ensure they cook at the same rate and become perfectly crispy all around.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Cooking them at medium heat allows the insides to warm through while achieving that delightful crispy exterior we all love.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your delicious tuna melt patties on toasted bread, English muffins, or alongside a fresh salad. For an extra cheesy finish, feel free to top them with more cheese and place under the broiler for just a minute until bubbly! Enjoy every bite of this tasty dish that brings comfort to any table.

Pro Tips for Making Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Creating the perfect tuna melt patties is all about the little details, and I’m here to share some valuable tips to help you achieve delicious results every time!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green onions and quality canned tuna can significantly enhance the flavor of your patties. Fresh ingredients bring a vibrant taste that frozen or older products might lack.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough instead of tender and flaky.
Chill Before Cooking: If you have time, refrigerating the formed patties for about 15 minutes before cooking helps them hold together better during frying. Chilling firms them up, making flipping easier without falling apart.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your preferences. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can give your patties a delightful kick!
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, try using different types like pepper jack for some spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor. This allows you to customize the taste profile to suit your liking.

How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Serving your tuna melt patties can be just as fun as making them! Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this versatile dish.

Garnishes

Sliced Avocado: A few slices of creamy avocado add richness and a fresh twist that contrasts beautifully with crispy patties.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the patties enhances their flavors and adds a zesty touch.

Side Dishes

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the patties while keeping things refreshing.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory tuna patties. Plus, they make for a fun finger food!
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and offers a cool balance to the warm patties. Its creaminess pairs well with each bite.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil is an excellent way to add some greens to your plate while keeping it simple and healthy.

Now that you know how to elevate your Tuna Melt Patties, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy this quick meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Tuna Melt Patties are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for quick meals during the week. They hold up well in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient choice for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the patties to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Arrange the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat from the fridge: warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through.
To reheat from frozen: cook in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through (this may take longer).
For extra crispiness, you can also pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Tuna Melt Patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Tuna Melt Patties can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them an excellent option for meal prep.

What can I serve with Tuna Melt Patties?

These patties pair wonderfully with toasted bread, salads, or even on their own as a snack. Feel free to get creative!

How do I make Tuna Melt Patties Recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can I use other types of cheese in this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Tuna Melt Patties as much as I do! They are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or enjoying them as leftovers, they are sure to delight your taste buds. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!