Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Tuna Melt Patties are easy to make and pack a punch of flavor. The combination of tender tuna, crunchy breadcrumbs, and fresh veggies makes for a tasty patty that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. They’re incredibly versatile and can be served as a meal or appetizer, and the addition of cheese in the center makes each bite extra satisfying. The tangy dipping sauces, like tartar sauce or sriracha mayo, take them to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter, for frying)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
- Tartar sauce or sriracha mayo (optional, for dipping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the tuna mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a flat patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each patty, fold the edges over the cheese, and reshape into a patty, sealing the cheese inside.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil (or butter) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Place the cooked patties on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 patties. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 10-12 minutes, with a total time of around 25 minutes.
Variations
- Try different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different melts and flavors.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy twist.
- For a lighter version, bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the patties in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that melts well.
How can I make these patties gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I know when the patties are done?
The patties should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese inside should be melted.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier version.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tuna can be used, but make sure to cook it first and then flake it before mixing.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and ensure the patties are well-formed before cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to the patties?
Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
What should I serve with these patties?
These patties pair well with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Tuna Melt Patties are a fun and creative take on the classic tuna melt, providing a crispy, cheesy bite that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, these patties are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the option to customize the ingredients to your liking, they are sure to be a hit in your kitchen!
Tuna Melt Patties
Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious twist on the classic tuna melt, offering crispy, golden patties filled with gooey melted cheese. These savory patties are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as appetizers, and they pair beautifully with tangy tartar sauce or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. The combination of tender tuna, crunchy breadcrumbs, and fresh veggies makes each bite satisfying and flavorful. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, these patties are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking (Optional)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter, for frying)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
- Tartar sauce or sriracha mayo (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the tuna mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a flat patty, about 1/2-inch thick. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each patty, fold the edges over the cheese, and reshape into a patty, sealing the cheese inside.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil (or butter) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Place the cooked patties on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy twist.
- For a lighter version, bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Customize the patties by adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
