Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these tuna melt patties! They’re like little bites of heaven, packed with flavor and so easy to whip up. Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick meal that satisfies, this is it! Just combine some tuna, cheese, and a few seasonings, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends, these patties are sure to impress without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your home cooking rotation!

Ingredients for Tuna Melt Patties

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious tuna melt patties. I promise, it’s a simple list! Just gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to flavor town!

2 cans of tuna, drained – Make sure to get solid white or chunk light tuna for the best texture.
1 cup breadcrumbs – This will help bind the patties and give them that perfect crunch.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick of flavor!
1/4 cup mayonnaise – This adds creaminess and keeps the patties moist.
1/4 cup chopped onion – Fresh onion brings a nice crunch and flavor; feel free to use green onions for a milder taste!
1 egg – This helps hold everything together.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that aromatic goodness!
1 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this; it really enhances the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little zest never hurt anyone!
2 tablespoons olive oil – For frying; it adds a nice richness to the outside of the patties.

How to Prepare Tuna Melt Patties

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these tuna melt patties is super straightforward, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until well combined. I like to use my hands for this—just get in there and squish it all together! It’s messy, but it’s so much fun!
Once everything’s combined, form the mixture into patties. Aim for about the size of your palm; this way, they’ll cook evenly.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—just enough to give those patties a beautiful golden brown color.
Carefully add the patties to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they’re golden brown and have a nice crust.
Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Serve them warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!

And there you have it! Simple, right? Just keep an eye on the cooking time, and you’ll be golden. Trust me, these tuna melt patties will disappear fast, so be ready to share—or not!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes!
Full of flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of tuna and cheddar.
Healthy and low-fat, making it a guilt-free meal option.
Versatile—great on their own, in a sandwich, or served with a side salad.
Kid-friendly and perfect for introducing new flavors to picky eaters.

Tips for Success

To ensure your tuna melt patties turn out perfectly, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste—feel free to add a splash of hot sauce or some fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost! When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add the patties, but not smoking. This helps get that delicious golden crust while keeping the insides tender and moist. And remember, let them rest on paper towels after cooking to soak up any excess oil!

Variations of Tuna Melt Patties

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these tuna melt patties! For a cheesy twist, try swapping out the cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a melty surprise. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added veggies—trust me, it’s delicious! Want a flavor kick? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. And if you love herbs, fresh dill or parsley can elevate the flavor even more. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Serving Suggestions

These tuna melt patties are fantastic on their own, but they really shine when paired with the right sides! I love serving them with a crisp, refreshing side salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette—it balances the richness of the patties perfectly. You could also tuck them into a soft sandwich bun with some fresh lettuce and tomato for a delightful meal. And don’t forget a side of tartar sauce or a zesty aioli for dipping; it adds a nice touch that takes everything to the next level!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which I doubt will happen, but just in case!), store your tuna melt patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a soggy patty! Enjoy them again just like the first time!

Nutritional Information

When you’re whipping up these delicious tuna melt patties, it’s always good to know what you’re putting in your body! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per patty:

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 300mg

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you choose, but they give you a great starting point. Enjoy your cooking, and feel good about these tasty patties!

FAQ About Tuna Melt Patties

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh tuna, you can sear it and then flake it into the mixture. Just make sure it’s cooked through, as the patties need the fish to be safe to eat. Fresh tuna will give a lovely flavor and texture!

What can I serve with tuna melt patties?
These patties are super versatile! You can serve them alongside a fresh garden salad, tucked into a sandwich, or even with some crispy oven fries. A dollop of tartar sauce or a zesty aioli on the side also complements them beautifully!

How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Great question! To ensure your tuna melt patties hold together, make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and let them rest for a few minutes before frying. If they seem too loose, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind them.

Can I make these patties ahead of time?
You sure can! If you want to prep ahead, you can form the patties and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out!

What’s the best way to reheat leftover patties?
The best way to reheat tuna melt patties is in a skillet over medium heat. This way, they’ll get crispy again on the outside while warming through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be cautious to avoid sogginess!

Tuna Melt Patties: 5 Flavors That Will Blow Your Mind

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Tuna melt patties are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tuna, cheese, and seasonings into flavorful patties.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans of tuna, drained
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Form the mixture into patties.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Remove from skillet and let drain on paper towels.
Serve warm.

Notes

Adjust seasonings to your taste.
Serve with a side salad or in a sandwich.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: tuna melt patties, tuna patties, easy tuna recipe