Name: Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained; 1 large egg; ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; ¼ cup finely chopped celery; ¼ cup finely chopped red onion; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)

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There’s something irresistibly classic about Tuna Melt Patties— that retro blend of hearty tuna, zingy Dijon, creamy mayo, melty cheddar, and just enough crunch from celery and onion. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting weekend lunch, or a protein-packed snack, these patties check all the boxes for flavor and ease. Every bite is golden, crispy outside and gooey-cheesy inside, making Tuna Melt Patties a beloved recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a few pantry staples and fresh touches come together to create something so delicious! Each ingredient has a key role—don’t skip a single one if you can help it, as together they make Tuna Melt Patties truly sing in every bite.

Tuna: Opt for good-quality canned tuna in water for the freshest flavor and lightest texture.
Egg: Acts as the essential binder, keeping your patties from falling apart during cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs soak up moisture and help create that perfect, tender bite.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture so the patties never feel dry.
Dijon Mustard: Brings zip and subtle tang, elevating the classic flavor combo.
Celery: Lends satifying crunch and refreshing notes to balance the richness.
Red Onion: Provides a pop of color and a mild, sweet bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Shreds of cheddar melt beautifully, creating that oozy signature “melt.”
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of citrus brightens the patties and lifts all the flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Season simply to taste—sometimes less is more when ingredients shine.
Olive Oil or Butter: For skillet cooking, giving you a golden, crisp exterior every time.

How to Make Tuna Melt Patties

Step 1: Mix the Patty Ingredients

Begin by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—this dish comes together in just one! Add the well-drained tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, cheddar cheese, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a fork or clean hands to gently mix everything until the patties hold together but aren’t overworked. The mixture will look a little sticky, and that’s perfect!

Step 2: Shape the Patties

With clean hands, gently form the tuna mixture into six even patties. If you like a thicker patty, make them a little taller, or press gently for thinner, crispier edges. Line them up on a plate while you heat your skillet—this makes the whole process feel calm and organized.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden and Melty

Heat olive oil or butter in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the fat shimmers, carefully place the patties in the pan. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. You’ll see the cheddar begin to melt and the patties firm up. Resist the urge to flip them early—let that crust develop so they’re easy to turn and beautifully colored.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once both sides are golden and you spy cheesy edges, transfer the Tuna Melt Patties to a plate. Allow them to rest for a minute so the cheese settles and everything holds together. This quick rest also lets the flavors meld, making every bite just a little bit better!

How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties

Garnishes

Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the patties for a burst of green freshness. A squirt of extra lemon or even a light swipe of spicy mayo will bring that restaurant-style finish. For a little crunch, try a handful of pickled jalapeños or crispy fried onions on top—so much fun!

Side Dishes

Tuna Melt Patties make a winning plate alongside a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even classic French fries if you’re feeling indulgent. For something lighter, serve with a chilled cucumber and tomato salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette—bright, cool, and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just stick to the basics! Pile your patties onto toasted sandwich buns with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of Swiss or more cheddar for the ultimate Tuna Melt burger. Try them in a wrap with shredded cabbage and a dollop of Greek yogurt, or set atop avocado toast for a fun brunch twist. If you’re hosting, cut the patties into quarters and serve as sliders—people go wild for mini versions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with a few extra patties (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature and place in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The flavor holds up beautifully, and the texture remains tender even after chilling.

Freezing

Tuna Melt Patties are freezer-friendly! Lay cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag with parchment paper separating each one. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover patties in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until just hot and crispy. You can also use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 7–10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you may lose a bit of crispiness—so the skillet is king!

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked, flaked tuna, it works great in this recipe. Just be sure the fish is well-chilled and not too wet—otherwise, the patties might not hold together as nicely.

Are Tuna Melt Patties gluten free?

If you swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version, Tuna Melt Patties can fit a gluten-free diet perfectly. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten free—just check your Dijon mustard and mayo labels to be sure.

What’s the best way to prevent patties from falling apart?

Make sure to drain the tuna well and measure your breadcrumbs carefully. The egg and mayo bind everything, so don’t skip either. Gently forming the patties, and not flipping prematurely, also keeps them intact and gorgeous.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist or brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through. They’ll be lightly crisp with less hands-on cooking time—a total win!

Do kids like Tuna Melt Patties?

Most kids love these patties, especially with all that melty cheese and gentle flavors. If you need them extra-mild, use sweet onion instead of red onion and swap Dijon for yellow mustard. Cut into strips or sliders for little hands.

Final Thoughts

It never fails—every time I make Tuna Melt Patties, I wonder why I don’t do it more often! These patties are pure comfort, packed with satisfying flavor, and shockingly quick to whip up. Whether you serve them classic-style or add your own twist, give this recipe a try and enjoy just how fun and flexible Tuna Melt Patties can be!

Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 patties 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with flavorful ingredients like tuna, cheddar cheese, and a hint of lemon, these patties are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form Patties: Form the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties.
Cook Patties: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a minute before serving.