Delicious tuna melt patties served with fresh ingredients

Here is a simple, fast tuna patty recipe you can make any day.

introduction

These tuna melt patties are quick and tasty. They use canned tuna, cheese, and a few pantry items. The patties cook in a skillet and get crispy on the outside. If you like very simple recipes, you might also enjoy the 3-ingredient banana recipe as another easy option.

why make this recipe

  • You save time. Canned tuna and a few staples make a full meal fast.
  • You get a warm, cheesy sandwich feel without long prep.
  • You can serve them many ways: on bread, English muffins, or with a salad.

how to make Tuna Melt Patties

  • Mix the tuna and seasonings well so the patties hold together.
  • Add cheese and green onions for flavor and texture.
  • Shape into 4–5 patties.
  • Cook in butter over medium heat until golden and crispy on each side.
  • For extra melt, top with more cheese and broil briefly.

Ingredients :

  • 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)

Directions :

  1. Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Add Cheese & Shape Patties: Stir in shredded cheese and green onions. Form the mixture into 4-5 patties.
  3. Cook the Patties: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Serve & Enjoy: Serve on toasted bread, English muffins, or alongside a fresh salad. For an extra cheesy finish, top with cheese and place under the broiler for a minute.

how to serve Tuna Melt Patties

  • Place patties on toasted bread or an English muffin for a sandwich.
  • Add lettuce, tomato, or pickles for crunch.
  • Serve with a side salad, chips, or roasted veggies.
  • For a low-carb meal, serve over greens or in large lettuce leaves.

how to store Tuna Melt Patties

  • Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven until hot.

tips to make Tuna Melt Patties

  • If the mix seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a teaspoon of mayo.
  • Press patties lightly so they hold their shape while cooking.
  • Use a nonstick skillet or a little extra butter to prevent sticking.
  • For a different bread option try warm biscuits with your patties and see how they taste; check this 3-ingredient biscuit recipe for a fast biscuit idea.

variation (if any)

  • Add chopped celery or bell pepper for crunch.
  • Swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack for spice.
  • Make a tuna melt open-faced by placing patties on bread and melting cheese on top.

FAQs

Q: Can I use tuna in oil?
A: Yes. Drain the oil well before mixing to avoid greasy patties.

Q: Can I skip the egg?
A: You can try an egg substitute like a flax egg, but the patties may be more fragile.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until golden.

Q: How do I make them spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne, chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Conclusion

For a low-carb take on tuna melt patties, see this Keto Tuna Melt Patties – LowCarb Abode which gives tips on swaps and cooking. For another simple tuna patty version and more cooking notes, check the Easy Tuna Patties Recipe for ideas.

Delicious tuna melt patties served with fresh ingredients

Tuna Melt Patties

These tuna melt patties are a quick, tasty meal made with canned tuna, cheese, and pantry staples, cooked to a crispy finish in a skillet.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 patties
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Tuna Patty Mixture
  • 2 cans 5 oz each canned tuna, drained
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 egg can be substituted with a flax 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) can be substituted with Swiss or pepper jack
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking) use a nonstick skillet or additional butter to prevent sticking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Stir in shredded cheese and green onions. Form the mixture into 4-5 patties.
Cooking
  1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. For an extra cheesy finish, top with cheese and place under the broiler for a minute.
Serving
  1. Serve on toasted bread, English muffins, or alongside a fresh salad.
  2. Add lettuce, tomato, or pickles for crunch.
  3. For a low-carb meal, serve over greens or in large lettuce leaves.

Notes

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven until hot.

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