Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Introduction

Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich. These patties are golden, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy them on their own or tucked inside your favorite sandwich bread.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz) tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (+ extra for coating)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, egg, diced celery, diced onion, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties. Lightly coat each patty with additional breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Step 4: Cook the patties in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Step 5: Serve the patties hot, either with your favorite dipping sauce or inside a sandwich for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the tuna mixture.
• Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Serve with a tangy tartar sauce or a dollop of sour cream to complement the patties.

Storage

Store leftover tuna melt patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again, or microwave briefly for convenience.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the tuna patties instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. This is a healthier alternative to frying.

Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them raw and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 95 reviews

These Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious, easy-to-make dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with canned tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, and a blend of flavorful ingredients, these patties are coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve them hot on their own, with a dipping sauce, or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 patties 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Extra breadcrumbs for coating
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, egg, finely diced celery and onion, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and form a cohesive mixture.
2. Form Patties: Divide the tuna mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Lightly coat each patty with the extra breadcrumbs to give them a crispy crust when fried.
3. Heat Oil: Pour the olive oil into a skillet and heat it over medium heat until warm but not smoking, ensuring even frying without burning.
4. Cook Patties: Place the coated patties in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the patties.
5. Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and drain on paper towels if desired. Serve immediately while hot, either with your favorite sauce, salad, or inside a sandwich for a hearty meal.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• These patties freeze well; cook then freeze individually to reheat later.
• If you prefer baking over frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Keywords: tuna melt patties, tuna patties, seafood patties, crispy tuna, cheesy tuna melts, easy tuna recipe