Dinner

Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Name: Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss); 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

ByAva Sinclair July 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever craved comfort food that’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make, this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe will absolutely become your new weeknight savior. Juicy, golden, melty, and packed with flavor, each bite brings a satisfying dose of creamy tuna, sharp cheddar, and the perfect crunch. Whether you’re serving it up for lunch, tucking it into a late-night sandwich, or making it the star of a light dinner, you’ll see just how simple ingredients come together to make something truly mouthwatering. You’ll want to make a big batch, trust me!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the lineup! These ingredients are the soul of the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe—each one playing a starring role in delivering that irresistible texture and comforting flavor. Plus, everything is likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Canned Tuna: Go for a good-quality tuna packed in water or oil, drained well. It’s protein-packed and forms the base of the patties.
Breadcrumbs: These bind the patties and give them that lovely, tender texture inside.
Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness, balancing the tuna and ensuring every patty is moist and flavorful.
Egg: It’s the secret to keeping everything together—don’t skip it!
Dijon Mustard: A little tang goes a long way; it wakes up all the other flavors.
Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory depth that melds beautifully with the tuna and cheese.
Onion Powder: Lends a gentle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning profile.
Salt: Brings every component to life—taste before adding more.
Black Pepper: Just enough to give a gentle warmth and complexity.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Swiss): Melty, gooey, and sharp—it’s what transforms these patties into true tuna melt magic.
Green Onions: They add a fresh bite of color and lift the overall flavor.
Butter: For pan-frying the patties to golden, crispy perfection.

How to Make Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture

Begin by gathering a large mixing bowl—it makes combining everything so much easier. Add your drained tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Take a fork or spoon and mash everything together until nicely blended. You’re building the foundation for the best Tuna Melt Patties Recipe, so make sure the mixture looks cohesive and flavorful.

Step 2: Add Cheese & Shape Patties

Now it’s time for the cheesy magic! Gently fold in the shredded cheddar (or Swiss) and chopped green onions. Mixing them in now ensures every bite gets a bit of gooey cheese and a burst of fresh flavor. Once combined, use your hands to form 4 to 5 equal-sized patties. Press them firmly—this helps them hold together perfectly during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it sizzles lightly. Carefully place each patty in the pan, leaving a little space around them so they crisp up nicely. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, flipping gently when the undersides are golden brown. By the end, you’ll have irresistibly crispy, cheesy patties begging to be devoured.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve these piping hot, right out of the skillet! Lay them on toasted bread, English muffins, or right alongside a crunchy salad. Want to turn up the indulgence? Add more cheese on top and pop under the broiler for a minute until bubbly and melty. The Tuna Melt Patties Recipe is delicious however you serve it, so make it your own!

How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Garnishes

There’s just something extra special about a finishing touch. Try a sprinkle of fresh green onions, a handful of chopped chives, or even a swirl of sriracha mayo on top. A squeeze of lemon can also bring brightness and balance to the richness of the patties.

Side Dishes

Pair your Tuna Melt Patties Recipe with crisp mixed greens, tangy coleslaw, or classic potato wedges for a comfort food combo that truly satisfies. Even a simple bowl of tomato soup transforms these patties into an elevated lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, tuck the patties into slider buns for a fun party snack, or break them up to top a leafy salad with creamy dressing. They’re also irresistible stuffed into a pita with lettuce and pickles for a portable meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra patties? No problem! Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making them a great meal-prep option.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, simply cook the patties, let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze. They hold up well in the freezer for up to two months. Just be sure to separate them with parchment for easy removal.

Reheating

To bring back that glorious crispy texture, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make them soggy. For frozen patties, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just cook and flake your fresh tuna before using it in the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe. You may need to add a little extra mayonnaise if the mixture seems dry.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure your Dijon mustard and mayonnaise are gluten-free. The rest of the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe remains deliciously unchanged.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayo, try plain Greek yogurt for creaminess with a little tang. It keeps the patties moist without sacrificing flavor in the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe.

Can these patties be baked instead of fried?

They sure can! Arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They’ll still get golden and tasty.

Can I make the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tuna mixture, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking. This makes the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe even more convenient for busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add one truly crowd-pleasing meal to your rotation, give this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe a try. With bold flavors, effortless steps, and versatility at every turn, it’s sure to win you over—one melty, crispy bite at a time!