There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden-brown patty filled with warm, flavorful tuna and gooey melted cheese. If you’re a fan of the classic tuna melt sandwich, these homemade Tuna Melt Patties will take your love for tuna to the next level. The combination of canned tuna, rich mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, and a few simple seasonings makes for a deliciously comforting meal. Paired with a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce, these patties are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a tasty lunch, these Tuna Melt Patties are sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into this simple and scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for these mouthwatering Tuna Melt Patties:
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2 cans of tuna, drained: The base of our patties, tuna is packed with protein and flavor. Make sure to choose high-quality canned tuna for the best taste.
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1/2 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together. It also gives the patties a rich texture.
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This gives the patties their signature “melt” factor, providing that cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the patties. You can choose yellow, white, or red onions based on your preference.
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous flavor that balances out the richness of the tuna and cheese.
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1 egg: The egg helps hold the patties together and adds a little extra protein.
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are essential for giving the patties their crispy exterior. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs.
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A small amount of garlic powder enhances the flavor profile without overwhelming the tuna and cheese.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in any dish.
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1 tablespoon butter (for frying): Butter adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness when frying.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by draining the tuna from the cans. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible, as excess moisture will affect the texture of your patties. Place the drained tuna in a large mixing bowl.
Next, add the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, and fresh parsley to the tuna. Crack the egg into the bowl and sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Finally, stir in the breadcrumbs until everything is well combined.
At this point, the mixture should have a thick consistency, similar to a meatball or burger mixture. The breadcrumbs help absorb any moisture, while the egg ensures everything sticks together during frying. You should be able to easily shape the mixture into patties without it falling apart.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Using your hands, scoop out a portion of the mixture and form it into a small patty, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Repeat the process until you’ve formed all the patties. Depending on the size, you should end up with around 8-10 patties. If you want to make them smaller or larger, feel free to adjust the size to your liking.
The patties should be firm but not too dense. If the mixture feels too loose, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind it. On the other hand, if the mixture feels too dry, a small splash of milk or a bit more mayonnaise can help bring everything together.
Step 3: Fry the Patties
Now that your patties are ready, it’s time to cook them! Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to sizzle, carefully place the patties in the skillet. You may need to cook the patties in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside the patties will melt, making them wonderfully gooey. Flip the patties gently with a spatula to avoid breaking them.
As the patties cook, you may notice some of the cheese oozing out. This is completely normal and adds to the deliciousness of the dish. Once the patties are golden on both sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Your Tuna Melt Patties are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a side of your favorite dipping sauce—such as ketchup, tartar sauce, or a creamy aioli—or pair them with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. They also make a great filling for a sandwich or a crispy slider.
Variations
While the classic tuna melt patty recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize these patties to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Add Vegetables
For added nutrition and flavor, you can incorporate vegetables into the patty mixture. Finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work wonderfully. These veggies add freshness and texture, balancing out the richness of the tuna and cheese.
2. Spicy Tuna Melt Patties
If you like a bit of heat, you can spice up these patties by adding finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the mixture. This will give the patties a kick of spice that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
3. Gluten-Free Option
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers. Just make sure the mayonnaise you use is also gluten-free.
4. Cheese Variations
While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a super gooey, melty texture, or use Swiss cheese for a milder, nutty flavor. For something extra indulgent, mix in a bit of cream cheese for added richness.
5. Tuna Melt Sliders
For a fun twist, you can serve the patties as sliders! Use small slider buns, add a slice of cheese, and serve with pickles or your favorite condiments. These are perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Tuna Melt Patties
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, make sure not to overmix the tuna mixture. Overworking the mixture can result in tough patties. Gently stir until everything is just combined.
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Use Quality Tuna: Since tuna is the main ingredient in this recipe, it’s worth investing in high-quality tuna. Look for tuna packed in olive oil or spring water for the best flavor.
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Frying Tip: Be sure to fry the patties on medium heat, not high heat. If the heat is too high, the outside may brown too quickly while the inside stays raw. Medium heat ensures even cooking and a crispy, golden exterior.
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Keep the Patties Firm: If you find that the patties are falling apart during frying, chill them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps firm them up and makes them easier to handle.
Healthier Options
If you’re looking for a healthier version of the Tuna Melt Patties, here are a few adjustments you can make:
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Bake the Patties: Instead of frying the patties in butter, you can bake them for a lower-fat option. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise: For a lighter, tangier flavor, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content and add a boost of protein.
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Use Whole Wheat or Almond Flour Breadcrumbs: For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour as a breading alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These Tuna Melt Patties are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them:
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On a Salad: Serve the patties on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing for a healthy, balanced meal.
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In a Sandwich or Wrap: Place the patties on a toasted bun or wrap with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy sandwich.
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With Fries or Chips: Serve the patties with a side of crispy fries or potato chips for a more indulgent meal.
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As Appetizers: These Tuna Melt Patties make fantastic appetizers. Serve them at a party with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Tuna Melt Patties are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With a crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and savory tuna, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party snack, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these patties are incredibly versatile and easy to make.
Enjoy them as-is, or get creative with toppings, dips, or variations. The best part is that they come together quickly, making them an ideal option for busy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, the next time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and delicious, give these Tuna Melt Patties a try. You won’t be disappointed!
I hope this expanded version of the recipe fits your needs! It provides detailed instructions, variations, tips, and serving suggestions to give readers an in-depth and enjoyable experience while preparing the dish. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to adjust or further elaborate on!