Get ready to meet your new comfort food favorite: the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe. This incredibly satisfying dish transforms humble canned tuna into crispy, golden patties bursting with flavor and gooey, melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch, these patties are fast, fuss-free, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. If you love classic tuna melts but want something easier to whip up (and less messy to eat!), you’re going to adore this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe from the very first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of pantry staples and a few fridge favorites, you can make the very best Tuna Melt Patties Recipe in hardly any time at all. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s creamy richness, cheesy goodness, or that crave-worthy crunch on the outside.

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained: Select good-quality tuna in water or oil for the heart of the patties—well-drained tuna creates the perfect texture and helps everything stick together.
½ cup breadcrumbs: These add structure and an irresistible golden crust to the patties when cooked.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Mayo brings creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients so your patties never fall apart.
1 egg: A key binding agent that keeps the mixture cohesive, giving the patties a satisfying bite.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and a boost of savory flavor to balance the richness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: For that gentle, savory backbone that makes these patties so tasty.
½ teaspoon onion powder: A must for that classic, comforting savory flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little peppery bite perks up every ingredient.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss): Melty, cheesy magic—use a sharp cheddar or Swiss for extra flavor punch.
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped: These add color and a fresh, mild oniony note (plus a little crunch).
1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): Butter delivers the best golden crisp on the outside and a lovely flavor boost during cooking.

How to Make Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding in your well-drained tuna, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with a fork or clean hands, making sure the breadcrumbs and spices are evenly distributed. This is the foundation for your ultimate Tuna Melt Patties Recipe—the mixture should hold together easily when pressed, but still feel moist.

Step 2: Add Cheese & Shape Patties

Once your base is combined, gently fold in the shredded cheese and chopped green onions. The cheese will melt beautifully through the patties as they cook, while the onions provide a burst of freshness in every bite. Shape the mixture into 4 or 5 thick, palm-sized patties. If it feels a little too wet, add an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs until you get the right texture.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it bubbles gently but doesn’t brown. Carefully lower the patties into the skillet. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden and the cheese begins to ooze at the edges. Flip them gently—don’t rush this step! That beautiful, crisp crust is worth the wait.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Once cooked, slide the patties onto toasted bread, fluffy English muffins, or just your favorite plate alongside a fresh salad. For that classic tuna melt flair, add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top of each patty and pop them under the broiler for about a minute. As soon as that cheese is bubbly, dig in and enjoy your made-with-love Tuna Melt Patties Recipe!

How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t be afraid to jazz up the presentation! Try a flurry of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives, an extra sprinkle of cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Even a few capers or sliced pickles instantly elevate the whole dish and accentuate the savory flavors of the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe.

Side Dishes

These patties are super versatile and play nicely with all sorts of sides. Keep it light with a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber-tomato medley. For a little indulgence, serve with potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a creamy coleslaw. And don’t forget the classic pairing: seasoned oven-roasted veggies always make these patties shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake things up, serve your Tuna Melt Patties Recipe slider-style on mini brioche buns or tuck them into pita bread with fresh greens. For brunch, top with a fried or poached egg—or stack on sourdough toast with avocado slices for a trendy twist. The options are limitless, so let your creativity lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover patties fresh by placing them in an airtight container and refrigerating promptly. They’ll stay perfectly tasty for up to three days, making them a dream for grab-and-go lunches or midnight snacks. Just make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing them so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

For bigger batches, the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe freezes beautifully. Once the patties are completely cool, wrap each one individually in plastic or foil, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when a craving strikes.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-pan crunch, reheat the patties in a hot skillet or toaster oven for a few minutes per side until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust. For best results, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for that melty magic all over again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just cook and flake the fresh tuna before mixing it with the other ingredients. The flavor will be even richer and it works beautifully in the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?

Swap out traditional breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa. These alternatives bind everything together without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture or even shape the patties a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and cook them up just before serving for the freshest taste.

Which cheese works best in this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe?

Sharp cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even pepper jack for some heat. The secret is to use a cheese that melts well and has enough flavor to stand out.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Sure thing! Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as skillet-cooked, but the Tuna Melt Patties Recipe still tastes fabulous.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting yet quick and deceptively simple, this Tuna Melt Patties Recipe truly delivers. Every bite is packed with nostalgia and fresh flavor, and the ease of prep means it can become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch these patties disappear—happy cooking!

Tuna Melt Patties Recipe