Tuna Melt Patties

If you’re a fan of the classic tuna melt, then you’re going to absolutely adore these Tuna Melt Patties. Imagine the deliciousness of a tuna melt sandwich, but in bite-sized form! These patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all the comforting flavors you love: flaky tuna, melted cheese, and a hint of savory seasoning. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a fun appetizer for a party, these patties are guaranteed to hit the spot. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Tuna Melt Patties

Comforting and Flavorful:

These patties combine all the best parts of a tuna melt—tender tuna, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy exterior. It’s the perfect bite of comfort food!

Quick and Easy:

You can make these patties in no time, even if you’re cooking on a busy weeknight. With just a few simple ingredients, they come together fast, making them perfect for a stress-free meal.

Customizable:

Want to switch it up a bit? Add some diced pickles, bell peppers, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. These patties are versatile and easy to adjust to your taste.

Kid-Friendly:

Kids will love these! The cheesy, crispy goodness makes it a fun meal that they can easily dip into their favorite sauce or enjoy with a side of veggies.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

• Canned Tuna: The main ingredient that gives these patties their savory, flaky texture.
• Bread Crumbs: Help bind everything together and give the patties a nice crispy crunch.
• Eggs: For binding the ingredients and giving the patties structure.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and gooey, cheddar brings the classic “melt” flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the mixture.
• Dijon Mustard: For a touch of tanginess and flavor depth.
• Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder takes the taste to the next level.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the tuna mixture with a little freshness.
• Fresh Parsley: For a hint of freshness and color.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

For Cooking:

• Olive Oil or Butter: For frying the patties to golden brown perfection.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up these irresistible patties:

Prepare the Tuna Mixture:

1. Drain the Tuna: Start by draining the canned tuna well. You don’t want excess liquid making your patties soggy.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, bread crumbs, eggs, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until well-combined. You should have a moist, cohesive mixture that holds together when shaped.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Form the Patties:

1. Shape the Patties: Using your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the tuna mixture and shape it into a patty. You should get about 8-10 patties, depending on the size you prefer.
2. Chill (Optional): If you have time, place the patties on a plate and refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes. This helps them hold together better when cooking, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.

Cook the Patties:

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat. You want just enough to coat the bottom of the pan and prevent sticking.
2. Fry the Patties: Carefully place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Drain: Once cooked, remove the patties from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these crispy, cheesy patties warm with a side of fresh salad, dipping sauce, or even a slice of toasted bread for that classic melt experience!

How to Serve Tuna Melt Patties

These Tuna Melt Patties are super versatile, so feel free to serve them however you like! Here are a few ideas to make your meal extra special:

With a Side Salad:

Pair the patties with a light, refreshing salad, like a classic Caesar or a tangy arugula salad with lemon dressing.

On Toasted Buns:

For a fun twist, place the patties on toasted burger buns and add some extra cheese and veggies for a mini tuna melt sandwich.

With Dipping Sauces:

Serve the patties with your favorite dipping sauces—think tartar sauce, ranch, or even a spicy ketchup-mayo mix!

As a Snack or Appetizer:

These patties are also great as a snack or appetizer for parties! Serve them with a side of dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy.

Additional Tips

Use Good Quality Tuna:

The tuna is the star of the show, so use a good-quality canned tuna, preferably packed in oil for a richer flavor.

Add Your Favorite Veggies:

Want to pack in some veggies? Feel free to add finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach to the mixture.

Make Them Gluten-Free:

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the bread crumbs for gluten-free panko or ground almonds. You’ll still get that perfect crispy exterior.

Reheat Leftovers:

These patties make great leftovers! Simply reheat them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to crisp them back up.

Storage Tips:

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 22g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh tuna for these patties?

A1: Absolutely! You can use fresh cooked tuna, just make sure it’s flaked and free of any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Q2: Can I freeze these patties?

A2: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw and fry.

Q3: Can I make these patties ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prepare the patties a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q4: Can I add veggies to these patties?

A4: Definitely! Finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or even spinach would make a great addition to the patties.

Q5: What can I serve these patties with?

A5: They pair wonderfully with a side salad, French fries, or roasted vegetables. You can even serve them in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato!

Q6: How can I make these patties spicier?

A6: If you like heat, add a bit of chopped jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mixture.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A7: Yes! Feel free to swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack cheese for a different twist.

Q8: Can I cook these in the oven instead of frying them?

A8: Yes! You can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

A9: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best crispy texture.

Q10: Can I make these patties without mayonnaise?

A10: Yes! You can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Tuna Melt Patties are a total game-changer when it comes to comfort food. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to party snacks. The best part? They come together in no time and are super easy to customize to your taste. So why not give these tasty little patties a try? Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch or serving them as part of a larger spread, they’re sure to be a hit at the table! Enjoy every bite!

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