Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Introduction
These Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy tuna with a golden, crunchy exterior and melty cheese inside. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, they come together easily with simple pantry ingredients.
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
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the drained 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.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Lightly coat each patty with extra breadcrumbs for added crispiness.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 4: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove from the skillet and serve hot. These patties are delicious on their own, with your favorite dipping sauce, or in a sandwich.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the mixture.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an even crispier texture.
- Try melting a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking for extra cheesiness.
Storage
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 1 month; thaw before frying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
While fresh tuna can be used, it’s best cooked and flaked before mixing. Canned tuna provides convenience and works well for binding in these patties.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart while cooking?
Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and include the egg and enough breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. Avoid flipping the patties too early—let them form a golden crust first.
PrintCrispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
These Crispy & Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties are a delightful twist on the classic tuna melt sandwich. Packed with tuna, melted cheddar cheese, and seasoned with Dijon mustard and spices, these patties offer a crispy exterior and a gooey, flavorful interior. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they can be served on their own, with a dipping sauce, or inside a sandwich bun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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, plus 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
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the drained tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, egg, finely diced celery, diced onion, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties. Lightly coat each patty with extra breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust when fried.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring the oil is hot but not smoking to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful when flipping to maintain their shape.
- Serve: Serve the patties hot, either with your favorite dipping sauce or sandwiched between bread for a delicious tuna melt experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs for coating the patties.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- These patties can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes if you want a healthier alternative to frying.
- Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or ketchup for added flavor.
Keywords: tuna patties, tuna melt, crispy tuna patties, cheesy tuna patties, quick lunch, skillet tuna patties
