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+ servings

Tuna Melt Patties

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Tuna Melt Patties transform budget-friendly canned tuna into a delightful hand-held meal, perfect for quick lunches or family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serving Size 4 patties

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs Use panko for extra crispness
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise Or Greek yogurt as a lighter swap
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese Or Swiss
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter For cooking; or oil if you prefer

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, flake and drain the tuna well. Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Fold in shredded cheese and green onions. Divide the mix and form 4–5 patties, pressing gently so they hold. If the mixture feels loose, chill 10–15 minutes.

Cooking

  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter (or ½ butter + ½ oil for a higher smoke point) over medium heat.
  • Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, avoiding flipping too often to preserve the crust.
  • Optional: For extra melt, top each patty with a slice of cheese and place under the broiler for 30–60 seconds until bubbly.

Serving

  • Slide patties onto toasted bread, English muffins, or plate them beside a fresh salad.

Notes

For low-carb, replace breadcrumbs with ¼ cup almond flour and 2 Tbsp crushed pork rinds. If you want a brighter tang, add a teaspoon of lemon zest.