Crispy Tuna Melt Patties — Fresh Tuna Fish Recipes

Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and all the savory flavor you crave—Tuna Melt Patties are the comfort food mash-up you didn’t know you needed. Think of them as the cooler, sassier cousin of the classic tuna melt sandwich. They’re crunchy, cheesy, quick to whip up, and yes—totally addictive.

If you’re hunting for Fresh Tuna Fish Recipes, or more realistically, something you can make with what’s already hiding in your pantry, this one’s for you. These golden little guys turn humble canned tuna into something that tastes like it came straight from a cozy diner—without the diner bill.

So let’s dive in: what makes these Crispy Tuna Patties so irresistible, how you can customize them, and why they’re about to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?

• Quick & Easy – Dinner in under 20 minutes? Yes, please. This belongs in the “Tuna Recipes Canned Easy” hall of fame.
• Budget-Friendly – Canned tuna is affordable, protein-packed, and shelf-stable. IMO, it’s an MVP ingredient.
• Crispy + Melty – The combo of crunchy edges with melty cheese inside makes every bite feel a little indulgent.
• Versatile – Serve these Tuna Patties as burgers, on an English muffin, over salad, or all by themselves.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Freeze a batch, then reheat whenever your future self wants a stress-free dinner.

Basically, this checks all the boxes: comfort food, convenience, and customization.

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The Story Behind This Recipe

So here’s the backstory. One night, I was craving a tuna melt but didn’t feel like dealing with multiple sandwiches on the skillet (lazy chef moment, don’t judge). Instead, I thought, why not turn the tuna melt into patties? One bowl, one pan, less cleanup—and suddenly, my new favorite recipe was born.

The result? A cross between a burger and a fritter that’s way too good to gatekeep. These Canned Tuna Patties are crispy like crab cakes, cheesy like a melt, and just hearty enough to make you forget you’re eating tuna out of a can.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the rundown of what goes into these flavor-packed patties:

• Canned Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each) – The star. Drain it really well.
• Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – Holds everything together while keeping it light.
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup) – Moisture + creaminess.
• Egg (1 large) – The glue for your patties.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp) – Tangy, zippy flavor boost.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp) + Onion Powder (½ tsp) – A one-two punch of savory.
• Salt (½ tsp) & Pepper (¼ tsp) – The basics, but essential.
• Shredded Cheddar (½ cup) – That melty, gooey magic.
• Green Onions (2 tbsp, chopped) – Fresh, slightly sharp bite.
• Butter (1 tbsp) – Frying fuel for that golden crust.

Pro Tip: Want extra crunch? Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.

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How to Make Tuna Melt Patties

This is one of those Simple Tuna Recipes that’s basically foolproof.

Step 1: Mix It Up

Drain tuna like your life depends on it. Seriously—too much liquid = soggy patties. Toss tuna, breadcrumbs, mayo, egg, Dijon, and seasonings into a bowl. Stir just until combined. Then fold in cheese and green onions.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Scoop into 4–5 portions. Shape into balls, flatten into ½-inch-thick patties. Want them to hold together better? Pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Fry ‘Em Up

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t mess with them too much while they’re cooking—they need their “alone time” to crisp.

Step 4: Serve & Devour

Pop them on bread, slide them into a bun, or serve over a fresh salad. Heck, eat one straight from the pan (chef’s privilege).

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Pro Tips for the Best Outcome

• Drain tuna like a pro – Too much liquid is the #1 reason patties fall apart.
• Medium heat is magic – Keeps them golden and cooked through without burning.
• Don’t over-mix – Overworking = dense patties. Gentle mixing = tender patties.
• Add cheese on top – Want extra melt-factor? Add a slice of cheese at the end, cover with a lid, and let it ooze.

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Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, cayenne, or Pepper Jack cheese.
• Mediterranean Vibes – Swap cheddar for feta, throw in chopped olives and parsley.
• Low-Carb Swap – Skip breadcrumbs; use almond flour instead.
• Breakfast Style – Top with a fried egg and avocado on an English muffin.

Because let’s be real, Tina Patties (yes, calling them that now) are way too fun to make just one way.

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Best Way to Serve Tuna Melt Patties

• As a Burger – Brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce. Done.
• Over Salad – Light, fresh, and perfect for lunch.
• On an English Muffin – Compact and crunchy.
• Slider Style – Mini patties = appetizer goals.
• Classic Melt – Broil with extra cheese on top until gooey.

No matter how you serve them, they’ll fit into your list of go-to Recipes For Tuna.

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Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge – Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer – Freeze cooked patties up to 3 months. Use parchment between layers.
• Reheat – Skillet = crispiest. Oven or air fryer also work great. Microwave? Only if you like soft patties (your call).

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FAQs

1. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yep! Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Crispy with less oil.

2. Can I make these with fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely. Sear fresh tuna, flake it, and sub it in. Perfect for those hunting Fresh Tuna Fish Recipes.

3. What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Swiss, Mozzarella, or even Gouda are all winners.

4. Can I meal-prep these?
Totally. Form the patties, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then cook when ready.

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Final Thoughts

Canned Tuna Patties might not sound glamorous at first, but once you try these Tuna Melt Patties, you’ll be hooked. They’re crispy, cheesy, and versatile enough to make again and again. Whether you call them Tuna Patty, Tina Patties, or your new weeknight BFF, they’re proof that pantry staples can taste amazing with just a little love (and a lot of cheese).

So, what’s it gonna be? Classic sandwich, cheesy slider, or salad topper? However you serve them, these Crispy Tuna Patties are about to earn a permanent spot in your collection of Simple Tuna Recipes. Print