Tuna Melt Patties That Wow in Just 20 Minutes

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a good tuna melt—but what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all that cheesy, savory magic without turning on the oven or toasting sandwich bread? Enter: Tuna Melt Patties. These golden, pan-fried beauties take everything we love about a tuna melt and turn it into a crispy, flavorful patty that’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or just when you want something a little nostalgic—with a twist.

If you’re like most of us juggling work, kids, and a kitchen that somehow never stays clean (why is that?), this Tuna Melt Patties recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s quick, easy, and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Plus, it brings big comfort food vibes—without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Tuna Melt Patties

Let’s talk why these patties need a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

Quick & fuss-free – We’re talking 20 minutes from start to finish. Yes, really.
Budget-friendly – Hello, canned tuna! Who knew two little cans could taste so fancy?
Versatile – Serve them on buns, over salad, or just eat them straight out of the pan (no judgment here).
Cheesy + crispy – That cheddar-melted-inside and butter-crisped-outside combo? Chef’s kiss.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up a solo dinner with Netflix on standby, these tuna melt patties just get you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these patties sing:

2 cans of canned tuna (5 oz each) – Drained well, so the patties stay together.
½ cup breadcrumbs – Adds crispiness and keeps things nicely bound.
¼ cup mayonnaise – Creamy goodness to keep them moist.
1 large egg – Your trusty binder.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – A little zing goes a long way.
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, gooey heaven.
2 tablespoons chopped green onions – For a pop of freshness.
1 tablespoon butter – For that golden, crispy sear.

How to Make the Best Tuna Melt Patties

Step 1: Mix It Up

Drain that tuna really well. Like, press-it-through-a-strainer well. Too much moisture is the enemy of patty success.

In a big bowl, mix your breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Add in the mayonnaise, egg, and Dijon mustard. Stir it up until everything’s evenly mixed.

Now comes the fun: fold in the shredded cheddar and chopped green onions. You’ll start seeing magic happen—the kind of magic that smells amazing while cooking.

Troubleshooting Tip:
If your mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs. Too dry? Add a tiny spoonful of mayo or a splash of lemon juice.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4–5 equal parts. Roll each into a ball, then press into patties about ½-inch thick.

Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray. If you’ve got 15–20 minutes to chill them in the fridge, they’ll hold together even better when cooking.

Step 3: Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Place your patties in gently and let them sizzle for 3–4 minutes per side. No rushing! That golden crust needs time to form.

Flip carefully. If they resist flipping, let them cook another minute—they’re just bonding with the pan a little longer.

Optional (but oh-so-good): Add a slice of cheese on top, cover the pan for 30 seconds, and let it melt. It’s like a grilled cheese and tuna melt had a delicious baby.

Serving Suggestions: Dress Them Up or Keep It Simple

These Tuna Melt Patties are the little black dress of dinner—they go with everything:

Classic Sandwich Style: Pile onto toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and extra Dijon.
Low-Carb & Fresh: Serve over a crisp side salad with a drizzle of vinaigrette.
Brunchy Vibes: Pop one on a toasted English muffin with an egg on top.
As a Burger: Grab a brioche bun, tartar sauce, pickles—boom, instant gourmet vibes.

Feeling fancy? Stick them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes with a sprinkle of cheese. Crispy edges + melty top = dreamy.

Tips for Tuna Patty Perfection

Drain that tuna like your dinner depends on it—because it does.
Let them chill if you can—fridge time = less breakage.
Don’t flip too early—let the crust do its thing before turning.
Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness—it really lifts the flavors.

My Tuna Patty Love Story

The first time I made these, I was scrambling for a quick lunch between Zoom calls. I had canned tuna, some cheese, and honestly? Not much else. I threw these together on a whim—and the reaction from my family? Let’s just say they’ve been in the weekly rotation ever since.

Now, every time I make them, I remember how even the simplest ingredients can turn into something crave-worthy. That’s the beauty of cooking—it doesn’t have to be complicated to be magical.

Stack of golden Tuna Melt Patties with herbs and melted cheese, served with dipping sauce. — These Tuna Melt Patties are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce.

FAQs About Tuna Melt Patties

Can I substitute canned tuna with canned salmon?

Absolutely! Canned salmon works great—just make sure it’s drained well, and remove any bones or skin.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Or cook them and reheat later—just pop them in a skillet or oven.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to keep the crispiness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yep—just swap regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a fast, comforting dinner that makes you feel like you actually have it together, this Tuna Melt Patties recipe has your back. It’s everything you love about a tuna melt—packed into a golden, cheesy patty that hits all the right notes.

So grab that can of tuna, a sprinkle of cheese, and let’s turn pantry staples into something seriously delicious.

Hungry for more comforting chicken (and tuna) recipes like this? Don’t forget to check out more ideas on Chicken Magic Recipes—where we make everyday meals a little more magical. 💛

More Recipes to Try If You Loved These Tuna Melt Patties

If these Tuna Melt Patties made your dinner routine a whole lot easier (and tastier), you’ll definitely want to explore more crave-worthy meals from Chicken Magic Recipes. Here are some delicious ideas to keep your menu fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free:

Craving something hearty and soul-warming like these patties? You’ll love our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—it’s creamy, cozy, and the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights.
Looking for another protein-packed, quick-to-make dinner? Try the Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki. They’re light, flavorful, and pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or pita.
For a fun, Asian-inspired twist on quick meals, whip up the Garlic Chilli Noodles. They’re spicy, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes—just like your favorite takeout.
And if you’re in the mood for something with a little heat and a lot of flavor, don’t miss our Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. It’s a zesty, roasted dish that brings veggies and protein together in the tastiest way.

These recipes are perfect companions to the Tuna Melt Patties and will keep your mealtime lineup fresh, exciting, and totally satisfying!