Description
Golden, crispy-edged patties filled with tender tuna, melty cheese, and just the right amount of zing — like a tuna melt, but better. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunches, or anytime comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (5 oz) cans of tuna, drained well
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion or green onion
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter, for pan-frying
- Optional: A splash of hot sauce or Sriracha
- Optional: Chopped pickles or capers
- Optional: Swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine tuna, shredded cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, mayo, mustard, onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined. If too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Form into 4–6 patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Pan-fry patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve immediately while cheese is melty and centers are warm.
Notes
Drain tuna well to avoid soggy patties. Chill patties before cooking for firmer texture. Great served with salad, in a sandwich, or with dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: tuna melt, tuna patties, quick dinner, cheesy tuna cakes, pantry recipe