Description
These Tuna Melt Patties are a delicious and easy-to-make main course featuring canned tuna combined with celery, onion, cheddar cheese, and seasonings, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick meal or sandwich filling, they offer a comforting blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely chopped celery and onion, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a thick mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, add additional breadcrumbs a little at a time to achieve a firm consistency.
- Shape into patties. Divide the tuna mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions depending on your preferred patty size. Shape each portion gently into a round, flat patty, ensuring they hold together well for cooking.
- Heat the pan. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter, allowing it to warm and coat the pan evenly.
- Cook the patties. Add the shaped patties to the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cook until the patties are golden brown on the outside and thoroughly heated through.
- Serve. Serve the tuna melt patties warm, either on their own or inside toasted buns to make classic tuna melt sandwiches. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These patties can be made ahead of time and frozen either before or after cooking for convenient meal prep.
- Add chopped pickles or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the mixture for a tangy flavor boost.
- Try substituting cheddar cheese with Swiss or provolone cheese for a different taste variation.