Description
Forget soggy sandwiches—these Crispy Cheesy Tuna Melt Patties are golden, crunchy, and loaded with melty cheese and savory flavor. They’re the ultimate lunch upgrade using humble pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white tuna in water, drained well
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix tuna, egg, panko, cheese, mayo, onion, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Form mixture into 4 patties about 3/4-inch thick. If too wet, chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
- Lightly coat patties in extra panko for extra crunch.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 1–2 more minutes to melt cheese inside.
- Drain briefly on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
Cool completely before storing. Keep in fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes or crisp in a skillet. Serve on buns, salads, or even with eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tuna melt, patties, cheesy, lunch, high-protein, easy