The Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties Recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, transforming a beloved sandwich into a perfectly portioned, crispy-on-the-outside, and wonderfully melty-on-the-inside patty. This recipe is incredibly useful for a quick, satisfying lunch or a fun dinner that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
Key Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained well
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Butter or oil for frying
How to Make Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties
This Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties Recipe is incredibly easy to make, promising a burst of familiar, comforting flavors in every bite. These patties deliver a satisfyingly rich texture and a cheesy, tuna-filled center that’s simply irresistible, rivaling your favorite grilled cheese. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious treat any day of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained tuna, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This forms the savory base of your patties.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together and add a delightful crispness when cooked. Ensure the cheese is evenly incorporated for melty pockets throughout the patty.
- Incorporate the Egg: Add the lightly beaten egg to the tuna mixture. Mix well until the egg is fully integrated, acting as the final binder to hold your patties together. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape when gently pressed.
- Form the Patties: Lightly dust your hands with flour. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture and gently form it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should be able to make approximately 4-6 patties, depending on the size.
- Dust with Flour: Place the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour on a shallow plate. Gently dredge each tuna patty in the flour, coating both sides. This light coating helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust when frying and prevents sticking.
- Heat the Pan: Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to sizzle when the patties are added, but not so hot that they burn quickly.
- Cook the Patties: Carefully place the floured patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be beautifully melted and gooey.
- Serve Hot: Remove the Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties from the skillet and place them on a plate. Serve immediately while they are warm and the cheese is delightfully melted.
Why You’ll Love This Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
You’ll adore these Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties for their incredibly irresistible, melty cheese center and perfectly crisp exterior, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic tuna melt in a fun, handheld format. This recipe is a fantastic cost-saver; instead of purchasing pre-made frozen meals or eating out, you can whip up these satisfying patties using pantry staples for a fraction of the price. The simple yet effective combination of savory tuna, tangy mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese, enhanced by the subtle crunch of breadcrumbs, makes these patties an absolute delight to eat.
They’re so much more versatile than a simple tuna salad sandwich, providing a satisfying crunch and a wonderfully gooey interior that’s incredibly hard to resist. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a fun appetizer, these patties deliver pure comfort and flavor. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and give this fantastic Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties Recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Allow the cooked Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure they are properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each cooled patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen patties can be kept for up to 1-2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: For best results, reheat chilled patties in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Skillet: Reheat chilled patties in a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side, until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted.
- Frozen Patties: You can reheat frozen patties directly from frozen using the oven method (increase cooking time by a few minutes) or by allowing them to thaw slightly in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet.
Final Thoughts
These Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a delightful new twist. They’re simple to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious, making them a must-try recipe for any home cook looking for a satisfying meal. Give them a go – you won’t be disappointed!
Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained tuna, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This forms the savory base of your patties.2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained well, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery, 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together and add a delightful crispness when cooked. Ensure the cheese is evenly incorporated for melty pockets throughout the patty.1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Add the lightly beaten egg to the tuna mixture. Mix well until the egg is fully integrated, acting as the final binder to hold your patties together. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape when gently pressed.1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Lightly dust your hands with flour. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture and gently form it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should be able to make approximately 4-6 patties, depending on the size.
- Place the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour on a shallow plate. Gently dredge each tuna patty in the flour, coating both sides. This light coating helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust when frying and prevents sticking.2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to sizzle when the patties are added, but not so hot that they burn quickly.1-2 tablespoons Butter or oil for frying
- Carefully place the floured patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be beautifully melted and gooey.
- Remove the Ooey Gooey Tuna Melt Patties from the skillet and place them on a plate. Serve immediately while they are warm and the cheese is delightfully melted.