Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy inside — these Tuna Melt Patties are a quick, high-protein meal you’ll want on repeat. They’re perfect for a light lunch, speedy dinner, or meal prep!

📋 Recipe Card:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4–5 patties
Calories per Serving: ~200 kcal (depending on patty size)
W-W Points: 2 Points per patty
Dietary Tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, W-W Friendly, High-Protein

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs if not keto)

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (light for W-W friendliness)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 1 tablespoon butter or oil (use cooking spray for lighter version)

🍳 Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the drained tuna, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Add the egg, almond flour, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Stir until fully combined.

3. Form the mixture into 4–5 small patties, pressing them firmly so they hold their shape.

4. Heat butter or oil (or spray your pan) over medium heat.

5. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve warm — enjoy with a simple dipping sauce, over a salad, or wrapped in crisp lettuce!

🔥 Additional Notes:

• Almond flour keeps it low-carb, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if preferred.

• For the crispiest patties, don’t move them too much while they’re frying.

🧡 Brief Introduction:

Tuna melts are already a classic comfort food, but these Tuna Melt Patties take it to a whole new level! 🧀✨
Cheesy, savory, crispy outside, and tender inside — plus they’re low in carbs, high in protein, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for quick lunches, post-workout fuel, or a cozy no-fuss dinner!

📑 Table of Contents:

• Quick Look at the Recipe

• Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

• Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

• Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Nutrition & W-W Points Info

• FAQs

• Personal Story

• More Healthy Lunch Ideas

• Call to Action

✨ Quick Look at the Recipe:

Kristy’s POV:
You know those nights when you need a satisfying meal fast? These Tuna Melt Patties are my lifesaver. 🛟
Minimal ingredients, tons of flavor, and my whole family loves them — even the picky eaters!

🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

Mixing the Ingredients:

• Combine tuna with seasonings, egg, almond flour, shredded cheese, mayo, and Dijon mustard.

• Stir until the mixture is moist but holds together.

Forming the Patties:

• Scoop and shape into equal-sized patties (press them gently but firmly).

Cooking:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat with butter or cooking spray.

• Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side without disturbing too much for maximum crispiness.

Tip: Use a fish spatula for easy flipping!

🛒 Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips:

• Tuna: Use chunk light tuna in water for fewer calories and points.

• Almond Flour: Keeps it gluten-free and low-carb; panko breadcrumbs work for a traditional crunch.

• Cheese: Reduced-fat shredded cheddar works perfectly — or swap in mozzarella for a melty, mild version.

• Mayonnaise: Light mayo saves W-W points, but avocado mayo is a creamy, healthy fat option too.

• Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness — totally optional!

🍽 Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions:

Flavor Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.

• Mediterranean: Add chopped olives, feta, and oregano for a Greek twist.

• Tex-Mex: Stir in a bit of taco seasoning and serve with salsa!

Serving Ideas:

• Over a bed of arugula or spring greens.

• Tucked into lettuce wraps with extra Dijon mustard.

• Stacked on a whole-wheat bun for a “tuna burger” experience (adjust W-W points).

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Information:

• Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties between parchment layers and cook straight from frozen (add a few extra minutes to cooking time).

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a nonstick skillet or air fryer to regain crispiness.

🥗 Nutrition & W-W Points Info (Per Patty):

• Calories: ~200 kcal

• Protein: 22g

• Carbs: 2g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0g

• W-W Points: 2 Points (calculated with light mayo, reduced-fat cheddar, and almond flour)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
A: Absolutely! Just swap one-to-one for an equally delicious variation.

Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: How do I make them even lower in points?
A: Use fat-free shredded cheese and olive oil spray instead of butter!

Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Definitely! Freeze raw or cooked patties and reheat as needed.

🌟 Personal Story:

These Tuna Melt Patties became a staple when I was balancing a crazy work schedule and after-school soccer practices. ⚽💨
They’re so fast, so filling, and everyone in the house can customize theirs — my daughter loves adding pickles on top, while my son piles his into a wrap with extra cheese. 😄
Healthy and family-approved? Total win!

📢 Call-to-Action:

Tried making these cheesy, crispy Tuna Melt Patties? 🐟💬
Leave a comment below, snap a pic, and tag me @KristyCooksW-W — I love seeing your creations and your favorite twists on this easy classic!
Let’s keep lunchtime exciting and W-W friendly together! 🌟