Why You’ll Love these Crispy Baked Tuna Patties
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and simple, these Crispy Baked Tuna Patties are about to become your new go-to recipe.
I love how they transform humble canned tuna into something truly special.
What makes them irresistible? The crispy cracker coating creates the perfect crunch, while the mashed potato interior keeps everything moist. They’re oven-baked, not fried—less mess, less stress.
And talk about versatile! Serve them on buns like a burger, alongside a salad, or even cold the next day.
Got picky eaters? The mild flavor and familiar ingredients usually win them over.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Baked Tuna Patties?
These Crispy Baked Tuna Patties combine simple pantry staples to create a meal that’s both economical and satisfying.
The magic happens when humble canned tuna transforms into golden, crispy patties that are perfect for weeknight dinners. What I love about this recipe is how it elevates everyday ingredients into something that feels special enough for company, yet easy enough for busy evenings when cooking feels like a chore.
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 2 large potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pickle relish
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3/4 cup cracker crumbs
- Cooking spray
When shopping for ingredients, look for water-packed tuna for a lighter flavor, though oil-packed works wonderfully too if you’re after a richer taste.
The potatoes serve as an essential binding agent, so make sure they’re well-mashed without lumps. As for the cracker crumbs, any variety works—saltines, butter crackers, even panko breadcrumbs in a pinch.
Feel free to add a pinch of dried herbs or a dash of hot sauce if you want to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
How to Make these Crispy Baked Tuna Patties
Making these tuna patties couldn’t be simpler, and the oven does most of the heavy lifting. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this temperature is perfect for achieving that golden exterior while keeping the inside moist.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cans (6 ounces each) of drained tuna with 2 large potatoes that you’ve already peeled, boiled, and mashed until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of diced onion, 2 eggs for binding, 2 teaspoons of pickle relish for that subtle tang, and the fresh juice from half a lemon which brightens everything up.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well-combined. Now comes the fun part—use your hands (clean ones, of course) to shape the mixture into 6 even patties. The mixture might feel a bit soft, which is perfectly normal.
Pop the shaped patties into the freezer for about 10 minutes—this quick chill helps them firm up and makes the next step much easier. After chilling, coat each patty in cracker crumbs (you’ll need about 3/4 cup total), gently pressing the crumbs onto all sides for that signature crispy coating.
Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange your patties with a little space between each one. Into the oven they go for a total of 40 minutes, but don’t forget the vital flip at the 20-minute mark! This guarantees even browning on both sides.
You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color and a delightfully crispy exterior. Once done, these versatile patties can be served on buns with lettuce, tomato, and some low-fat Thousand Island dressing for a complete meal.
Or skip the bun for a lighter option—they’re delicious either way.
Crispy Baked Tuna Patties Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, experimenting with substitutions and variations can breathe new life into these crispy baked tuna patties.
I often swap potatoes for sweet potatoes when I’m craving something different, or use salmon instead of tuna (trust me, it’s amazing).
No pickle relish? Try chopped capers or olives for that briny kick. You can also jazz things up with different seasonings—curry powder, smoked paprika, or dill work beautifully.
For a gluten-free version, replace those cracker crumbs with crushed rice cereal or almond flour.
I’ve even tried serving these little gems over salad instead of on buns. Deliciously versatile, right?
What to Serve with Crispy Baked Tuna Patties
Crispy baked tuna patties deserve the perfect sidekicks to create a complete, satisfying meal.
I love serving mine with a bright, citrusy coleslaw that cuts through the richness of the patties. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully too.
For something heartier, roasted sweet potato wedges or a scoop of quinoa salad make excellent companions.
And don’t forget about sauce options—tartar sauce is classic, but have you tried sriracha mayo?
When I’m feeling particularly hungry, I’ll slide these patties onto toasted brioche buns with avocado slices and arugula.
Talk about dinner perfection.
Final Thoughts
After learning how to make these crispy baked tuna patties, I’m convinced they deserve a spot in your regular meal rotation.
They’re budget-friendly, nutritious, and incredibly versatile—perfect for those nights when you’re wondering what to make with that can of tuna hiding in your pantry.
I love how these patties transform humble ingredients into something truly special.
The crispy exterior giving way to that tender, flavorful center? Pure comfort food magic.
And since they’re baked, not fried, you can enjoy them without any guilt.
Trust me, even the pickiest eaters might surprise you by asking for seconds.
