Description
Cheesy Tuna Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with cheesy tuna flavor. These kid-friendly bites make the perfect family snack or lunchbox filler, and they’re easy to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil spray or a small amount of oil (for baking or frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, combine tuna, shredded cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop out small portions and shape into nugget-sized pieces with your hands.
- Roll each nugget in extra breadcrumbs to coat.
- Place nuggets on a greased baking sheet or cook in a heated skillet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy texture.
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or a cheese blend for variation.
- These nuggets freeze well—make a double batch and reheat as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 nuggets
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cheesy tuna nuggets, family snack, tuna recipes, kid-friendly, easy lunch ideas