Crispy Tuna Delights: Oregon's Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls Recipe for Snack Lovers

Photo byfamily cook recipes

In Oregon, where comfort food and fresh ingredients go hand in hand, there's always a desire to create meals that are hearty, simple, and bursting with flavor. Enter Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls, a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of a classic tuna melt with the fun, bite-sized appeal of a snack ball. These crispy little wonders are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a snack on game day.

Oregon’s food scene is known for its commitment to fresh ingredients, and while tuna might not be native to the state, the addition of fresh parsley and tangy lemon zest brings out the Pacific Northwest's love for bright, bold flavors. Frying them until golden brown gives them a crispy exterior, while the cheesy, tuna-packed inside stays soft and flavorful. Whether served hot with marinara or cold with ketchup, these Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls are sure to be a hit at any table.

Recipe: Oregon-Style Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls

Ingredients:

• 4 cans of tuna in water, drained
• 1 1/4 cups bread crumbs, divided
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup mayo

For Frying:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prep the Tuna: Start by opening the cans of tuna and draining the water. Scoop the tuna into a colander and let it sit for a few minutes to drain thoroughly.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon zest, parsley, 2 beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayo. Stir with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Form the Balls: Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop a portion of the tuna mixture and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in the remaining 1 cup of bread crumbs until evenly coated. Place the tuna balls on a cutting board and repeat with the rest of the mixture.
4. Chill: Place the tuna balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape while frying.
5. Fry the Tuna Balls: Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the tuna balls. Heat the oil to 375°F. Once the oil is ready, carefully add the tuna balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Use forks or chopsticks to rotate them for even cooking.
6. Drain and Serve: Once fried, place the golden-brown tuna balls on a cutting board lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve them hot or cold with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ketchup.

The Oregon Spin

What makes these Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls distinctly Oregonian is the focus on fresh herbs like parsley and the optional zing of lemon zest, bringing a brightness to the dish that complements the creamy, savory tuna and cheddar cheese. Frying them to crispy perfection gives them that classic comfort-food appeal, but they’re just as enjoyable cold for a picnic or as leftovers.

With their crunchy exterior and cheesy interior, these little bites are perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a family dinner, a game day snack, or even just a quick treat, Oregon's Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls will leave everyone coming back for more.

Here are some sources you can use for the Cheesy Tuna Melt Balls recipe

For making crispy and cheesy tuna melt balls, several recipes provide excellent methods to achieve that crunchy outside and cheesy, flavorful inside.

A popular recipe suggests combining canned tuna, bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, eggs, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. After forming the mixture into balls, they're coated in bread crumbs, refrigerated to hold their shape, and then fried until golden brown. Some variations recommend baking the balls at 400°F for a lighter version​(The Protein Chef)​(Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons).

For a healthier twist, another version involves baking the tuna balls, using almond flour for a gluten-free option. These balls are baked until crispy, making them lower in carbs​(Beauty and the Foodie).

If you're looking to freeze them for future meals, it's best to coat and freeze the balls before frying or baking. This way, they maintain their shape and crispiness when cooked later​(Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons).

To explore more about these delicious recipes, check out sources like The Protein Chef and Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons​(The Protein Chef)​(Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons).