Cheesy Salmon Patties: A Crispy, Savory Step-by-Step Recipe

Cheesy Salmon Patties are golden, crispy fish cakes made with tender salmon, melted cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and simple seasonings. They are crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and easy to prepare with either canned salmon or freshly cooked salmon.

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, meal prep, or even as an appetizer. The cheese adds richness and helps make the patties more satisfying, while the salmon gives them a hearty, savory flavor. Serve them with salad, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a creamy dipping sauce.

What Makes Cheesy Salmon Patties Special?

Classic salmon patties are already delicious, but adding cheese gives them a softer center and a deeper flavor. Cheddar gives a bold, sharp taste. Mozzarella makes them slightly stretchy. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.

The best salmon patties should hold together well, brown nicely in the pan, and stay moist inside. The key is balancing the salmon, binder, crumbs, and cheese so the patties are firm enough to cook but not dry.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Patties

• 2 cans salmon, drained, or about 2 cups cooked flaked salmon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying
• 1 tablespoon butter, optional

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped green onions
• Diced bell pepper
• Chili flakes
• Old Bay seasoning
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh dill
• A little hot sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

If you are using canned salmon, drain it very well. Place it in a bowl and gently break it apart with a fork.

Check for bones or skin if you prefer a smoother texture. Some canned salmon contains soft edible bones, which are safe to eat, but you can remove them if you do not like the texture.

If you are using fresh salmon, cook it first by baking, steaming, or pan-searing it. Let it cool, then flake it into small pieces.

The salmon should be moist but not watery. Too much liquid can make the patties fall apart.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the flaked salmon, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, chopped onion, and parsley.

Mix gently until everything is combined.

The egg helps bind the patties, while mayonnaise keeps them moist. Mustard and lemon juice add brightness and balance the richness of the cheese.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese to the salmon mixture.

Then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.

Mix again gently. Avoid overmixing because salmon can become too mashed and lose its nice flaky texture.

The mixture should look moist, thick, and easy to shape.

Step 4: Add Breadcrumbs

Add the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers a little at a time.

Start with ½ cup and mix gently. If the mixture feels too soft or wet, add one or two extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs.

The breadcrumbs absorb moisture and help the patties hold their shape while cooking.

Do not add too many breadcrumbs, or the patties may become dry and heavy.

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