3-Ingredient Baked Tuna Sticks

Name: 3-Ingredient Baked Tuna Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 large egg; Tartar sauce, for serving; Lemon wedges, for serving

These 3-ingredient baked tuna sticks combine drained canned tuna, shredded cheddar, and egg into golden-baked sticks. They're ready in under 20 minutes and require no breading or deep frying.

🌍American 🏷️Tuna 🏷️Fish sticks 🏷️Cheddar 🏷️Baked Easy-recipe

🏷️

🏷️Quick-meal

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large egg
Tartar sauce, for servingoptional
Lemon wedges, for servingoptional

5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, and egg. Mix with a fork until well combined.
3
Shape the mixture into sticks, about 3-4 inches long, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
4
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5
Serve warm with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Drain the canned tuna thoroughly—excess liquid will make the mixture soggy and prevent proper binding.
Refrigerate the shaped sticks for 15–30 minutes before baking to help them hold their form and develop crispy edges.
Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking; no oil is needed since the egg and cheese provide enough fat.

Substitutions

Cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack or Gruyère (milder or nuttier flavor)
Large egg → 2 tablespoons mayo (for binding without changing the flavor profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warm through.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Canned tuna is essential here for convenience and moisture balance. Fresh tuna will be too lean and won't bind properly without additional ingredients.

How do I prevent the sticks from falling apart?

Make sure the tuna is well-drained and the mixture is firmly packed before shaping. Chilling for 15–30 minutes before baking helps them hold together.

What temperature should I bake them at?

Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Check for firmness by gently pressing the top.

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yes. Shape them, freeze on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.