Cheese And Tuna: The Perfect Casserole Combination

Tuna casserole is a classic American dish that is both comforting and reliable. It is usually made with canned tuna, pasta, and a creamy sauce. While some recipes call for canned soup, others suggest making a sauce from scratch. The dish is often topped with a crunchy topping, such as breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips.

When it comes to cheese, there are a variety of options that can be used in tuna casserole. Some recipes call for shredded cheddar cheese, while others suggest Velveeta, Colby Jack, or Gruyere. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired level of creaminess and flavour.

What type of cheese goes well with tuna casserole?

Tuna casserole is a classic American dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is a comforting and reliable dish that is also budget-friendly. While some people prefer their tuna casserole without cheese, others enjoy adding a cup or two of shredded cheese to the dish.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tuna casserole. It has a sharp and creamy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish. It can be used as a topping, mixed into the casserole, or both.

Velveeta Cheese

Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product that is often used in tuna casserole. It has a creamy texture and a mild flavour, which makes it a good choice for those who are not big fans of strong-tasting cheese.

Gruyere or Monterey Jack Cheese

These two types of cheese are great alternatives to cheddar cheese. They have a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of the tuna casserole.

Cream Cheese

For an extra creamy and rich tuna casserole, cream cheese can be used. It has a mild flavour and a soft, spreadable texture that can add a decadent touch to the dish.

Other Cheeses

Other types of cheese that can be used in tuna casserole include mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese. You can also use a blend of different cheeses to create a unique flavour profile.

When choosing the type of cheese to use in your tuna casserole, consider your personal preference for taste and texture. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find the perfect blend for your taste buds.

Can you make tuna casserole without cheese?

Tuna casserole is a classic, comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. While it typically includes cheese, you can absolutely make this meal without it.

The standard ingredients in a tuna casserole are tuna, egg noodles, and a creamy soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Some recipes also include vegetables like peas, celery, onion, or carrots, and many are topped with potato chips or breadcrumbs for added texture.

Cheese is a common addition to tuna casserole, with cheddar, parmesan, and Velveeta being popular choices. However, some people prefer to leave it out. Joanna Cismaru, the recipe developer behind Jo Cooks, writes that she does not add cheese to her tuna noodle casserole, noting that the combination of tuna and cheese doesn't sit well with her. She does, however, enjoy tuna melts, showing that it's not the tuna itself that's the problem.

If you're looking to make a tuna casserole without cheese, simply omit it from the recipe. You can also get creative and experiment with other ingredients to add flavour and creaminess to the dish. For example, you could try adding extra vegetables, using a different type of soup, or including spices and herbs to boost the flavour.

So, whether you're a cheese lover or not, don't be afraid to give tuna casserole a try. It's a versatile dish that can be customised to your tastes, and it might just become your new weeknight staple!

How do you make a creamy tuna casserole?

How to Make a Creamy Tuna Casserole

Ingredients

Most tuna casseroles include tuna (canned or cooked and shredded), cream of mushroom soup, cooked pasta, and cheese. You can also add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or celery, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs.

Method

First, preheat your oven to around 350°F. Boil your pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients, including the pasta, and stir. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover. Place in the oven and bake for around 50 minutes, removing the cover for the last 30 minutes.

Tips

• If you want to add cheese to your tuna casserole, cheddar is a good option.
• You can also top your casserole with crushed potato chips for extra crunch.
• To prevent your tuna casserole from drying out, only bake it long enough to warm everything through and crisp the top.
• You can freeze tuna casserole before or after cooking. If freezing before, wrap it tightly and thaw completely before placing in the oven. If freezing after, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

What are some good side dishes to serve with tuna casserole?

Tuna casserole is a classic American dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is a comforting and reliable dish that is also budget-friendly. While tuna casserole is a tasty dish on its own, you can serve it with a variety of side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are some side dish suggestions to serve with your tuna casserole:

• Salads: A light and refreshing salad can complement the richness of the tuna casserole. Try a wedge salad or a strawberry spinach salad.
• Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or zucchini are great choices to pair with the tuna casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, toasty garlic bread goes well with the tuna casserole and can help mop up any extra sauce.
• Crackers or Chips: If you want to stick to the classic, nostalgic theme, serve some crackers or chips on the side. This can include cheese crackers or even potato chips, which can also be used as a topping for the casserole.
• Pasta: If you want to double down on the carbs, a simple pasta dish like macaroni or spaghetti can be served on the side.
• Rice: For another carbohydrate option, a bowl of steamed rice can be a great side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you want something heartier, try roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or cauliflower.
• Soups: A warm bowl of soup can be a comforting companion to the tuna casserole. Opt for something light and brothy, like a vegetable or chicken soup.

How do you prevent tuna casserole from drying out?

Tuna casserole is a classic American dish that is usually made with canned tuna, pasta, and a creamy sauce. It is a comforting and reliable dish that is perfect for busy weeknights and easy on the budget. However, one common issue with tuna casserole is that it can sometimes turn out dry. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent your tuna casserole from drying out:

Don't Overbake:

The main reason tuna casserole dries out is that it is baked for too long. Since all the ingredients are already cooked, the purpose of baking is just to warm everything through and crisp up the topping. Therefore, it is important not to overbake the casserole. In most recipes, the baking time is around 30 minutes, but this may vary depending on your oven and the size of your casserole dish. Keep an eye on your casserole and use a timer to avoid overbaking.

Add Milk or Other Liquids:

Adding a bit of milk or other liquids to the casserole mixture can help keep it moist. In some recipes, milk is added to the sauce to prevent the casserole from drying out. You can also try adding a bit of extra broth, cream, or even mayonnaise to the sauce to ensure it stays nice and creamy.

Properly Cook the Pasta:

Undercooked pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the casserole bakes, which can lead to a dry final product. On the other hand, overcooked pasta will turn mushy. Therefore, it is important to cook the pasta al dente, according to the package instructions, before adding it to the casserole.

Cover the Casserole:

If your tuna casserole is drying out, you can try covering it with aluminium foil while baking. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly. However, if you are adding a crunchy topping like potato chips or breadcrumbs, you may need to leave it uncovered so they don't get soggy.

Freeze Before Baking:

If you are making the tuna casserole ahead of time, consider freezing it before baking. That way, you can bake it straight from the freezer, reducing the risk of overcooking. Make sure to wrap it tightly and thaw it completely before placing it in the oven.

Add More Sauce:

If your tuna casserole tends to be dry, try increasing the amount of sauce. You can add more broth, milk, or cream to the sauce to make it extra creamy. Alternatively, you can add a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to boost the sauce and add flavour.

Use Canned Tuna in Oil:

Using canned tuna packed in oil instead of water can help add moisture to your casserole. The oil will mix with the other ingredients and help keep everything moist. Just make sure to drain the tuna before adding it to the casserole so that your dish isn't too greasy.

Add Vegetables:

Including vegetables like peas, carrots, or mixed veggies can also help add moisture to your tuna casserole. Frozen vegetables tend to have more moisture than canned, so they may be a better option. You can also try adding sautéed mushrooms or onions to boost the flavour and moisture content.

Broil with Caution:

If you are broiling your tuna casserole to brown the topping, be very careful not to overdo it. Broiling can quickly take your crust from golden to burnt. Stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on your casserole while broiling.

Use a Moisture-Retaining Pasta:

Finally, consider using a type of pasta that retains moisture better. For example, egg noodles or pasta made with whole wheat flour tend to hold onto moisture more effectively than regular white pasta. This can help prevent your tuna casserole from drying out.

Frequently asked questions