Cheese And Tuna: The Perfect Melty Combination

Tuna casserole is a classic American dish that is a total comfort food. It is usually made with canned tuna, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, which is then baked. The dish dates back to the 1950s when casseroles were a popular dinner item. While there are many variations of the recipe, a common question arises: what type of cheese is best suited for a tuna casserole?

Cheddar cheese

Tuna Casserole with Cheddar Cheese

Ingredients

For a simple tuna and cheddar cheese casserole, you will need:

• Pasta (macaroni, shells, egg noodles, or any other type)
• Canned tuna
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Vegetables (peas, mixed vegetables, or any other type)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

First, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, and canned tuna. You can also add in some milk if you want to keep the mixture moist. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and mix everything together.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Bake the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Variations

You can also add some breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top of the casserole for a crispy texture. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of pasta, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a typical serving of tuna casserole with cheddar cheese may contain around 190-323 total carbohydrates, 19 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat.

Parmesan cheese

One recipe suggests making a creamy white sauce by melting butter in a pan, then whisking in flour, chicken broth, and milk. You can then add lemon juice, salt, dill, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese to taste. This sauce can be mixed with cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and tuna before being baked in the oven.

Another recipe recommends stirring together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and milk to create a rich, thick, and creamy sauce. This sauce is then tossed with cooked egg noodles, tuna, and vegetables, and baked in the oven with a buttery breadcrumb topping.

For a crunchy topping, you can mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs or use it alone for a cheesy, crispy top layer. You can also experiment with mixing in dried herbs like Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano for added flavour.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, one person with a dairy allergy suggests using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to get a similar cheesy flavour.

Mozzarella

When making a tuna casserole with mozzarella, you can choose to use it as the only cheese in the recipe, or you can combine it with other cheeses such as cheddar or Parmesan. For example, you could make a creamy sauce by stirring together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and milk, and then combining this with cooked egg noodles, tuna, and vegetables, before topping with mozzarella. Alternatively, you could use mozzarella as one of the cheeses in a tuna casserole that combines the cheeses with the tuna and vegetables before baking.

Provolone

For a tuna casserole, you can use provolone on its own or in combination with other cheeses. One option is to mix shredded mozzarella and provolone at a ratio of 3:1 and add some sharp cheddar cheese. This blend will add a lot to the dish.

Another option is to make a tuna casserole with a crunchy topping. You can use a combination of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and parsley, or try crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions.

If you want to make a tuna casserole from scratch, you can make a béchamel sauce with butter, flour, milk, and nutmeg, and then add the tuna, provolone, peas, and olives. This type of casserole has a creamy centre with a crunchy topping.

Swiss cheese

A Swiss cheese tuna casserole is a great way to elevate a classic, comforting meal. The saltiness of the Swiss cheese pairs well with the savoury, creamy sauce and the sweetness of the tuna. It is a good option for those who want to try something a little different with their tuna casserole, without straying too far from the traditional.

When making a Swiss cheese tuna casserole, it is important to consider the other ingredients used. Some recipes call for canned or packaged tuna, while others suggest using fresh, flaky tuna. The type of pasta used can also vary, with some recipes using egg noodles, spaghetti, or other types of pasta. Some recipes also include vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, and onions, which can add texture and flavour to the dish.

One recipe for a Swiss cheese tuna casserole includes the following ingredients:

• Pasta of your choice
• Butter or margarine
• Onion, diced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Worcestershire sauce
• Albacore tuna packed in water
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• French fried onions
• Hard-boiled eggs, diced
• Swiss cheese slices

To prepare the casserole, start by sautéing the mushrooms and onions in butter over medium heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce and cook until done. In a separate pan, prepare the pasta according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook it. In the same pan as the mushrooms and onions, add the tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and milk, and stir over low heat until smooth.

Combine the pasta with the tuna mixture, and add the diced hard-boiled eggs and peas. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with Swiss cheese slices. Bake in the oven until bubbly and melted. For an extra touch, top the casserole with French fried onions and return to the oven until browned.

A Swiss cheese tuna casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that can be easily prepared and customised to your taste. It is a great option for those looking for a salty, savoury, and slightly richer twist on the traditional tuna casserole.

Frequently asked questions