Kamil Perry
Tuna casserole is a classic, comforting, and versatile dish that's easy to make and can be customized to your taste. It's a nostalgic recipe that many adults remember fondly from their childhood. The best cheese for a tuna casserole depends on personal preference, but popular options include cheddar, shredded cheese, and cream cheese. This creamy, cheesy dish is often made with egg noodles, canned tuna, and a variety of vegetables, such as peas, celery, and mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, shredded cheese |
| Amount of Cheese | 4 oz, 8 oz, 1.5 cups |
| Tuna Casserole Dish Type | Nostalgic, family meal, weeknight meal, comfort food |
| Tuna Casserole Dish Characteristics | Filling, creamy, crunchy, bubbly, easy to make, customisable, affordable |
| Tuna Casserole Dish Ingredients | Tuna, egg noodles, macaroni, breadcrumbs, milk, chicken broth, vegetables (peas, corn, carrots, mushrooms, onions), seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is a good option
Tuna casserole is a classic, comforting, and versatile dish that is easy to make and can be adapted to suit your tastes. It is a great option for a quick weeknight meal, and you can use whatever you have in your pantry.
When making a tuna casserole with cheddar cheese, you can use a variety of pasta shapes, such as egg noodles, macaroni, spaghetti, or shells. You can also add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, celery, and onions, as well as seasonings like paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
To prepare the tuna casserole, cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions and drain. In a separate saucepan, cook the onions, garlic, and flour in butter until translucent. Add the milk, chicken broth, and seasonings, whisking until smooth, and bring to a simmer. Combine the cooked pasta, tuna, and sauce in a baking dish, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden, and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
With its mild flavor and melting texture, cheddar cheese is an excellent choice for tuna casserole, creating a comforting and nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy.
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Use shredded cheese
Shredded cheese is a great option for a tuna casserole as it melts easily and creates a creamy texture. Here are some tips and instructions for using shredded cheese in your tuna casserole:
Choosing the Right Cheese
For the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to use freshly shredded cheese from a block. Cheddar is a popular choice for tuna casseroles, as its mild and creamy flavour pairs well with the other ingredients. You can use either regular or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference.
Amount of Cheese
The amount of cheese you use will depend on your personal preference and the size of your casserole. A good starting point is to use 4 ounces of shredded cheese for the mixture and sprinkle an additional 4 ounces on top. You can adjust the amount based on how cheesy you like your casserole.
Adding the Cheese
To incorporate the cheese into your tuna casserole, first prepare your other ingredients. Cook your pasta according to the package directions for al dente, and set it aside. In a saucepan, cook diced onions in butter until they are translucent. Add garlic and flour, whisking to combine, and cook for another minute. Then, add milk and chicken broth, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
Once your sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in your shredded cheese. Make sure to stir well to ensure the cheese melts and combines with the sauce. At this point, you can also add in your tuna, peas, and any other vegetables or seasonings you desire.
Baking the Casserole
After mixing all your ingredients, it's time to bake your casserole. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish and pour your mixture into it. You can top your casserole with additional shredded cheese, as well as breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or French fried onions for some extra crunch. Bake for around 25 to 40 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook. Your casserole is ready when it's golden and bubbly!
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Try a mild, homemade sauce
Tuna casserole is a classic, comforting, and nostalgic dish that is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight meal. While there are many variations, a typical tuna casserole consists of tuna, pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked together with a crunchy topping.
The sauce is a key component of a tuna casserole, providing moisture and flavour to the dish. While some recipes call for canned soup as a convenient shortcut, making a mild, homemade sauce from scratch is a great way to elevate this simple dish and ensure a creamy, delicious result.
A basic sauce for a tuna casserole can be made by creating a roux—a mixture of butter and flour—which is then combined with milk to form a béchamel sauce. This sauce can be seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and other herbs and spices to add depth of flavour. For a savoury kick, a few teaspoons of hot sauce or a dash of Cajun seasoning can be added.
To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and flour, cooking for a further minute. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season the sauce to taste with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs and spices.
This mild, homemade sauce can then be combined with cooked pasta, flaked tuna, and vegetables such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms. The mixture is baked in the oven until bubbly and golden, creating a comforting and nostalgic tuna casserole with a creamy, delicious sauce.
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Add cheese to the topping
Adding cheese to the topping of your tuna casserole can take this classic comfort food to the next level. The cheese will melt into the other ingredients, creating a bubbly, golden, and delicious dish.
There are a few different types of cheese that work well in a tuna casserole. Cheddar is a popular option, as it has a mild flavour and melts well. You can use either shredded or sliced cheddar, depending on your preference. Another option is to use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, to add extra flavour and creaminess. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you could try using a cream cheese or a soft cheese spread on top of the casserole before baking.
When it comes to how much cheese to use, it's really up to your personal preference. Some people like to sprinkle just a light layer of cheese on top, while others prefer to really pile it on. As a general guideline, using around 4-8 ounces (110-225 grams) of cheese should be enough to cover the top of the casserole and provide a good amount of flavour.
In addition to the type and amount of cheese, there are also a few other things to consider when adding cheese to the topping of your tuna casserole. One is the order in which you add the cheese. Some recipes call for the cheese to be mixed into the casserole before baking, while others suggest sprinkling it on top towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking. Another consideration is whether to use fresh or pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese from a block will typically melt better and create a creamier texture, but pre-shredded cheese can be a convenient option if you're short on time.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and combinations to find your favourite. Tuna casserole is a versatile dish that can accommodate a variety of flavours, so you can let your creativity shine!
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Use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version
Tuna casserole is a classic, comforting, and versatile dish. It's an easy and affordable meal that can be made ahead of time and customized to your taste. The recipe typically includes flaky tuna, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, baked with a crunchy topping.
To make a lighter version of this dish, opt for reduced-fat cheese. You can use shredded cheddar cheese, which is a popular choice for tuna casserole, and look for a reduced-fat option. Reduced-fat cheese will have a similar melting and creamy texture to its full-fat counterpart, so you won't be compromising on taste or texture.
When making a tuna casserole with reduced-fat cheese, you can follow the same steps as any other recipe. Simply substitute the regular cheese with the reduced-fat version. You can also make other healthy swaps, such as using skim or 2% milk instead of whole milk. Additionally, consider adding extra vegetables to boost the nutritional content and bulk up the dish. Broccoli, mushrooms, onions, and peas are all great options to include.
By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy a lighter version of the classic tuna casserole without sacrificing flavour. Reduced-fat cheese will still provide the creamy texture and savoury taste that makes the dish so comforting and nostalgic. So, get creative and experiment with ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice for a tuna casserole, but you can use any cheese that melts well, like Swiss cheese or mozzarella.
It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself from a block of cheese for the best melting and creamy texture.
The amount of cheese used depends on the size of your casserole. For a 2-quart casserole dish, 4 oz of cheese can be used, while a 9x13-inch baking dish can use 8 oz of cheese.
The cheese is usually added to the tuna casserole mixture before baking. However, some recipes call for cheese to be sprinkled on top of the casserole before baking for a crispy, cheesy topping.
Yes, tuna casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
