The Creamiest Cheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe Everyone Will Love

Culinary magic happens when classic seafood meets creamy, cheesy tuna mornay comfort.

Childhood memories flood back with this nostalgic dish that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Tender fish pieces nestle perfectly in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers pure indulgence.

Pantry staples dance together, creating a symphony of flavors sure to delight.

Generations have savored this simple yet sophisticated meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Comfort and elegance merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe you won’t be able to resist.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

How to Keep Tuna Mornay Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Sprinkle few drops of milk to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is a mornay sauce?

A creamy white sauce made with milk, butter, flour, and cheese, typically used in baked dishes to add rich, smooth flavor and texture.

• Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute tuna with canned salmon, shredded cooked white fish, or even canned chicken for a similar protein-packed meal.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy sauce, pasta, and mild tuna make this a great option for children who enjoy comfort food with good nutritional value.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, reduce cheese quantity, add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and use whole grain breadcrumbs for added nutrition.

What Makes Cheesy Tuna Mornay So Good

• Whip Up Comfort: A delightful one-pot meal that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness perfect for satisfying hunger pangs.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing simple ingredient swaps like different pasta shapes, fish types, or adding extra vegetables for personalized flair.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved dish that sneaks in protein from tuna and nutritious peas while delivering creamy, cheesy flavors everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple cooking steps and minimal ingredients make this a stress-free meal solution for busy households craving something delicious and filling.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Tuna Mornay

• Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that provides a delicious and hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Pasta: The perfect foundation that holds the creamy sauce and adds satisfying texture to the dish.
• Peas: A sweet and nutritious vegetable that brings color and additional nutrients to the recipe.

• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and creates a luxurious, melty texture.
• Butter: Provides a rich foundation for the roux and enhances overall flavor.

• Breadcrumbs, Extra Cheese: Provides a crispy, golden topping that adds crunch and extra cheesy flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

How to Prepare Cheesy Tuna Mornay Dish

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180C (350F) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create A Buttery Base

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk until you’ve got a silky smooth paste that looks like culinary gold.

Step 3: Pour And Thicken The Creamy Goodness

Slowly stream in milk while whisking constantly.

Keep stirring until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 4: Melt The Cheese Magic

Drop in cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a dreamy, velvety sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Combine The Delicious Players

• Cooked pasta
• Flaky tuna
• Sweet green peas

Pour your heavenly cheese sauce over the mix and give everything a good stir.

Step 6: Add The Crunchy Crown

• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Extra cheese shreds

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it sizzle for 20-25 minutes until it turns golden and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Serve And Devour

Pull out your masterpiece and serve piping hot.

Get ready for ultimate comfort food bliss!

Key Tips for Tuna Mornay Success

• Choose short pasta like shells or elbow macaroni to catch more cheese sauce and create better texture.
• Use high-quality canned tuna in springwater for lighter, fresher flavor that doesn't overpower the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or parmesan for added depth and complexity.
• Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or roasted cauliflower to increase nutritional value and create more interesting flavor profile.

Tuna Mornay Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Protein Power Swap: Substitute tuna with canned salmon, shredded chicken, or white beans for different protein options. Each alternative brings unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly casserole.
• Low-Carb Solution: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce breadcrumbs or use crushed almond flour for a lower-carbohydrate meal that's still creamy and satisfying.

What Goes Best With Tuna Mornay Dish

• Ocean Melody Plating: Serve this creamy tuna mornay over a bed of fresh crisp green salad with lemon wedges, creating a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Comfort Corner Companion: Pair the mornay with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious cheese sauce, making each bite even more satisfying and indulgent.
• Family Style Feast: Transform this recipe into a complete meal by adding roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini on the side, boosting nutrition and adding colorful variety to the plate.
• Protein Power Twist: Top the baked mornay with toasted sliced almonds or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of crunch and enhanced flavor profile that will delight dinner guests.

Cheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy tuna mornay recipe delights with creamy Australian comfort cooking. Seafood and cheese blend seamlessly, delivering rich flavors you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (185 grams) tuna in spring water, drained
• 2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni or penne)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Vegetable:

• 1/4 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 180°C, preparing a welcoming environment for your creamy casserole.
2. Create a silky roux by melting butter in a saucepan, then gently incorporating flour until a smooth paste forms.
3. Introduce milk gradually, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, thick sauce.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then fold in cheddar cheese until it melts into a velvety consistency.
5. In a baking dish, unite cooked pasta, flaked tuna, and sweet green peas, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cascade the cheese sauce over the mixture, gently stirring to coat every morsel with creamy goodness.
7. Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs and additional cheese, creating a golden, crispy topping.
8. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors meld and intensity build.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium tuna to control salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
• Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
• Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling to enhance their crunch and add a deeper, nuttier flavor to the dish’s topping.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the flavor profile and introduce a fresh, aromatic element to the creamy casserole.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 423 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg