Home cooked comfort is what the best classic tuna noodle casserole is all about, and this one tastes even better thanks to pantry staples and a super simple from scratch sauce.
In this recipe, there’s no canned soup used. Instead, a homemade sauce is made from scratch, which makes the casserole more luscious and silky.
Sliced olives add a pickled spunk to each bite, and the crunchy bread crumb topping perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy noodles.
The recipe combines elements from the author’s mother’s recipe and a recipe from a famous restaurant chef, resulting in a mix and match affair that creates a delicious and easy homemade tuna noodle casserole.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade sauce elevates the taste and texture of the tuna casserole.
- Sliced olives add a unique tangy flavor to the dish.
- The crunchy bread crumb topping adds a delightful contrast to the creamy noodles.
- The recipe combines family tradition with a touch of gourmet flair.
- This gourmet tuna casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish.
What’s in Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you’re craving a classic tuna casserole for dinner, this homemade recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with delicious flavors and gourmet ideas, it’s a comforting dish that will satisfy your taste buds.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this gourmet tuna noodle casserole so special:
- Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux for the cream sauce.
- Shallots or onion: Provides aromatic notes.
- Bay leaves: Imparts a subtle herbal fragrance.
- Cold milk: Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall seasoning.
- Nutmeg: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
- Egg noodles: The perfect pasta choice for this casserole.
- Canned tuna: Offers protein and a delicious seafood taste.
- Grated provolone or other white melty cheese: Provides a creamy and cheesy texture.
- Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Sliced green olives with pimentos: Offers a tangy and briny element.
- Panko bread crumbs: Creates a crunchy and golden topping.
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances the overall cheesiness.
- Parsley: Provides a fresh and aromatic garnish.
This gourmet tuna noodle casserole recipe takes a twist by replacing the canned soup commonly used in classic tuna casseroles with a homemade béchamel cream sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
The combination of these high-quality ingredients elevates the flavors and creates a truly gourmet experience for your taste buds.
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 3 tablespoons |
All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
Shallots or onion | 1/4 cup, minced |
Bay leaves | 2 |
Cold milk | 2 cups |
Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Egg noodles | 8 ounces |
Canned tuna | 2 cans (5 ounces each) |
Grated provolone or other white melty cheese | 1 cup |
Frozen peas | 1 cup |
Sliced green olives with pimentos | 1/2 cup |
Kosher salt | To taste |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Panko bread crumbs | 1 cup |
Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Parsley | For garnish |
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole From Scratch
To make this gourmet tuna noodle casserole from scratch, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to create a delicious and comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Shallots or onion
- Bay leaves
- Cold milk
- Kosher salt
- Nutmeg
- Egg noodles
- Canned tuna
- Grated provolone or other white melty cheese
- Frozen peas
- Sliced green olives with pimentos
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Panko bread crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook, stirring continuously, to create a roux.
- Add shallots or onion and bay leaves, and cook until translucent.
- Slowly pour in cold milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add kosher salt and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce until thickened, then remove the bay leaves.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained noodles, béchamel cream sauce, canned tuna, grated cheese, frozen peas, sliced olives, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly and warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade gourmet tuna noodle casserole. This easy recipe will surely become a family favorite and impress anyone you serve it to. Bon appétit!
What Type of Tuna is Best for Tuna Casserole
The success of a gourmet tuna casserole lies in selecting the best quality canned tuna for the recipe.
To achieve the most flavorful and satisfying results, it is recommended to use big chunks of flaky white tuna and opt for the highest quality available.
The choice between tuna packed in water or oil will also impact the final texture and taste of the casserole.
If you prefer a drier texture, using tuna packed in water is the way to go. On the other hand, if you desire a creamier bite, selecting tuna packed in oil will provide the desired richness.
Whichever option you choose, ensure that you drain the tuna well before incorporating it into the casserole.
Additionally, gently breaking up the tuna will prevent it from completely disappearing into the luscious sauce, allowing you to savor the distinct taste and texture of the tuna in every bite.
Tuna Casserole Recipe
The classic tuna casserole recipe is a must-have in every home cook’s repertoire. This delicious tuna casserole combines creamy noodles, savory tuna, and a crunchy bread crumb topping for the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
To make the best tuna casserole recipe, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Start by assembling the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked egg noodles, homemade sauce, canned tuna, grated cheese, frozen peas, sliced olives, salt, and pepper. Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to dish up.
This classic tuna casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
The creamy noodles, cheesy filling, and crispy topping create a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. Serve it on its own or with a side of green salad for a complete meal.
FAQ
What is the key to a gourmet tuna casserole?
The key to a gourmet tuna casserole is making a homemade sauce from scratch, using ingredients such as butter, flour, and milk, instead of using canned soup.
What are the main ingredients in a tuna noodle casserole?
The main ingredients in a tuna noodle casserole are egg noodles, canned tuna, grated cheese, frozen peas, sliced olives, and a homemade béchamel cream sauce.
How do I make tuna noodle casserole from scratch?
To make tuna noodle casserole from scratch, you start by making a roux with butter and flour, then add shallots or onion, bay leaves, cold milk, kosher salt, and nutmeg to create a homemade béchamel cream sauce.
Combine the drained noodles with the sauce, canned tuna, grated cheese, frozen peas, sliced olives, salt, and pepper, and bake in a preheated oven.
What type of tuna is best for tuna casserole?
The best type of tuna for tuna casserole is big chunks of flaky white tuna. It is recommended to choose the highest quality tuna available and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
What is the recipe for tuna casserole?
The recipe for tuna casserole involves combining cooked egg noodles with a homemade béchamel cream sauce, canned tuna, grated cheese, frozen peas, and sliced olives.
Top the mixture with a bread crumb and parmesan cheese topping and bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
What makes this gourmet tuna casserole special?
This gourmet tuna casserole is special because it uses a homemade sauce instead of canned soup and incorporates unique ingredients such as sliced olives.
It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a classic tuna casserole with a more refined twist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this gourmet tuna casserole recipe is the perfect choice for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner.
By making a homemade sauce from scratch, you can elevate the classic tuna casserole to a gourmet level, bringing comfort and flavor to your table.
The addition of unique ingredients like sliced olives adds a pickled spunk that takes this dish to new heights.
Whether you’re looking for gourmet casserole ideas or simply want to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal, this gourmet tuna casserole fits the bill.
It combines the nostalgic flavors of the traditional dish with a more refined twist, making it an excellent option for any occasion.
Next time you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dinner, give this gourmet tuna casserole recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!