If you’re craving a comforting yet surprisingly vibrant dish, look no further than this Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of flaky tuna, creamy cheesy sauce, and tender veggies all baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish promises a delightful balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures that come together effortlessly to brighten up the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe lies in how simple, staple ingredients can transform into something truly spectacular. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and a bit of crunch that keeps every bite exciting.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Essential for starting the roux and adding richness to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Creates a lush base for the cheesy mornay sauce.
- Grated cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings bold, tangy flavor and melty body to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty depth that enhances the dish.
- Canned tuna (5 oz), drained and flaked: The star protein that’s tender and flavorful.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup), thawed: Pops of sweetness and color to brighten the dish.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup), chopped (or frozen and thawed): Earthy greens that add freshness and nutrition.
- Onion (1/4 cup), finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic cloves (2), minced: Gives a fragrant kick that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 tsp, optional): A little tangy zing to elevate the flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Creates a crisp, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Drizzled over breadcrumbs to ensure they bake up crunchy and flavorful.
How to Make Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This simple step sets the stage for an evenly cooked and non-stick final dish, ensuring every cheesy bite can be easily served.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their aroma. This base forms the flavorful backbone of your sauce, infusing richness and depth early on.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir well, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. This roux is the magic thickening agent, transforming your sauce into that smooth, velvety mornay everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Milk and Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the milk slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This creamy foundation is where the real comfort lies, ready to envelop all your ingredients in luscious goodness.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the sauce from the heat and fold in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and silky. Add the Dijon mustard if you’re using it, along with salt and pepper to taste. This step turns the sauce into a cheesy delight with subtle layers of sharpness and warmth.
Step 6: Incorporate Tuna and Vegetables
Gently fold the flaked tuna, thawed peas, and chopped spinach into the creamy sauce. The tuna offers a hearty, flaky texture; peas add sweet bursts, and spinach brings fresh earthiness, creating a perfectly balanced filling for your mornay.
Step 7: Assemble and Add Topping
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top. The olive oil ensures the breadcrumbs bake to a golden, crunchy crust that makes every mouthful irresistible.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness. After baking, allow it to cool slightly for the flavors to settle and to make it easier to serve.
How to Serve Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and subtle herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. If you want to elevate it further, a light dusting of extra Parmesan before serving can add an extra hit of savory cheese.
Side Dishes
This Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp steamed green beans, a simple fresh salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or even a serving of fluffy rice. These sides keep your meal balanced and complement the richness of the mornay without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tuna mornay in individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. Alternatively, try layering it over toasted baguette slices for a warm, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. You can also scoop it into warm tortillas with a dollop of sour cream for a unique fusion-style dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the dish cools completely, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This ensures the flavors stay fresh, and you can enjoy a delicious second helping with minimal effort the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or freezing it in a sealed, freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. If refrigerated, simply pop it into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crumb topping crispy and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna in water instead of oil?
Absolutely! Whether you choose tuna packed in oil or water, both work perfectly in this recipe. Tuna in oil might add a touch more richness, but draining well will keep the sauce from becoming oily.
Can I substitute the cheeses used in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap cheddar or Parmesan with other melty, flavorful cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the unique sharpness of Parmesan elevates the classic mornay flavor beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the tuna and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. The mornay sauce remains delicious and will coat the veggies wonderfully.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the cheese sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, gently rewarm it on the stove, stirring to smooth it out before mixing in the tuna and veggies.
What makes this Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe different from a traditional version?
What sets this recipe apart is the addition of spinach and peas, plus the option of Dijon mustard, which all combine with the classic mornay components to create a dish that’s brighter, more nutritious, and bursting with extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe is like inviting a comforting hug to your dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, wholesome, and just so satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try because it’s simple to make but packed with so much deliciousness that it’s bound to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
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Supercharged Tuna Mornay Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Supercharged Tuna Mornay is a creamy, cheesy baked casserole combining flaked tuna, spinach, peas, and a rich Mornay sauce topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. This hearty dish takes just 40 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a perfect flavorful and nutritious weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Mornay Sauce and Tuna Mixture
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in oil or water, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make Roux: Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a smooth roux without lumps.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard if using, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Tuna and Vegetables: Fold the flaked tuna, thawed peas, and chopped spinach into the cheese sauce. Ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the tuna mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the tuna mixture evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach or frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle tangy depth to the cheese sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute milk with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- Breadcrumb topping can be replaced with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness of the topping.
