Description
Hearty Tuna Mornay recipe brings creamy comfort to classic seafood casseroles with rich cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. Seafood enthusiasts can quickly prepare this Australian-inspired dish for satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (185g or 6.5 oz) tuna in spring water, drained
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., macaroni, penne, or shells)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup sweetcorn kernels (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, seasonings, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Ingredient Fusion: Combine cooked pasta, tuna, peas, and sweetcorn in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly coating with the prepared cheese sauce to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Assembly and Topping: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Sprinkle breadcrumbs tossed with olive oil or melted butter on top, and optionally add extra grated cheese for enhanced richness.
- Baking and Resting: Bake in the preheated oven until the surface turns golden brown and the interior begins to bubble. Remove from the oven and let the Tuna Mornay rest briefly to allow flavors to meld before serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk continuously while adding milk to the roux, ensuring smooth consistency by incorporating liquid gradually and stirring constantly.
- Boost Flavor Depth: Use aged cheddar or mix cheeses like gruyère for a more complex taste profile that elevates the traditional mornay sauce.
- Customize Protein Options: Substitute tuna with cooked chicken, salmon, or plant-based protein alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Crispy Topping Technique: Mix breadcrumbs with herbs like parsley or thyme, and add grated parmesan for extra crunch and aromatic enhancement before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg