Cheesy Tuna Shortcake
Cheesy Tuna Shortcake combines tender cornbread with savory tuna, mushrooms, and melted cheddar, offering hearty flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom pieces
- 2 (6 oz.) cans water pack tuna, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 3/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can cream-style corn ⓘ
- dash of ground white pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Saute chopped onion in margarine in a medium pan until limp.
- Remove from heat and add mushrooms, drained tuna, dill weed, celery salt, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix carefully and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and ground white pepper.
- Add remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, beaten egg, milk, and cream-style corn. Stir just to blend.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 9 x 3 1/2-inch pan.
- Spread tuna mixture on top of the batter.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let sit 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dill weed to enhance freshness. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tuna mixture. Ensure to mix the tuna gently to avoid breaking it down too much, which keeps the texture appealing. This recipe can also be made with leftover tuna from dishes like Tuna Cheese Biscuit Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy tuna shortcake is delightful on its own but can be served with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of Cajun Barbecue Shrimp for a flavorful seafood dinner. Consider adding a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, rewarm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Tuna Shortcake contains roughly 809 calories, with 18g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (64% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1197mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it will require cooking beforehand. Grill or sear the tuna until cooked through, then flake it into the mixture. This will add a different texture and flavor, enhancing the dish significantly.
What can I substitute for the cheese?
If you want to reduce the cheese content, consider using a lower-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. For a different flavor profile, feta or pepper jack cheese can work well, adding a unique twist to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and tuna mixture a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or when hosting gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).