Cream Cheese Tuna Balls And Hot Mustard Sauce
Cream Cheese Tuna Balls are flavorful, bite-sized appetizers with a savory tuna and cream cheese filling, coated in crunchy corn flakes. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes that appeal to seafood lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup mashed potato flakes, instant minced onion, salt, and garlic salt.
- Add drained, flaked tuna, softened cream cheese, and slightly beaten eggs; mix well until thoroughly combined.
- In a small bowl, combine corn flakes and 1/4 cup potato flakes.
- Shape the tuna mixture into 42 (3/4-inch) balls.
- Roll each ball in the corn flake mixture to coat.
- Place the coated tuna balls on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to the tuna mixture. If you want to enhance the flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can substitute the tuna with canned salmon or chicken for a different protein. To make these balls gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free cornflakes instead of standard ones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tuna balls with a zesty hot mustard sauce for dipping, or try pairing them with a fresh salad or vegetable sticks for a light meal. They also go well as an appetizer at parties, making them a versatile option. Consider serving alongside Potato And Shrimp Soup for a delightful seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tuna balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain their crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Tuna Balls And Hot Mustard Sauce contains roughly 26 calories, with 1g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 prepare the tuna balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tuna mixture and form the balls a day ahead. Just refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making them even tastier.
What can I use if I don't have cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter option. These alternatives will provide a different texture but will still work well in this recipe.
How can I make these tuna balls spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the cornflake coating for an extra kick, making them perfect for those who enjoy spicy flavors.
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).