Tuna Ala King
Creamy tuna bites with crunchy bread, finished in a single pan—rich, savory, and perfect for a quick lunch or elegant party side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the creamed mushroom soup in a saucepan until hot.
- Add the chopped hard‑boiled eggs, pimento, and tuna to the soup and stir to combine.
- Prepare 12 slices of bread by removing the crusts.
- Press the crustless bread slices into a muffin tin, forming cups.
- Fill each bread cup with the tuna mixture.
- Grate the reserved yolk over the tops of the cups for garnish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the bread is toasted, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve hot with a side salad.
- Enjoy at a ladies’ luncheon or any casual gathering.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the soup before heating. If you're out of pimento, diced bell peppers or olives can serve as a great substitute. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or shrimp instead of tuna for variation. Pair this dish with a refreshing side salad to balance the richness.
Serving Suggestions
These tuna cups are perfect for casual gatherings and can be served alongside a light salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal. Consider serving them with a dip, such as a tangy aioli, for added flavor. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing Avocado And Snow Crab Salad for a delightful seafood-themed lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tuna mixture in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If the bread cups are soggy, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Ala King contains roughly 517 calories, with 28g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 725mg per serving (32% 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 make these tuna cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tuna mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Assemble the bread cups just before baking to keep them crisp. This makes it convenient for entertaining, as you can have most of the work done ahead of time.
What can I use instead of creamed mushroom soup?
If you don't have creamed mushroom soup, you can use a homemade white sauce thickened with flour and enriched with sautéed mushrooms for a more flavorful base. Alternatively, cream of chicken or celery soup can also work well, depending on your taste preference.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread for the cups. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will crisp up nicely when baked. Ensure that your canned tuna and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).