Tuna Custard
Tuna Custard is a comforting baked casserole combining tuna, vegetables, and creamy mushroom soup layered with bread and cheese. Its rich, savory flavors make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a hearty dish with textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 4 slices of white bread in the bottom of a buttered baking pan.
- Mix mayonnaise with tuna, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the bread in the pan.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together well.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered bread and filling.
- Let stand at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread the remaining can of mushroom soup over the top, then sprinkle with grated cheese and paprika.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 45 to 50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like dill or parsley with the tuna mixture. If you're out of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and use whole grain bread instead of white.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Custard is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Steamed Shrimp for a complete meal. For a crunchy side, consider serving with some garlic bread or a simple coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Custard contains roughly 993 calories, with 35g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1301mg per serving (57% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Poach or grill the tuna until fully cooked, then flake it before mixing it with the other ingredients. Fresh tuna will give a different texture and flavor, making the dish more upscale.
Is it necessary to let the casserole sit overnight?
While it's not strictly necessary, letting the casserole sit overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a creamier texture. If you're short on time, a minimum of 4 hours can also work.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes. Just ensure the vegetables are chopped small and cooked if necessary, to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
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).