Tuna Fish Pick-Me-Up
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender tuna mixed with crunchy crackers, green peppers, and onions, shaped into loaves and baked to perfection. Topped with creamy celery soup and sliced eggs, it's ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the crackers coarsely into a large bowl.
- Add the tuna, minced onion, salt, pepper, minced green peppers, beaten egg, and milk to the bowl.
- Blend the mixture well and form into four individual loaves.
- Place the loaves in a greased, shallow baking dish.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Heat the cream of celery soup and sliced hard-boiled eggs separately.
- Pour the heated soup and eggs over the baked loaves on a platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored crackers or adding herbs like dill or parsley to the mixture. If you want a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream of celery soup. You can also use canned salmon instead of tuna for a different taste. Ensure the mixture is well-blended for even cooking, and avoid overbaking to keep the loaves moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the loaves hot, drizzled with the heated cream of celery soup and topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs for a beautiful presentation. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more substantial side, consider serving with rice or mashed potatoes. Browse more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the loaves in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat, which can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Fish Pick-Me-Up contains roughly 665 calories, with 17g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (542% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2304mg per serving (100% 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 loaves in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Form the loaves and bake them just before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and can save time on busy days.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or even make a homemade version using milk, flour, and sautéed celery. This keeps the dish creamy while allowing for some customization.
How do I know when the loaves are done?
The loaves are done when they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
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).