Tuna Melt Croustades
A savory appetizer featuring flaky croustades filled with tuna, celery, green onions, and melted Muenster cheese, perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- With a fork, remove the soft crumbs from the rolls, leaving a ¼-inch shell and reserve it for another use.
- In a bowl, combine well the tuna, celery, green onions, ⅔ cup mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Brush the insides of the rolls with the remaining ⅓ cup mayonnaise.
- Divide the tuna mixture among the rolls, mounding it slightly, and top each with a slice of Muenster cheese.
- Bake the croustades on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until the filling is puffed slightly and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the Muenster cheese with cheddar or Swiss if preferred. To enhance the flavor, add some chopped dill pickles or capers to the tuna mixture. If you want a crunchier texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna melt croustades warm as a delightful appetizer or a light meal. They pair beautifully with a fresh side salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting combo. For a complete dinner, consider serving them alongside the All-Time Favorite Potato Salad for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the croustades on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Melt Croustades contains roughly 438 calories, with 12g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% 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 the tuna mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tuna mixture up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble the croustades. Just be sure to brush the rolls with mayonnaise and fill them right before baking to maintain their crispiness.
What type of tuna works best for this recipe?
Canned tuna packed in water is recommended for a lighter texture and flavor. However, you can also use tuna packed in oil for a richer taste. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid excess moisture.
Can I freeze the assembled croustades?
While it's best to bake them fresh, you can freeze the assembled croustades before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until heated through and golden.
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).