Tuna Spread For Crackers

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, savory tuna spread with horseradish, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and diced onions, perfect for spreading on crackers and ideal for parties or casual gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large can water packed tuna, drained
  • 1 (8 oz.) package light cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (8 oz.) carton cottage cheese, whipped in blender until smooth
  • 1 Tbsp. horseradish
  • 1/4 cup cocktail sauce
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onions
  • 1 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Top with additional cocktail sauce if desired.
  3. Chill until ready to serve.
  4. Serve with assorted crackers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, use full-fat cream cheese instead of light. You can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer a tangier flavor. If you want more kick, increase the horseradish or add a dash of hot sauce. For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or bell peppers. This tuna spread can also be used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tuna spread on a platter with assorted crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables like cucumber or bell pepper slices for a fresh crunch. For a more filling option, consider serving it alongside a salad, like Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Dressing And Cabbage, to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the spread for up to a month, but the texture may change slightly when thawed. To serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna Spread For Crackers contains roughly 230 calories, with 14g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

230 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.7g 27% DV
Total Fat 11.3g 14% DV
Carbs 19.6g 7% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 10.3g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 863.4mg 38% DV
Potassium 325.1mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 30.5mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 16.1mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 134.3mg 10% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Fish

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 canned tuna packed in oil instead of water?

Yes, you can use canned tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the consistency of the spread slightly, making it a bit more oily. Drain the oil well before mixing with other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this tuna spread dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and cottage cheese with vegan alternatives such as cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the cocktail sauce, are also dairy-free for a complete dairy-free dish.

Can I add additional ingredients to the spread?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spread with ingredients like chopped herbs (parsley or dill), diced pickles, or even capers for added flavor. Experimenting with different spices can also create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →