Cream Tuna on Toast Recipe

You can make creamed tuna on toast in minutes with pantry basics. Nearly 88% of American households enjoy canned tuna, making this recipe both easy and budget-friendly. This delicious dish brings comfort food meal vibes, turning simple cream tuna into a classic that feels like home.

• Canned tuna is a staple in most homes.

Key Takeaways

• Creamed tuna on toast is a quick and budget-friendly meal that uses pantry staples like canned tuna and basic ingredients.

• This dish offers a warm, comforting texture, making it a perfect comfort food option for busy nights.

• You can customize your creamed tuna with add-ins like peas, mushrooms, or hard-boiled eggs to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Creamed Tuna on Toast

What Is Creamed Tuna?

You might wonder what makes cream tuna different from other tuna dishes. Creamed tuna is a hot, savory meal where tuna gets mixed into a creamy sauce. You make this sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour, and slowly adding milk. The result is a thick, velvety base that coats every bite. Unlike cold tuna salad, which uses mayo and chopped veggies, this recipe gives you a warm, comforting texture. You usually serve creamed tuna on toast, biscuits, or rice.

Here’s a quick look at how cream tuna stands out from other seafood recipes:

History and Comfort Food

Creamed tuna on toast has a rich history in American kitchens. During the Great Depression, families needed meals that were filling, easy, and affordable. You could find this recipe in WPA cooking pamphlets, which helped people stretch their budgets. Canned foods became a staple, and cream tuna offered a quick, protein-rich option.

• Families loved this dish because it used low-cost ingredients.

• You could serve it in many ways, making it versatile.

• Creamed tuna on toast gave you a delicious meal that felt satisfying during tough times.

American cookbooks have featured this recipe for over a century. In 1917, The Housewife’s Cook Book described creamed tuna fish as simply tuna and white sauce on toast.

If you care about nutrition, this dish packs a punch. Each serving gives you about 21 grams of protein and 213 calories. You also get calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Creamed tuna on toast remains a delicious comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for busy nights.

How to Make Creamed Tuna

Recipe Ingredients

You can make cream tuna with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. This homemade recipe uses simple pantry staples. Here’s what you need for this easy recipe:

• Margarine or butter (2 tablespoons)

• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)

• Milk (1 cup)

• Canned tuna (1 can, drained)

• Frozen or canned peas (½ cup)

• Salt (½ teaspoon)

• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)

• Bread slices (for toasting)

You can add optional ingredients like shallots, garlic, or mushrooms if you want extra flavor. These basics make creamed tuna on toast a delicious and easy meal for busy nights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Wondering how to make creamed tuna? You’ll find these easy to follow recipes work every time. Just follow these steps:

1. Place a large saucepan on medium heat. Melt margarine or butter.

2. If you want, add chopped shallots, garlic, or mushrooms. Stir and cook for five minutes.

3. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter. Whisk for two minutes to make a smooth roux.

4. Pour in milk slowly. Whisk until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat.

5. Add salt and black pepper. Stir well.

6. Mix in peas and canned tuna. Stir until everything is heated through.

7. Toast your bread slices until golden brown.

8. Spoon the creamy tuna mixture over the toast. Serve hot.

Tip: Always whisk the flour into the butter for a smooth sauce. Pour the milk slowly and keep stirring. This helps you avoid lumps and gives you a velvety texture.

Here’s a quick table to help you remember the steps:

You can see why this is an easy recipe. You get a delicious meal in less than 20 minutes.

Best Bread for Tuna on Toast

Choosing the right bread makes your tuna on toast even better. Chefs recommend these options:

• Plain white bread (classic choice)

• Sturdy sourdough (holds up well)

• Whole wheat (adds flavor and prevents sogginess)

• English muffins (fun alternative)

The texture of your bread matters. Well-toasted bread gives you a firm base. It contrasts with the creamy tuna, so your meal stays delicious and never gets soggy. You can pick your favorite bread, but make sure you toast it well for the best results.

If you want easy to follow recipes that taste great, cream tuna on toast is a smart pick. You get a delicious, easy meal with simple steps and ingredients.

Tuna on Toast Variations

Add-Ins (Peas, Mushrooms, Eggs)

You can make your tuna on toast more exciting with a few simple add-ins. Many food blogs suggest these popular choices:

• Sauteed celery and onion

• Chopped hard-boiled eggs

• Peas

• Garlic powder

• Seasoned salt

If you want extra flavor, try mushrooms or a sprinkle of cheese. Some people like to add mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. You can mix in fresh herbs or even a dash of hot sauce. These add-ins help you turn a classic recipe into something new every time.

Tip: If you have leftover vegetables, toss them in. This recipe works well with almost anything you have in your fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

You might need to change ingredients for dietary reasons. Many cooks use almond milk instead of regular milk. Vegan tuna alternatives, like Sophie’s Kitchen’s Vegan Toona, work well in this classic recipe. Lily’s Vegan Party offers a plant-based tuna that tastes and feels like the real thing. You can mash vegan tuna with veggies and vegan mayo for a thick, tasty salad. This mock tuna holds up in sandwiches and makes a great base for tuna on toast.

Storage and Reheating

You can store leftover tuna on toast in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Here’s a quick guide:

Reheat your tuna mixture in the microwave or on the stove. Stir often so it heats evenly. Toast fresh bread before serving again. This keeps your classic recipe tasting great.

Creamed tuna on toast brings back memories of family dinners and simple joys. You can make it your own with add-ins like hard-boiled eggs or green beans. Home cooks love experimenting with flavors. Today, this classic dish stands out as a comforting, affordable meal that never goes out of style.

• Amanda: “Yummy!”

• Amy: “Hard boiled eggs are a MUST for creamed tuna on toast! Increases the ‘good for you’ factor hugely too!!”

• Linda: “I add chopped white onion & peas & green beans in my cream of tuna for added flavor.”

FAQ

What can you serve with creamed tuna on toast?

You can add a green salad, steamed veggies, or fresh fruit. These sides make your meal more balanced and colorful.

What is the best way to thicken the sauce?

Whisk flour into melted butter until smooth. Pour milk in slowly. Keep stirring. This method gives you a creamy, lump-free sauce.

What if you do not have peas?

No peas? Try corn, chopped spinach, or diced carrots. These veggies work well and add color and flavor to your dish.