Must-try Tuna Mornay Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Every home cook knows a delightful tuna mornay can turn an ordinary evening into something special.

Creamy sauces have always been my secret weapon in the kitchen.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this classic dish.

Pasta, vegetables, and tender chunks of fish create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Seafood lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such magnificent results.

My grandmother’s recipe inspired this version, which feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

You’ll want seconds of this hearty meal that comes together faster than most casseroles.

Making a Bubbly, Golden Tuna Mornay

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375 Fahrenheit (190 Celsius). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft a Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like crazy for one minute. Slowly pour milk while stirring to avoid lumpy chaos. Cook until the sauce thickens and looks smooth. Pull it off the heat and stir in cheese and seasonings until everything melts together in harmony.

Step 3: Mix Tuna and Friends

• Cooked pasta
• Tuna
• Peas
• Sweetcorn

Toss all ingredients into a massive mixing bowl. Pour your luxurious cheese sauce over the top and stir until every morsel is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Castle

Transfer the mixture into your prepped baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this golden topping across the surface. Feel free to shower extra cheese on top for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the mornay rest for a few minutes. Plate up alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. Dive in and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips That Help Avoid a Dry Top

• Optimize Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Whisk milk gradually and constantly to prevent lumpy sauce, creating a silky-smooth base that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Cover with foil during initial baking to retain moisture, then uncover for last 5-10 minutes to achieve golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Replace standard cheddar with aged sharp cheddar or add a splash of white wine to cheese sauce for more complex, sophisticated taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap tuna with canned salmon, cooked chicken, or plant-based protein alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Make Ahead Strategy: Prepare entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready- perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prepping.

Keep It Tasty After the First Day

• Store leftover Tuna Mornay in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when food reaches 165F to ensure food safety.

Side Dishes That Work Like a Charm

• Perfectly Pair Tuna Mornay
• Choose crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cut through the rich cheese sauce and complement the tuna's delicate flavor. Their bright acidity refreshes the palate between creamy bites.
• Create a zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness. Add cucumber, radish, and fresh herbs for a light, crunchy contrast that enhances the casserole's warmth.
• Serve crunchy garlic bread or toasted sourdough on the side to provide a crispy counterpoint to the creamy mornay. The bread's golden edges and robust texture will elevate each comforting forkful.
• Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers with olive oil and sea salt. Their caramelized edges and simple seasoning will add depth and nutrition to the meal without overwhelming the delicate tuna flavor.

Flavor Adjustments to Shake Things Up

• Gluten-Free Tuna Mornay: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and coconut oil in place of butter. Choose dairy-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce breadcrumb quantity and use almond flour for a lower-carbohydrate option. Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for nutrition.
• Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate quinoa instead of pasta. Add extra tuna or mix in canned chicken for increased protein content. Include Greek yogurt in the cheese sauce for additional protein boost.

Tuna Mornay Questions Covered

• What exactly is a Mornay sauce?

A Mornay sauce is a classic French cheese sauce made from a basic béchamel (white sauce) with added cheese, typically cheddar or gruyère, creating a rich and creamy base for many dishes.

• Can I use a different type of fish instead of tuna?

Absolutely! You can substitute tuna with canned salmon, flaked white fish like cod, or even cooked chicken for a similar protein-packed casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of cheesy sauce, pasta, and mild tuna makes this a great meal for children. The peas and corn add hidden vegetables that kids often enjoy.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cheese quantity, choose low-fat milk, and add more vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers to boost nutritional value.

Why Tuna Mornay Never Goes Out of Style

• A speedy weeknight dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal in under 45 minutes.
• Creates a hearty main course using affordable pantry staples like canned tuna, frozen vegetables, and basic dairy ingredients without breaking the bank.
• Offers a cheesy, familiar flavor profile that children love, with hidden nutritious elements like protein-packed tuna and mixed vegetables that parents appreciate.
• Easily adaptable recipe that allows substitutions like different proteins, cheese varieties, or vegetable mix-ins to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients That Bring Creaminess and Crunch

Main Ingredients:

Protein and Seafood:- Tuna: Fresh or canned fish adds protein and hearty seafood flavor. Opt for high-quality tuna packed in water for healthier option.

• Peas, Sweetcorn: Colorful vegetables that provide sweetness and nutritional boost. Fresh or frozen work perfectly.

Dairy and Cheese Components:- Butter: Provides rich base for cheese sauce and helps create smooth texture. Use unsalted for better control of salt levels.

• Milk: Creates creamy sauce base. Whole milk recommended for richer consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and melts beautifully. Sharp varieties provide more intense taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and complexity to cheese sauce. Smooth style works best.

Binding and Topping Ingredients:- Pasta: Serves as main carbohydrate component. Choose short shapes like shells or elbow macaroni for best sauce coverage.

• Flour: Helps thicken cheese sauce and create smooth consistency. All-purpose flour works well.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy golden topping. Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and become crispy. Extra virgin olive oil adds subtle flavor.

Seasoning Ingredients:- Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile. Use kosher or sea salt for best taste.

• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity. Freshly ground provides stronger flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background flavor. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering other ingredients.

Must-try Tuna Mornay Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy tuna mornay delights dinner tables with nostalgic comfort from Australian kitchens. Cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and flaky fish combine in one irresistible classic dish you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cans (185g or 6.5 oz) tuna in spring water, drained

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Pasta and Additional Components:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., macaroni, penne, or shells)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Seasonings and Optional Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup frozen peas (optional)
• ¼ cup sweetcorn kernels (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a baking dish with a light lubricating layer to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, and gradually incorporating milk while stirring to eliminate potential lumps.
3. Continue developing the sauce by simmering until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency, then remove from heat and integrate cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, seasonings, and garlic powder until achieving a smooth texture.
4. Consolidate the core components by mixing cooked pasta, tuna, peas, and sweetcorn in a spacious mixing vessel, then thoroughly coat with the prepared cheese sauce.
5. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that promises uniform cooking and flavor distribution.
6. Enhance the dish’s textural profile by sprinkling a crisp topping of breadcrumbs tossed with olive oil or melted butter, optionally supplementing with additional grated cheese for extra richness.
7. Position the assembled casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the surface turns a golden brown and the interior begins to bubble enthusiastically.
8. After removing from the oven, permit the Tuna Mornay to rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and making it more manageable for serving alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when baked, maintaining a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Drain tuna thoroughly and pat dry to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and losing sauce consistency.
• Use fresh or frozen vegetables for maximum nutritional value and vibrant color in the mornay, avoiding canned alternatives when possible.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Australian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg