Creamy Tuna Broccoli Casserole
Before we dive into the glorious nuances of creamy tuna broccoli casserole, let’s chat about what to serve alongside this delightful dish. It’s always wise to balance out rich flavors with lighter options or contrasting textures
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 4.5-ounce cans wild-caught tuna, drained well
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets or 16 ounces pre-cut florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced or crushed
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation builds as we prepare to bake this casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- While the oven warms up, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the fresh broccoli florets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Don’t overdo it; they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Add in the melted butter, garlic, black pepper, sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly, ensuring a silky consistency.
Step 4: Combine Tuna and Cheese
- Next, fold in the canned tuna and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir so as not to break the tuna too much.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
- Now, gently fold the cooked broccoli into the creamy mixture. Next, add in the Italian herb blend and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 6: Add a Cheese Layer
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top it with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake Away
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once it's done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with that garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Notes
Tip 1: Want more texture? Top with breadcrumbs combined with a little melted butter before the cheese layer for extra crunch.
Tip 2: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt in place of half the cream cheese.
Tip 3: Mix in some cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
Tip 4: Leftovers? This casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.
Tip 5: Feel free to switch cheeses. Gruyère or fontina add a creamy richness.
Tip 2: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt in place of half the cream cheese.
Tip 3: Mix in some cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
Tip 4: Leftovers? This casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.
Tip 5: Feel free to switch cheeses. Gruyère or fontina add a creamy richness.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 20gFat: 22gFiber: 2g
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