Cheesy Tuna Pinwheel Casserole
This Cheesy Tuna Pinwheel Casserole is a delightful nod to my childhood, a recipe lovingly prepared by my mom that quickly became a family favorite. Now, I whip it up for my own kids, who can't get enough of its comforting flavors. The dish features tender, cheesy swirls filled with a creamy tuna filling, making it a perfect blend of nostalgia and kid-friendly goodness. It's not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Serve it up with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love!
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 cup (measured)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (measured)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
shortening
1 1/2 tablespoons (cut into mixture)
milk
1/3-2/3 cup (measured)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces (shredded)
flour
2 tablespoons (measured for sauce)
milk
1 cup (measured for sauce)
salt and pepper
to taste (season to preference)
tuna fish
6 ounces (drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick spray.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 1/2 tablespoons of shortening using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3
Add 1/3 to 2/3 cup of milk to the flour mixture all at once. Mix just until the dough comes together and follows the fork around the bowl.
4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds. Roll or pat the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
5
Spread the dough evenly with 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll and slice into 1-inch thick rounds.
6
Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7
While the cheese swirls are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper with 1 cup of milk.
8
Whisk the mixture continuously until the flour dissolves. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
9
Once the sauce has thickened, add 6 ounces of drained tuna fish and stir until combined.
10
Serve the creamy tuna sauce generously over the baked cheese swirls, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Tuna Pinwheel Casserole?
It is a comforting family-favorite dish featuring tender, cheesy dough swirls served with a creamy tuna sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Prepare the baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick spray.
What are the ingredients for the pinwheel dough?
The dough consists of 1 cup of flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1.5 tablespoons of shortening, and 1/3 to 2/3 cup of milk.
How should I incorporate the shortening?
Cut the shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two forks until it looks like coarse meal.
How long should I knead the dough?
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 30 seconds.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll or pat the dough into a rectangle that is 1/2-inch thick.
What type of cheese is used in the pinwheels?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese spread inside the dough.
How do I form the pinwheel shapes?
Roll the cheese-covered dough tightly like a jelly roll and slice it into 1-inch thick rounds.
How long do the cheese swirls need to bake?
Bake the swirls for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What ingredients are needed for the tuna sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of pepper, 1 cup of milk, and 6 ounces of drained tuna.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
Whisk the flour, salt, pepper, and milk over medium heat continuously until the flour dissolves and the sauce thickens.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes to thicken while stirring often.
When do I add the tuna to the sauce?
Add the 6 ounces of drained tuna fish once the sauce has reached a thick consistency.
How is the dish served?
Serve by pouring the creamy tuna sauce generously over the warm, baked cheese swirls.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this casserole?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple fresh salad.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is tagged as a kid-friendly meal and a family favorite.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients.
Should the tuna be drained before use?
Yes, the 6 ounces of tuna fish should be drained before being added to the sauce.
Can I use a pastry blender for the dough?
Yes, a pastry blender is ideal for cutting the shortening into the dry ingredients.
What is the texture of the dough?
The dough should be mixed just until it follows the fork around the bowl and then kneaded briefly.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a casserole and comfort food.
How much milk is used in the dough specifically?
The dough uses between 1/3 and 2/3 cup of milk depending on the consistency.
Is there fiber information available?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.