Savory Tuna Toast Cups
This delightful recipe for Savory Tuna Toast Cups brings a nostalgic touch to your table with a creamy tuna filling nestled in golden-brown bread cups. Perfect for those hectic days, this dish utilizes pantry staples to create a satisfying meal that is both quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for lunch or as a light dinner, these toast cups can also be served as an appetizer at gatherings, sure to please family and friends alike. With the option of adding green peas for a pop of color and nutrition, it's a versatile meal that you can customize to your taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (unbleached)
milk
3/4 cup (whole or low-fat)
chunk light tuna
1 (6 ounce) (drained)
pimiento
1 teaspoon (diced)
baby green peas
2 tablespoons (optional)
slices of bread
6 (white or whole grain)
salt
to taste (seasoned)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste (roux).
3
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously stirring to keep the mixture smooth. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, being careful not to let it come to a boil.
4
Once thickened, drain the tuna and gently fold it into the sauce. Include the diced pimiento and optional green peas, stirring until everything is well-combined. Season with salt to taste.
5
Meanwhile, take the slices of bread and gently push them into greased muffin tins to create cup shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
6
Once the toast cups are ready, remove them from the oven and carefully fill each one with the warm creamy tuna mixture. Serve immediately, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Tuna Toast Cups?
Savory Tuna Toast Cups are a nostalgic and comforting dish featuring a creamy tuna filling served inside golden-brown, crispy bread cups made in a muffin tin.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the bread cups need to bake?
The bread slices should bake in the muffin tins for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What are the main ingredients for the tuna filling?
The filling is made with butter, flour, milk, chunk light tuna, pimiento, and optional green peas.
How much tuna is required for this recipe?
You will need one 6-ounce can of chunk light tuna, drained.
Can I use whole grain bread for the toast cups?
Yes, you can use either white or whole grain bread slices to create the cups.
What type of milk is best for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using 3/4 cup of either whole or low-fat milk.
Are green peas mandatory in Savory Tuna Toast Cups?
No, green peas are an optional ingredient used for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
How do I make the white sauce for the tuna?
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, and then slowly pour in milk while stirring until it thickens.
Should the milk mixture be boiled?
No, you should cook the mixture gently and stir constantly until it thickens, being careful not to let it come to a boil.
What is a pimiento and how much do I need?
A pimiento is a variety of large, red, heart-shaped chili pepper; you need 1 teaspoon of diced pimiento for this recipe.
How many bread slices does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 6 slices of bread to make 6 toast cups.
Do I need to grease the muffin tins?
Yes, you should use greased muffin tins to prevent the bread from sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for appetizers?
Absolutely, these toast cups are ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or as appetizers at gatherings.
Can I substitute the butter?
While the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter, you could use a similar fat like margarine, though it may change the flavor profile.
What kind of flour should I use for the roux?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unbleached flour.
How do I season the tuna mixture?
Season the mixture with salt to taste once the tuna, pimiento, and optional peas are folded into the sauce.
Should the tuna be drained before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, ensure the tuna is well-drained before folding it into the creamy mixture.
Can I make this recipe quickly?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick and easy meal using pantry staples.
How should Savory Tuna Toast Cups be served?
They should be filled with the warm tuna mixture and served immediately for the best texture.
What equipment do I need?
You will need an oven, a medium saucepan, a whisk, and a muffin tin.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the creamy texture and mild flavors make it a great choice for family members of all ages.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe suggests peas and pimientos, you can customize it with other finely diced vegetables like celery or onions.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as comfort food due to its creamy filling and toasted bread base.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be melted in the saucepan over low heat before adding the flour.
Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
While the recipe specifies tuna, canned salmon would be a suitable substitute if you prefer.
How many toast cups does this recipe yield?
Based on the 6 slices of bread, the recipe yields 6 toast cups.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, it utilizes common pantry staples like canned tuna, bread, milk, and flour.
What gives the cups their shape?
Pressing the bread slices into the rounds of a muffin tin creates the cup shape during baking.
Can I use dried herbs in the sauce?
Yes, adding herbs like dill or parsley would complement the tuna filling nicely.