This delightful Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole recipe offers a unique twist on traditional casseroles. It's the perfect dish for a hearty family dinner or a cozy weekend brunch. The flavorful tuna, creamy cheese, and fluffy biscuit whirls create a mouthwatering combination that's sure to impress. It's also surprisingly simple to make, with everyday ingredients and straightforward directions.
The ingredients for this recipe are generally easy to find in any supermarket. However, pimento cheese, a key component, may not be a regular ingredient in your pantry. It's a type of processed cheese product that's often used in Southern cuisine. When shopping for it, you can usually find it in the cheese section or near other deli items.
Ingredients for Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Biscuit mix: This is a pre-made mix that includes all the dry ingredients needed for making biscuits. It saves time and reduces the number of ingredients you need to measure and mix.
Milk: Adds moisture to the biscuit mix and helps create a smooth, creamy texture for the sauce.
Pimento cheese: A type of processed cheese that adds a rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.
Pimento: These are small, sweet red peppers that provide a mild, sweet flavor and a pop of color.
Onion: Adds a savory depth to the casserole.
Green bell pepper: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is a concentrated soup that adds creamy texture and mushroom flavor to the dish.
Tuna: Provides protein and a savory, oceanic flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
One reader, Dulcine Bohn says:
This tuna cheese whirl casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flaky biscuit dough, creamy pimento cheese, and savory tuna creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is easy to make. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
How to knead the dough: Combine the baking mix with milk and knead until the dough pulls together. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and form into a rectangle.
How to roll up the dough: Arrange the pimento cheese and pimentos on the dough and roll it up lengthwise. Cut the roll into equal portions.
How to cook the onions and bell pepper: In a large saucepan, cook the onions and bell pepper in butter until soft.
How to melt the cheese: Pour the soup into the saucepan, along with remaining milk, tuna, and remaining sliced pimento cheese. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the cheese is melted.
How to arrange the dough in the casserole dish: Arrange the slices of dough, cut-side down, on top of the sauce in the casserole dish. Push the dough into the sauce.
How to bake the casserole: Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the whirls are golden brown.
How To Make Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
This casserole recipe yields a cheesy delicious meal that’ll be the talk of the table! Tender doughs are baked in a rich tuna-pimento sauce for a rich meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsbiscuit mix
- 1⅔cupsmilk
- 8ozpimento cheese,(1 package), sliced
- 1tbsppimento,chopped
- 1tbsponion,chopped
- ¼cupgreen bell pepper,chopped
- 2tbspbutter
- 10¾ozcondensed cream of mushroom soup,(1 can)
- 5oztuna,(1 can), drained
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish.
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In a small bowl, combine the baking mix with ⅔ cup of milk and knead until the dough pulls together. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and form into a rectangle ¼ to ½-inches thick.
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Arrange ½ of the pimento cheese and the pimentos on the dough and roll up the dough lengthwise. Cut the roll into 6 equal portions.
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In a large saucepan, cook the onions and bell pepper in butter until soft.
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Pour the soup into the saucepan, along with remaining milk, tuna, and remaining sliced pimento cheese. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the cheese is melted.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the 6 slices of dough, cut-side down, on top of the sauce in the casserole dish. Push the dough into the sauce.
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Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the whirls are golden brown.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 456.48kcal
- Fat: 26.82g
- Saturated Fat: 13.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.97g
- Carbohydrates: 33.27g
- Fiber: 1.41g
- Sugar: 8.80g
- Protein: 20.28g
- Cholesterol: 62.50mg
- Sodium: 1248.07mg
- Calcium: 389.58mg
- Potassium: 370.19mg
- Iron: 1.62mg
- Vitamin A: 165.63µg
- Vitamin C: 7.80mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
When rolling the dough with the pimento cheese and pimentos, make sure to do it tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Also, when cutting the rolled dough into portions, use a sharp knife and make swift, clean cuts to maintain the shape of the whirls. This will ensure that your tuna cheese whirl casserole not only tastes great, but also looks appealing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the biscuit dough and the tuna mixture the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large skillet or a Dutch oven to cook the tuna mixture and bake the casserole in the same pot to minimize clean-up.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal to save time on another occasion.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized and ingredients easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Efficient multitasking: While the casserole is baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a side dish to accompany the meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole Recipe
biscuit mix - Substitute with gluten-free biscuit mix: This substitution can be used for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and flavor to the original biscuit mix.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: This substitution is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. It provides a creamy texture similar to regular milk.
pimento cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese and diced pimentos: This substitution allows for a homemade version of pimento cheese, providing more control over the ingredients and potentially reducing the sodium content.
pimento - Substitute with roasted red bell pepper: Roasted red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for pimentos, offering a similar sweet and smoky flavor to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the casserole.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.
condensed cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade cream of mushroom soup: Making a homemade version allows for better control over the ingredients and reduces the sodium and preservatives found in canned soups.
tuna - Substitute with canned salmon: Canned salmon can be used as a substitute for tuna, providing a similar texture and flavor while adding a unique twist to the casserole.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the tuna cheese whirl casserole, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a large, white, round plate to showcase the casserole. Ensure that the swirls of dough are neatly arranged, and the golden brown color is visible.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Sprinkle it over the casserole to provide a vibrant contrast and a hint of earthy flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish for textural contrast. A light scattering of toasted breadcrumbs over the casserole will provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Accentuate with a drizzle: Enhance the presentation by drizzling a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the casserole. This not only adds a touch of richness but also creates a visually appealing sheen on the dish.
Use a minimalistic approach: Embrace simplicity in presentation. Avoid overcrowding the plate with unnecessary elements, allowing the casserole to take center stage and speak for itself.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing various ingredients for the casserole.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking the onions, bell peppers, and creating the creamy tuna sauce.
- Baking dish: Required for baking the casserole in the oven.
- Rolling pin: Used to roll out the biscuit dough for the whirls.
- Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole at the specified temperature.
- Can opener: Needed to open the cans of tuna and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for tuna cheese whirl casserole:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. Warm casserole will create excess moisture, leading to a soggy texture when reheated.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the casserole, follow these steps:
- Cut the casserole into individual portions for easier thawing and reheating.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat refrigerated casserole, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- To reheat frozen casserole, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If reheating in the oven, you may need to cover the casserole with foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Note that the texture of the biscuit topping may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tuna cheese whirl casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the biscuit topping and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. The damp paper towel will help prevent the tuna and cheese mixture from drying out.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This method is perfect for reheating individual servings while maintaining the crispy texture of the biscuit topping.
For a stovetop method, place a portion of the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through. This method works well for reheating the tuna and cheese mixture without overcooking the biscuit topping.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your leftover casserole, try drizzling a small amount of cream or milk over the top before reheating. This will help keep the casserole moist and creamy, while also enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Interesting Trivia About Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
This recipe is a delicious twist on a classic casserole, combining the flavors of tuna and cheese in a delightful whirl. It's a great way to add some variety to your casserole repertoire and impress your family and friends with a unique dish.
Is Making Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?
This tuna cheese whirl casserole recipe offers a decent cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like biscuit mix, milk, and canned tuna keeps the overall cost relatively low. However, the inclusion of pimento cheese and condensed cream of mushroom soup may slightly elevate the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 7/10, considering the balance between cost and flavor.
Is Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
The tuna cheese whirl casserole recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe uses biscuit mix, which is typically high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber
- Pimento cheese and condensed cream of mushroom soup are high in saturated fat and sodium
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of milk and butter, adding to the overall fat content
- Tuna, while a good source of protein, is used in a relatively small quantity compared to the other ingredients
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the biscuit mix with a whole grain alternative or make your own biscuit dough using whole wheat flour
- Use a reduced-fat pimento cheese or make your own using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt
- Replace the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using low-fat milk and fresh mushrooms
- Reduce the amount of butter used in sautéing the vegetables and replace some of the milk with vegetable broth
- Increase the amount of tuna used to boost the protein content and reduce the overall proportion of high-fat ingredients
- Add more vegetables to the casserole, such as diced carrots, peas, or broccoli, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a smaller amount of the biscuit dough topping or replace it with a sprinkle of whole grain breadcrumbs to reduce the carbohydrate content
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the tuna cheese whirl casserole while still maintaining its comforting flavors and textures.
Editor's Opinion on the Deliciousness of Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
This Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole recipe is a unique and creative twist on a classic casserole. The combination of biscuit mix, pimento cheese, and tuna creates a flavorful and comforting dish. The addition of pimentos, onions, and bell peppers adds a delightful depth of flavor. The whirls on top provide a beautiful presentation and a satisfying texture. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely impress your guests.
Enhance Your Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Tasty Alternatives to Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole
Why trust this Tuna Cheese Whirl Casserole Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the savory goodness of tuna with the creamy richness of pimento cheese. The addition of onions and bell peppers infuses the dish with a delightful aroma and a burst of freshness. The use of biscuit mix creates a light and flaky whirl that perfectly complements the luscious casserole. With the comforting familiarity of cream of mushroom soup and the wholesome goodness of milk, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious dining experience. Trust in the harmony of these ingredients to create a memorable meal.
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