Creamy Tuna Mornay with Cauliflower Puree
A healthier twist on tuna melt with a smooth cauliflower-based cheese sauce, hiding veggies in a comforting, kid-approved dish. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz), drained canned tuna, low-sodium chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz), drained canned tuna
- 1 cup, steamed and blended into a smooth puree cauliflower
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden, then gradually add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth while stirring constantly.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup cauliflower puree, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper to the saucepan; stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Fold 5 oz drained canned tuna into the cheese sauce until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Serve warm, with the sauce thick enough to cling to a spoon and the tuna fully coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Tuna Mornay with Cauliflower Puree take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Tuna Mornay with Cauliflower Puree?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz), drained canned tuna from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Tuna Mornay with Cauliflower Puree?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Tuna Mornay with Cauliflower Puree for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Tuna Mornay with Cauliflower Puree?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
