The Crucial Tip to Consider When Preparing Tuna Casserole in Advance

The best part about a tuna casserole is its crispy crust. However, if you’re making this favorite dish ahead of time to store in the refrigerator for later, consider reserving your breadcrumb topping until just before cooking so it doesn’t get soggy.

If you top your tuna casserole before refrigerating or freezing it, the crumbs will absorb moisture from the sauce as they sit, causing them to puff up and lose their crispy texture. This will result in a soggy topping that has almost sunk into the sauce underneath, creating a mushy, doughy layer. Second, as the crumbs absorb the sauce, the consistency of the casserole itself will become thicker and almost gooey. The solution? Prepare and reserve your breadcrumbs of choice in a separate container until you’re ready to bake your casserole. Then, a few seconds before you place your dish in the oven, top the top with your breadcrumbs and bake as usual.

Once the crumbs meet the heat of the oven, they will develop lots of flavor and texture as they brown (it helps to drizzle a little oil on top for a crispier finish), while the pasta underneath heats up in the bubbling creamy sauce. This light maneuver will eliminate the risk of a soggy topping and ensure that the comforting softness of the pasta is complemented by the crunchy texture of the toasted breadcrumb crust on top.

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Decorate your breadcrumbs with bolder flavors

Toasting your breadcrumbs before spreading them over your gratin is a great way to add extra crunch and a nutty flavor. Simply place them in a pan with a little oil or butter and stir regularly as they gently brown. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess fat before setting aside for later use.

At this point, you can take the opportunity to add additional flavors, such as bold dried herbs, powdered seasonings, like garlic powder, or even grated Parmesan cheese to create your own Italian breadcrumb or Pangritata mix. The umami flavor of the cheese will enhance the salty notes of the breadcrumbs, transforming a quick topping into a satisfying layer of herby crunch. You can also toast your breadcrumbs in different fats, like butter or lard, which will give them a meatier flavor and crispier texture.

For example, toasting panko breadcrumbs in bacon fat gives them a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the flavors of a classic tuna casserole. Leftover breadcrumbs are perfect for topping macaroni and cheese, scattering on salads, coating cutlets, or incorporating into meatballs.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.