Tuna noodle casserole is one of those ideal classic comfort foods that many of us grew up with. It’s easy to make, satisfying and always hits the spot.
It is a dish that is loved by many; it is versatile and can be paired with a variety of other dishes, making it an ideal choice for dinner.
However, it can be challenging to think about what to serve with tuna noodle casserole? If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’ll share some quick and amazing dishes to serve with tuna noodle casserole, so you can enjoy this classic dish with a little extra panache.
What is tuna noodle casserole? What does tuna noodle casserole taste like?
Tuna noodle casserole is an ideal classic comfort food dish made with tuna, egg noodles and a creamy sauce.
It often includes vegetables like mushrooms, celery, onions, peppers or other items such as breadcrumbs for additional flavor.
The flavors of this casserole meld together in a delicious and savory combination.
The creamy sauce serves to tie all the ingredients together and provide a rich flavor base for the entire dish.
Tuna noodle casserole tastes like an indulgent home-cooked meal — comforting, satisfying and full of flavor.
The tuna provides a pleasant meaty taste, while the egg noodles add texture and soak up the savory sauce.
Additions such as vegetables or breadcrumbs give this dish even more depth of flavor and contrast in texture, making it stand out on any dinner table!
15 Best Sides to serve with tuna noodle casserole
1. Green Salad
One of the simplest but most effective side dishes to serve with tuna noodle casserole is a green salad.
You can create a simple salad by combining your favorite greens with some sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a homemade vinaigrette or Caesar dressing.
The fresh flavors of a salad will help to balance out the richness of the tuna noodle casserole.
2. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a perfectly classic side dish that goes well with almost anything, and tuna noodle casserole is no exception.
You can create delicious garlic bread by slathering some butter and garlic on a sliced baguette and baking it in the oven until it’s crispy and golden.
It’s a simple, carb-heavy side dish that’s guaranteed to please.
3. Steamed Veggies
If you looking to keep things healthy and balanced, steamed veggies are a great option to serve with tuna noodle casserole.
You can steam up some broccoli, carrots, or green beans and season them with some salt, pepper, and a little butter. This combo will complement the rich and creamy flavor of the casserole.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are always a hit with a tuna noodle casserole. By adding a hint of garlic, it creates a taste so divine that your guests might forget that tuna noodle casserole is meant to the star.
For a beautiful presentation, top the garlic mashed potatoes with crumbled bacon and fresh chives.
5. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad is often overlooked as a side dish because of its popularity as the main dish, but it would taste great alongside a tuna noodle casserole too.
The creamy garlic dressing of this flavorful salad will please your taste buds with each bite.
Discover More: 10 Quick and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Chicken Caesar Salad
6. Roasted Veggies
Similar to steamed veggies, roasting your carrots or sweet potatoes changes the taste of the vegetables and adds to the casserole’s overall taste.
Roasting the vegetables caramelizes them making them sweet and delicious. The best part is that it is incredibly easy to prepare and made with minimal ingredients.
7. Spinach Salad
Spinach salad is a healthy and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with tuna noodle casserole.
It gives you a combination of crisp greens and some vitamin K, rich spinach.
You can play with flavors depending on your preference, like adding some feta cheese, mandarin oranges, and a refreshing vinaigrette.
8. Macaroni Salad
Another carb-heavy side dish that complements tuna noodle casserole is macaroni salad. It is a delicious dish that is ideal for large gatherings or family barbecues.
The creamy dressing and vegetables make it hearty, light and ideal to accompany the tuna noodle casserole.
The pasta can be cooked al dente and mixed with mayonnaise, celery, red onions and any other vegetables of your choice. (Recipe)
9. Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, red peppers, or eggplant gives them a smoky flavor and makes them juicy and tender.
You can drizzle them with some balsamic glaze or just add some sweet and sour sauce to taste. Another quick recipe that adds an excellent touch to your meal.
10. Coleslaw
A classic coleslaw is a side dish that adds a little crunch to the tuna noodle casserole.
It is prepared with shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
A quick, easy-to-prepare side dish that awakens your taste buds, making for a very refreshing taste.
11. Steamed Broccoli
Steaming broccoli is a quick and healthy way to add greens to your meal. You can season the steamed broccoli with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to improve the flavor.
Explore More: 18 best Dishes Serve with Broccoli Casserole
12. Sautéed Green Beans
You can sauté green beans in butter with garlic or add bacon for added flavor. The crunchy texture of green beans makes it a great side dish for tuna noodle casserole.
13. Cornbread
Cornbread is a perfect pairing for hearty dishes, and tuna noodle casserole is no exception.
The sweet, moist, and rich flavor of cornbread makes it a great side to complement your casserole.
14. Grilled Asparagus
A simple and quick way to cook asparagus is to toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill them for 2-3 minutes.
Grilled asparagus’s smoky and charred flavor goes hand in hand with the creamy and hearty flavor of tuna noodle casserole.
15. Roasted Potatoes
Cut your potatoes into bite-sized pieces; season them with salt, pepper, rosemary or thyme and roast them in the oven until they are crispy.
The crispy exterior and tender interior of roasted potatoes makes it a great side dish to add to tuna noodle casserole.
What are the best flavors to go with tuna noodle casserole?
Tuna noodle casserole is an ideal classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by all ages. The combination of tuna, noodles, and creamy sauce creates a delicious flavor profile that is hard to resist.
To enhance this flavor combination further, there are several ingredients that work well together and bring out the best in the dish.
One of the most popular accompaniments to tuna noodle casserole is cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or any other variety you prefer.
Cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the tuna and noodles perfectly.
Onions also add some zing to the dish; they can be sautéed with butter before being added to the casserole for an extra boost of flavor.
Other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are also great additions to the mix.
Herbs are also ideal for bringing out more complex flavors in a tuna noodle casserole. Parsley, oregano, thyme, basil and dill all work well together with the other ingredients to create a unique taste.
A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can incorporate an extra layer of depth and complexity into the dish if desired.
For those who like a bit of heat in their meals, adding some red pepper flakes or paprika can make for an enjoyable variation on tuna noodle casserole that will have everyone coming back for more!
Finally, topping off your creation with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese will give it the perfect finishing touch and make it even more irresistible!
Find Out More: 17 Quick and Amazing Side Dishes to Serve with Tuna Casserole
How do you jazz up tuna noodle casserole?
Jazzing up tuna noodle casserole can be done with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits.
Additionally, adding in some vegetables such as peppers, onions, or garlic makes for added flavor.
For an even more flavorful dish, try substituting regular canned tuna for smoked or seared tuna steaks.
Finally, topping off the dish with some herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, or parsley adds complexity to its flavor.
How do you display tuna noodle casserole on a platter?
Tuna noodle casserole can be displayed on a platter in an aesthetically pleasing way. To do so, first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Then, prepare the tuna noodle casserole according to the recipe instructions. Once it is complete, spread it evenly across the platter.
Finally, garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs for added color and flavor. For a fancy touch, top with sliced almonds or parmesan cheese before serving.
The dish looks great when presented on a white plate or platter, which will really make the colors of the dish stand out!
Learn More: 18 Delicious and Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Casserole
What bread goes with tuna noodle casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic dish that is comforting, delicious, and easy to prepare. It often includes canned tuna, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese.
This creamy combination pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of toasted bread crumbs or slices of golden-browned French bread.
The cheesy and savory casserole can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins like frozen vegetables or diced peppers.
For a more filling meal, top off the casserole with 7 slices of lightly buttered bread for an additional boost of flavor and texture.
Enjoy this mouthwatering dish with friends and family for a cozy meal that will leave you satisfied!
Wrap Up on what to serve with tuna noodle casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic dish that can be made even more delicious by serving it with the right side dishes.
We hope our list of side dishes has inspired you to try something new and exciting with your tuna noodle casserole.
These side dishes are hearty, healthy, and easy to make, making them perfect options for a quick family dinner or a gathering with friends.
As always, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different flavors to find the perfect pairing for your tuna noodle casserole.
FAQs
How much tuna noodle casserole per person?
The amount of tuna noodle casserole per person depends on the size of the portion you serve.
Generally, a single serving of tuna noodle casserole is about one cup.
This should be enough for most people, but if you’re serving a larger group or those with bigger appetites, you may want to double or triple the portion size.
To make sure everyone has enough food, it’s also a good idea to have other snacks or side dishes available in addition to the casserole.
What dessert goes with tuna noodle casserole?
One delicious dessert that pairs perfectly with tuna noodle casserole is a classic apple crumble.
This warm, comforting treat is the perfect balance to the creaminess of the casserole.
To make this dish, you’ll need to layer thinly sliced apples with a mix of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in an oven-safe dish.
After adding a topping of buttery streusel crumbs, simply bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly!
The tartness of the apples combined with spices creates a flavor combination that will be sure to please any crowd. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment!
What veggies go with tuna noodle casserole?
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic dish that goes well with a variety of vegetables.
For an even more flavorful and nutritious meal, you can add crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the casserole mix.
You could also try broccoli or cauliflower for added color and texture. Or you can go for heartier veggie choices such as squash, yams, sweet potatoes, and zucchini.
To top off your tuna noodle casserole with some extra flavor and nutrition, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the top or add fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
best noodles for tuna casserole
When it comes to tuna casserole, egg noodles are widely considered the best choice.
Egg noodles contain a higher amount of protein than other types of pasta noodles like spaghetti and macaroni, making them an ideal complement for the protein-rich dish.
Additionally, their sturdiness helps keep the casserole together, as they do not break down and get mushy while cooking.
Whole wheat egg noodles are a great option for adding additional fiber and nutrients to a tuna casserole.
For a more robust flavor profile, try using garlic or herb-infused egg noodles to add additional depth of flavor to your dish.
the best old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole
The best old-fashioned tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food dish that evokes nostalgia in many people.
This hearty, crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to prepare and a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
It starts with cooked noodles, usually elbow macaroni or spirals, which are combined with canned tuna, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and a creamy white sauce.
Once mixed together, the casserole is topped with shredded cheese and baked until it’s hot and bubbly. The result is a savory and filling dish that everyone will love.
When making this family favorite, be sure to choose high-quality ingredients for the very best flavor.
Look for flavorful canned tuna packed in oil or water (depending on your preference), then mix it with freshly chopped veggies like onion, celery, bell pepper or carrots.
For the sauce, you’ll need butter and all-purpose flour to make a roux that thickens the mixture once heated through. Then add some garlic powder and thyme for extra flavor before adding milk to complete the sauce.
Top off with shredded cheese (cheddar is a classic choice), bake until bubbly golden brown, then serve over hot cooked noodles for an unforgettable meal!
What side dishes go with tuna pasta bake?
Tuna pasta bake is a savory dish that pairs well with plenty of side dishes that can help to really elevate the flavors of the meal.
Vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and garlic can be added to the tuna pasta bake, helping to add more depth and complexity.
Roasted broccoli or carrots also make great accompaniments, as they lend a slight crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the tuna pasta bake.
For a more filling side option, potatoes are always a great go-to: roasted baby potatoes bring in a nutty flavor, while mashed potatoes provide an incredibly comforting texture.
For those looking for some extra carbs in their meal, try tossing cooked macaroni or other small pasta varieties into the mix for an even more hearty entrée.
For something truly special, try adding some fresh herbs like oregano or parsley to your tuna pasta bake – these will give your dish freshness and brightness without overpowering its flavor.
To top it all off, crusty bread is always a surefire way to make sure you don’t miss out on any of those delicious flavors!
