Don’t Toss the Crumbs
I got my blog back from Lia and for one of my first October UBC blogs it has to be about one of my quick and easy meals! I like to use catchy titles for my blogs, don’t toss the crumbs is one of them!
What do you do when you have the little pieces of potato chips left over? I hope you don’t toss them, they are great on top of a casserole! I put them in a zip lock bag, seal it with the air out and then roll the bag to crush the pieces. After they are all crushed I date the bag and save to add them to my casseroles.
Speaking of casserole, today I want to share a quick and easy recipe for tuna casserole! All you need is elbow macaroni (or whatever you favorite pasta is), a can of tuna, your favorite shredded cheese and potato chip crumbs. This recipe goes way back to when my grandmother would top her casseroles with stale potato chips! She didn’t waste anything when she cooked.
Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 can of drained tuna (I use tuna in water)
1/4 cup of crushed potato chips
1/2 cup of shredded cheese (I used a blend of 4 cheese flavors and mozzarella)
1/4 cup of milk
1 teaspoon butter
While boiling the macaroni, add the milk and butter to a pan and on medium heat let it come to a slow boil and then add the cheese, mixing it until smooth and all blended.
Drain the macaroni, add the tuna and cheese sauce and mix together. Add to a baking dish, sprinkle with a bit more shredded cheese and then add the crushed potato chips.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chips are browned.
This is such a quick and easy meal and so delicious and filling! Since I’m the only one that likes tuna casserole, there is enough for at least two meals and probably a little extra for a snack. When I reheat it the second day, I add a bit more milk to it, stir it around and toss a few more chips on top. It’s so good and a great source of protein in the tuna.
Broccoli Crumbs
I’ve also added broccoli crumbs to my tuna casserole at times. We get the five pound bag of broccoli spears and the end of the bag has all the little crumbs that I freeze in a small container and use them in casseroles and omelets. This is one of my fried cabbage with bacon meals where I added broccoli crumbs while the bacon was browning. Of course they are delicious in an omelet too! I don’t let anything go to waste thanks to watching my grandmother cook when I was younger.
I’ve never even considered saving potato chip crumbs to put on top of things, but what a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hope if you try this, you like it Joanna!
It’s fantastic how creative you get about little things that can make a difference. That casserole looks delicious 😋
And it adds a bit of extra flavor Tamara.
Ah, broccoli crumbs sounds tempting. I hate potatoes and never touch potato chips.
Interesting approach to add milk and butter to the boiling noodles!
We got 5 pound bags of frozen broccoli spears Roy and by the time I get to the bottom of the back there are quite a few “crumbs” that are perfect for cooking or omolettes! I don’t eat many potatoes but love riced cauliflower and add milk and butter to that and make “faux” potatoes. I even toss in some broccoli crumbs to that.
This looks delicious. I love the suggestion of using broccoli crumbs!
Love this tip on using crumbs!! Bet your family loves these cassarole!
Great tips Martha! Thanks so much for the thought on my recovery yesterday. I really appreciate it.
Cindy Rae
Martha, yum yum! I have never saved potato chip crumbs, but I have saved crumbs from slicing home-made bread. I have thought of saving broccoli crumbs, but I don’t have enough to save before they get stale tasting. The potato chip crumbs sound like they would add a lot of texture and flavor to the top of your casserole, or many types of casseroles. I will try your casserole recipe soon!
Topping casseroles with chip crumbs gives it a bit of a salty taste Kebba. I don’t cook with salt and never use it on my meals but something about it on a casserole hits the spot!
Martha, that looks and sounds so good. I want to make it right now.
I save everything and this was so delicious Brenda!
I love these! You have such awesome ideas.
I find a way to use everything Amanda! LOL