Tuna Melt Poppers are the perfect little bites for snack time! Made with flaky tuna, melted cheese, and a crunchy outside, these poppers are super tasty and fun to eat.
They disappear fast at my house! I love serving them with a side of cute dipping sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to snack on these all day long! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Bell Peppers: These add crunch and sweetness to the poppers. If red peppers aren’t available, you could use green peppers, zucchini, or even halved tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Tuna: Canned tuna is convenient, but you could substitute with canned salmon or shredded chicken for variety. Just make sure it’s well-drained!
Mayonnaise: This gives richness to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works great as an alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful flavor, but you can mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for an added kick.
Dill: Dried dill is optional, but it adds a lovely herbal note. You can use fresh dill if you have it, or switch it out with Italian seasoning for a new twist.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Stuffed Poppers?
The key to great Tuna Melt Poppers is in the stuffing. Make sure your tuna mixture is well-combined and flavorful.
- Start by finely chopping your celery and onion. This ensures they mix well into the tuna.
- Don’t hesitate to taste the filling mix; adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as it can greatly enhance the flavor.
- When filling the peppers, mound the tuna mixture slightly so you can see a generous amount of filling peeking out after baking.
These steps will help your poppers look inviting and taste delicious! Enjoy the process!
Tuna Melt Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 2 medium red bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Ranch or aioli sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 25 minutes of total time: 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for baking. You’ll enjoy making these tasty poppers as a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Cut the red bell peppers in half and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet so they are ready for filling.
3. Mix the Tuna Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, chopped onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried dill (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until you have a creamy and consistent filling.
4. Fill the Peppers:
Spoon the tuna mixture evenly into each halved pepper, making sure to mound it slightly so there’s a generous amount on top.
5. Add Cheese:
Now for the best part! Top each filled pepper generously with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the tuna filling completely.
6. Bake the Poppers:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove the poppers from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy:
Let the poppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with ranch or aioli sauce for dipping—perfect for any get-together or snack time!
Now, enjoy these savory Tuna Melt Poppers; they are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Yes, you can! While red bell peppers are great for their sweetness and crunch, you can also use green bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, or even hollowed-out zucchinis for a fun twist!
Can I Make These Poppers in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tuna filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just pop them in the oven to bake; you may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the poppers crispy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can substitute with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand!