Alert! This Hot Tuna Dip is addictive! Creamy, cheesy and easy to make it's the perfect appetizer for get-togethers. Chunks of tuna, gruyere cheese and a hint of heat will have guests begging for more.
Nothing is better for the finals of March Madness, or any get-together for that matter, than a deliciously creamy and cheesy, with a little bit of spice, hot tuna dip.
I have some friends coming over for the games this weekend and was wondering what to serve for nibbles. After searching through my pantry I spied a few cans of tuna and my husband piped up with why not make a dip like the crab dip we used to order every time we went to Legal Seafood. What a brilliant idea! Thanks hon!
Time to experiment. As fish dips are everywhere in Florida and among our go-to appetizers, I based part of the recipe on our favorite Florida Keys Smoked Fish Dip. I decided Old Bay seasoning and onion were a must to add and, since fish dips are usually served with jalapeno slices, I incorporated them into the mix as well.
Deciding on the cheese to use was a little tougher. I wanted it to be creamy, melt easily, and also pair well with the tuna. I know Gruyere compliments tuna since I use it to make my Gruyere Tuna Melt, so decision made. And the best part, Gruyere melts fantastically and tastes great with a little added spice too!
To add a little more creaminess, cause there's never enough creaminess, I threw in some cream cheese and a little cream, stirred it up and popped it into the oven. Fingers crossed!
Once out, I dusted it with a little smoked paprika, a few jalapeno slices, and served it with light puffy type crackers (I like Good Thins), celery sticks and carrot chips. OMG, was it ever delish! Hot, creamy, spicy and perfect. Just look at that ooey gooey cheese! Hey, stop eating until I get there! Gotta go .... !
Enjoy!
Make some air fried fish sticks for dinner to enjoy after this dip.
EASY HOT TUNA DIP
Ingredients
- 3 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1-2 Tablespoons cream or fat-free half & half
- 1 Tablespoon onion grated
- 1 Tablespoon jalapeno minced
- 2 teaspoons horseradish
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- 7-8 oz canned tuna fish
- Squeeze of lemon
- Garnish: Smoked paprika, jalapeno slices, parsley, lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a small baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and cream until smooth.
- Add all spices, onions, jalapeno and cheese and stir well.
- Squeeze a little lemon on the tuna then fold into mixture.
- Spoon into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling hot.
- Serve immediately with your preferred garnishes and dippers.
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on March 31, 2017.
Tsing Bardin says
May I substitute cream cheese with goat cheese? and use poached salmon instead of canned tuna?
Linda Warren says
You can, but since goat cheese is crumblier than cream cheese you should add a little more cream or half and half so it will blend better. Also goat cheese has a stronger flavor so be aware of that. If you like goat cheese give it a try. I have never tried using salmon but I think it would work very well. Would love to know how it turns out.
Denia says
Best tuna dip ever!!!
Linda Warren says
So glad you liked it!
Aimee Shugarman says
Such a unique snack, my family loved it at our potluck!
Linda Warren says
Yay! Love to hear that. And it's so easy to whip up any time.
Jillian says
This is such a delicious dip, I can't wait to make it again!
Linda Warren says
So glad you liked it! It will be perfect for all those March Madness get-togethers.