Give This Classic Comfort Food A Frozen Fish Stick Upgrade For Cozy New Flavors

Comfort foods like a turkey and bacon meatloaf are nice, but there's very little that's as cozy as a casserole. From old-school staples like tuna noodle, to more modern variations with inspiration from around the world, like Italian rice ball casserole or a biscuit-topped burrito bake, there's a casserole for every occasion (and every state!), each one full of cozy charm. But even if you're already a fan of casseroles, you may not have thought beyond canned tuna, and it's time to change that. Frozen fish sticks, which are a nostalgic treat in and of themselves, are a fantastic protein to base a casserole around, alongside your favorite sauces, veggies, and a carb, especially rice or potatoes.

While there are no "rules" for making frozen fish stick casserole, there are a few guidelines. In addition to being aware that rice and potatoes are fish-stick-friendly carbs, know that frozen fish sticks also work well with creamier sauces — just like you would serve fish sticks with tartar sauce, a similar principle applies when making them into a casserole. If you're looking for a simple "first attempt" at making a fish stick casserole, consider layering them in with whatever sauce and vegetables you might use to make tuna casserole, bake, and serve over rice.

If you're not a big fan of tuna casserole, and don't want to try a fish stick variation, don't worry! There are plenty of ways you can add frozen fish sticks to a cozy casserole that suits your preferences. For instance, fish sticks pair well with cheese, and you can try using frozen fish sticks as the protein in your favorite enchilada-style casserole recipe, topped with rich melted cheese and served with salsa for an added kick.

Another option for a fish stick casserole that brings all the nostalgia is a fish stick casserole with rice and broccoli. This is a fishy variation on a classic comfort-food casserole that's often made with chicken. The light fish makes the casserole a bit less heavy than its poultry-based version, and the breading on the fish sticks adds another dimension of comforting carbs. Fish sticks also work well in casseroles with a potato base, like combining fish sticks, frozen hash browns, and a sauce made of canned cream soup and shredded cheese for a retro comfort meal.