Name: Fish Pie Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or pollock); 1/2 pound salmon fillet; 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cups whole milk; 1 bay leaf; 1 small onion, halved; 3 cloves; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup corn kernels; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter (for mashing); 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

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If you crave classic comfort food with a bit of seaside flair, this Fish Pie Recipe is the ultimate answer. Creamy, rich, and packed with flaky fish, sweet shrimp, and tender veggies all wrapped in a velvety white sauce under a golden mashed potato lid, it’s truly the heart and soul of British home cooking. I love serving this to family and friends; it never fails to bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply want to impress with a taste of tradition, this Fish Pie Recipe delivers cozy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this pie so wonderful is how each simple ingredient layers up to create a deeply satisfying dish. Every component in the Fish Pie Recipe has a purpose—whether it’s adding delicate flavor, creamy texture, or a burst of color.

White fish fillets (1 1/2 pounds): Mild cod, haddock, or pollock are ideal for flakiness and a gentle sea flavor.
Salmon fillet (1/2 pound): This brings a lovely richness and a pop of color to the pie.
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound): Their sweet, tender bite adds a special luxury to every forkful.
Whole milk (4 cups): The base for our creamy sauce—whole milk creates the right luscious texture.
Bay leaf (1): Adds a subtle herby note that perfumes the sauce beautifully.
Small onion, halved (1): Gently infuses depth of flavor into the milk for the sauce.
Cloves (3): Studded into the onion, they add aromatic warmth.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons + 2 for mashing): For both the roux and the mashed potato topping; go for unsalted so you can control seasoning.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the creamy sauce so it hugs every piece of seafood.
Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Tiny green bursts of sweetness and color.
Corn kernels (1/2 cup): Adds a sunny pop and subtle crunch.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings a garden-fresh lift to the filling.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A secret weapon for a gentle tang and complexity in the sauce.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings, always to taste.
Potatoes, peeled and chopped (2 1/2 pounds): These form the pillowy golden crown of the pie.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Makes the mash extra luxe and smooth.
Grated cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): For a topping that bakes golden and irresistibly melty.

How to Make Fish Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

Start by adding your chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover them with salted water. Bring them to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then mash them while still warm with the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter. Whip the mash until it’s silky smooth—this will make your Fish Pie Recipe irresistibly creamy on top. Set aside to cool slightly while you move on to the fish filling.

Step 2: Poach the Fish for the Filling

In a large saucepan, pour in the milk and slip in the bay leaf, along with the onion halves that you’ve studded with the cloves. Nestle the white fish and salmon fillets into this fragrant bath. Gently simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon, discard the onion and bay leaf, and reserve that flavorful poaching milk—you’ll need it for the sauce. Flake the fish into generous chunks and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a fresh saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the reserved poaching milk, watching the sauce turn silky and thick. Stir in the mustard, salt, pepper, parsley, peas, and corn. Mix well—every spoonful should have speckles of green, yellow, and fresh herbs!

Step 4: Combine Seafood and Sauce

Gently fold the flaked fish and the raw shrimp into the sauce, making sure not to break up the fish too much. The shrimp will finish cooking in the oven, giving you perfect tender bites in the final Fish Pie Recipe. Give the mix one last taste for seasoning.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Tip the fish and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, then fluff it lightly with a fork to create those signature crispy ridges. Scatter the grated cheddar cheese all across the surface. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the sides are bubbling enticingly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

This is the toughest part—let the pie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This pause lets everything settle for clean, creamy slices. Trust me, the anticipation makes that first bite even better!

How to Serve Fish Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving gives this Fish Pie Recipe a lovely fresh accent and a pop of color. A little lemon zest also works wonders if you’re in the mood for extra brightness.

Side Dishes

Classic accompaniments include a crunchy green salad or bright, buttered steamed greens like broccoli or peas. The vibrant veggies add freshness and crunch to balance the pie’s creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For individual servings, scoop your pie into small ramekins before baking so everyone gets their own personal golden-topped pie. Or, pipe the mash in decorative swirls for a fancier dinner-party look. Either way, the Fish Pie Recipe always brings a wow factor to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fish Pie Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply cover the dish with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers for easy reheating later.

Freezing

This is a fantastic make-ahead recipe! Assemble the pie completely (but don’t bake), then let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. For best flavor, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until piping hot (about 25–30 minutes). If heating a single portion, a microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the top crispier.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of fish in this Fish Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in firm white fish you have on hand, add smoked fish for extra depth, or even use scallops in place of shrimp. This Fish Pie Recipe is very flexible and still tastes wonderful.

Is it possible to make the pie dairy-free?

Yes—try using unsweetened plant milk and a vegan butter alternative for both the sauce and the mash. The flavor will be a bit different, but still totally comforting.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the filling a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Assemble just before baking, then add the mash and cheese on top for a perfectly fresh Fish Pie Recipe the next day.

How do I prevent the mash from sinking into the filling?

Let the filling cool a little before spreading the potatoes over the top. This helps the mash stay fluffy and sit nicely above the creamy seafood sauce, ensuring the signature look of a great Fish Pie Recipe.

What can I serve with Fish Pie besides salad or greens?

Try roasted carrots or parsnips for a sweet earthiness, or even a simple buttered baguette for scooping up any creamy sauce left on your plate.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a homemade Fish Pie Recipe before, now is absolutely the time. It’s fun to make, deeply satisfying to eat, and sure to win over anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. Dive in and share it with loved ones—you’ll be making new family traditions with each delicious slice!

Fish Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Fish Pie recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a creamy seafood filling topped with a layer of buttery mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fish Filling:

1 1/2 pounds white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or pollock)
1/2 pound salmon fillet
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups whole milk
1 bay leaf
1 small onion, halved
3 cloves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup corn kernels
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter (for mashing)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Mash the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with heavy cream and butter. Set aside.
Prepare the Fish: Simmer fish fillets in milk with bay leaf and onion. Flake the fish and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, then whisk in reserved milk. Add mustard, salt, pepper, parsley, peas, and corn.
Combine and Bake: Fold in fish and shrimp, transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes and cheddar. Bake until golden.