Fish Pie: the decadent, creamy main recipe for a classic British dinner

Whether you choose cod, halibut, salmon, haddock, or opt for a mix, fish pie always satisfies. This is an easy-to-prepare British comfort food dinner recipe and is essentially the seafood version of the classic shepherd's or cottage pie. It's a super simple way to get more fish and vegetables in your diet.

Fish pie has it all. With its buttery, cheesy creamy mashed potato topping layered over fish and veggies in a creamy white sauce, fish pie is undeniably hard to resist. The best part is that it's not hard to make. Make the batch of mashed potatoes, sauté the veggies, then whip up the sauce and assemble the pie. After that comes the hardest part – waiting for your fish pie to finish baking in the oven! Serve fish pie with a green salad or roasted veggies for a hearty, healthy, warming meal the whole family will adore.

What is the Best Fish for Making a Pie?

You can use any kind of fish to make your fish pie, but most people prefer to use white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, or hake. You can also use mackerel or salmon. If you're a fan of smoked fish, you can use smoked fish to make your pie. Make sure to remove the skin before poaching the fish.

Tips for Making the Best Fish Pie

Fresh or frozen fish will work in this recipe.

The best potatoes for making fish pie are Yukon Gold, Russet, or Maris Piper.

For creamier mashed potatoes, substitute heavy cream for whole milk. For a dairy-free option, use your preferred plant-based milk instead.

To ensure even melting, grate the cheese yourself.

Poaching the fish before assembling the pie also helps prevent the filling from becoming watery.

Fish Pie Variations

You can add extra ingredients to your fish pie such as hard-boiled eggs, spinach, broccoli, or other veggies you enjoy.

Use smoked fish instead for a delicious smoky flavor, or use a combination of different types of fish. Prawns are another delicious addition to fish pie.

What to Serve with Fish Pie

Enjoy your fish pie with tasty side dishes like a light green salad, some roasted green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower tossed with lemon, a crusty baguette, or French fries.

If you'd like to serve wine with your fish pie, opt for a dry, crisp white wine like an unoaked Chardonnay or Soave. If you're feeling fancy, sparkling wine like Champagne, Cava, or Franciacorta will complement your fish pie to perfection.

How to Store Fish Pie

Let the pie cool. Transfer it to an airtight container, or wrap the baking dish well in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Fish Pie?

Of course! You can freeze your fish pie for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it well before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight, then bake the pie at 375F for 30 to 45 minutes.

How to Make Fish Pie

For the mashed potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and boil for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain, and place in a bowl.

Add butter, milk, and salt. Mash the potatoes well until creamy.

For the fish mixture

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium. Stir in the green onions, carrots, and garlic, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes until the smell of raw flour has cooked off.

Stir in the milk, then whisk until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Whisk in 1 cup of cheese. Mix until smooth.

Add the mustard.

Add the dill.

Carefully add in the fish, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Make sure you thicken the sauce properly before adding the fish and assembling the pie. You don't want a watery filling. Let the sauce reduce down, and don't rush the process.

Assembling the fish pie

Transfer the fish filling to a casserole dish. Scoop the mashed potatoes onto the filling, then use a fork to add texture to the potatoes.

Top with cheddar cheese.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the mashed potatoes are golden brown. Remove the fish pie from the oven.

Garnish with additional parsley, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish to bake your fish pie.