Fish Pie Recipe

The Coziest Fish Pie Recipe for Comforting Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful fish pie brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Creamy textures and rich flavors merge beautifully in this classic dish.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the delicate blend of tender fish and smooth sauce.

Layers of flaky pastry embrace succulent maritime ingredients with elegance.

Home cooks can easily master this traditional British favorite without complicated techniques.

Fresh herbs and quality fish make all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this hearty and satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Crave Mary Berry Fish Pie Again and Again

  • Craft Comforting Meal: A hearty fish pie that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy sautéing, mashing, and layering skills that build confidence in the kitchen without overwhelming complexity.
  • Nutritious One-Dish Wonder: Packed with protein from fish, eggs, and potatoes, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
  • Customize with Creativity: Swap fish types, add herbs, or include extra vegetables to make the dish uniquely yours while keeping the classic comfort food structure intact.

Ingredients List for Mary Berry Fish Pie

Fish and Seafood:
  • White Fish: A delicate and flaky fish that provides the main protein for this comforting pie.
  • Eggs: Add richness and additional protein to the fish mixture.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor for the pie filling.
  • Potatoes: Create a creamy, smooth topping that covers the fish mixture.
Dairy and Seasonings:
  • Butter, Milk: Contribute to the creamy texture and rich flavor of both the filling and potato topping.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh note to balance the rich fish mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Mary Berry Fish Pie

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a spacious baking dish to prepare for the delicious fish pie journey.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

In a pan, melt butter and gently sauté onions until they become soft and translucent. Cover and cook on low heat, allowing the onions to develop a rich, sweet flavor.

Step 3: Create A Silky Sauce Base

Uncover the pan and increase the heat. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux. This will help thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Build A Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce becomes thick and velvety. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 5: Poach The Fish

Gently cook the fish in the creamy sauce until it’s just tender and flaky. Be careful not to overcook to maintain its delicate texture.

Step 6: Assemble The Pie

Transfer the fish and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Carefully place boiled eggs on top for an extra layer of richness.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Potato Topping

Boil potatoes until they’re fork-tender. Mash them with milk and butter until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 8: Finish And Bake

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the fish mixture. Use a fork to create decorative peaks on the surface. Bake in the preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and crispy.

Best Practices for Making Mary Berry Fish Pie

  • Prevent Watery Filling: Pat fish dry before cooking to reduce excess moisture and ensure a thick, creamy sauce.
  • Master the Mash: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for the fluffiest, most spreadable potato topping.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or fish stock to the sauce for extra richness and complexity.
  • Avoid Overcooking Fish: Gently poach fish just until it turns opaque to maintain its delicate texture and prevent dryness.
  • Perfect Potato Topping: Create decorative peaks with a fork to help the potato top crisp and brown beautifully in the oven.

Tasty Spins on Mary Berry Fish Pie

  • Seafood Medley Variation: Replace fish with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and white fish for a diverse seafood experience.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potato topping with cauliflower mash, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Herb-Infused Rendition: Add fresh dill, parsley, and chives to the fish mixture and potato topping for an aromatic herb-packed profile.

Delicious Pairings for Mary Berry Fish Pie

  • Elevate Seafood Harmony: Pair crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus notes to complement the fish pie's creamy texture.
  • Refreshing Side Kick: Serve a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add fresh crispness.
  • Tangy Companion: Offer pickled cucumber or dill relish on the side to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the smooth potato topping.
  • Rustic Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak to enhance the fish pie's delicate seafood flavors and buttery undertones.

Storage Guide for Mary Berry Fish Pie

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring the pie is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap the fish pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).
  • Cut individual portions, place on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Answering Your Questions on Mary Berry Fish Pie

  • Is this recipe good for beginners?

Yes, this fish pie is straightforward and easy to make. Even novice cooks can follow the step-by-step instructions without advanced culinary skills.

  • Can I use different types of fish?

Absolutely! You can mix white fish like cod, haddock, or salmon. Choose fresh, firm fish that holds together well during cooking.

  • Do I need any special kitchen equipment?

No special tools required. You’ll just need a baking dish, saucepan, potato masher, and basic cooking utensils found in most kitchens.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce butter quantity, choose leaner fish types, and add extra vegetables like peas or spinach to the filling for more nutrition.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fish Pie Recipe

Fish Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 92 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty British Fish Pie delivers oceanic comfort straight from coastal kitchens, blending delicate seafood with creamy mashed potatoes. Savory layers of salmon, cod, and prawns nestled beneath golden-crisp potato peaks promise a warming embrace that will satisfy seafood enthusiasts and home cooks alike.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fish Ingredients:

  • 350 grams (12 ounces) fresh haddock, cut into 1 centimeter pieces
  • 350 grams (12 ounces) undyed smoked haddock, cut into 1 centimeter pieces

Potato and Egg Components:

  • 900 grams (2 pounds) potatoes, peeled and cut into even-sized pieces
  • 4 hard-boiled free-range eggs, roughly chopped
  • 50 grams (2 ounces) butter
  • 8 tablespoons hot milk

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 75 grams (3 ounces) butter
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 50 grams (2 ounces) plain flour
  • 570 milliliters (1 pint) milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 200C (400F) and prepare a spacious baking dish with light greasing.
  2. Gently caramelize chopped onions in melted butter, allowing them to soften and develop a translucent golden hue over medium-low heat.
  3. Sprinkle flour into the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without developing any burnt notes.
  4. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking consistently to develop a creamy, velvety sauce without lumps.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a splash of bright lemon juice to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  6. Carefully poach the fish pieces in the sauce, ensuring they remain delicate and flaky without breaking apart.
  7. Gently transfer the fish and sauce combination into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
  8. Distribute halved hard-boiled eggs across the fish mixture for added texture and richness.
  9. Boil peeled potatoes until they reach a tender, easily mashable consistency.
  10. Mash the potatoes with warm milk and butter, creating a smooth, creamy topping with a light, whipped texture.
  11. Season the potato mixture with salt and pepper, then carefully spread it over the fish layer using a spatula.
  12. Create decorative furrows across the potato surface using a fork to encourage crispy, golden peaks during baking.
  13. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality white fish like cod or haddock for the most delicate flavor and tender texture.
  • Avoid overcooking fish during initial poaching to prevent dry, tough meat by keeping liquid at a gentle simmer.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet for the smoothest, creamiest mash that spreads easily over the filling.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when creating the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 38 minutes
  • Cook Time: 54 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 427 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star