Cozy Homemade Fish Pie Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Creamy, comforting fish pie brings warmth to any kitchen table.

Coastal traditions inspire this classic British dish that combines tender seafood with smooth potato topping.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful recipe passed down through families.

Flaky white fish nestles beneath a golden, crispy mashed potato crust that promises incredible flavor.

Delicate herbs and rich sauce create a harmonious blend of maritime ingredients.

Simple techniques make this pie accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

You will love how easily this hearty meal comes together in one beautiful baking dish.

Dive into this recipe and treat yourself to a truly satisfying meal.

What Makes Mary Berry Fish Pie Recipe a Comfort Classic

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This fish pie delivers ultimate home-cooked warmth with layers of rich flavors and creamy textures that hug your taste buds.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginners can easily learn key culinary skills like making white sauce, poaching fish, and creating a perfect potato topping without stress.
• Perfect Family Dinner Solution: A nutritious one-dish meal packed with protein and vegetables that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its hearty and delicious profile.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Prepare everything in advance, then simply pop in the oven for a minimal hands-on cooking experience that transforms basic ingredients into a spectacular dinner.

Ingredients List for Mary Berry Fish Pie Recipe

• White Fish: A tender and flaky seafood that forms the heart of this classic pie.
• Salmon: Adds rich flavor and beautiful color to the fish mixture.

• Butter, Milk, Hot Milk: Provide creamy richness and help create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a consistent texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice: Bring out the natural flavors of the fish and add brightness to the dish.
• Onions: Offer a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the pie.
• Eggs: Add extra protein and create a delightful layered texture when chopped on top of the fish.
• Potatoes: Create a golden, comforting topping that complements the fish perfectly.

How to Make Mary Berry’s Fish Pie at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to a toasty 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Grab a generous baking dish and coat its interior with a smooth layer of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

In a pan, gently cook chopped onions in melted butter until they become soft, translucent, and release their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Create a Silky Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the onion mixture and stir thoroughly. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without any lumps.

Step 4: Season and Simmer the Fish

Add a dash of salt, a crack of black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. Gently slide in your fish pieces and let them simmer for about 23 minutes, allowing them to cook through and absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the Fish Layer

Transfer the fish and sauce mixture into the buttered baking dish. Scatter chopped hard-boiled eggs across the top for extra richness.

Step 6: Craft the Potato Topping

Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with hot milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, creating a creamy potato layer.

Step 7: Build the Pie

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the fish mixture, creating a smooth surface. Use a fork to create decorative lines and peaks on top.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate it’s ready to serve.

Smart Tips for Creamy and Flaky Fish Pie

• Select Fresh Fish: Choose high-quality, firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
• Perfect Potato Topping: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for a creamy, fluffy mashed potato layer that spreads smoothly.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce that coats the fish beautifully.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient and delicious meal.

Tasty Twists on the Classic Fish Pie

• Gluten-Free Seafood Pie: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for thickening.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Casserole: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing and mashing potatoes.
• Low-Carb Protein Bake: Substitute potato topping with cauliflower mash. Add extra herbs like dill or parsley for enhanced flavor. Use white fish or salmon for protein variation.
• Vegetarian Sea Harvest Pie: Replace fish with firm tofu or mixed seafood-style plant proteins. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy undertone. Include roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for texture.

What Pairs Well with Mary Berry Fish Pie

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the delicate fish flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with its bright, zesty acidity.
• Serve Hearty Green Salad: Lemony mixed greens with fresh herbs create a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, comforting fish pie.
• Match Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, tangy sourdough slices help soak up the delicious sauce and add delightful textural crunch to the meal.
• Enhance with Pickled Cucumber: Tart, cool cucumber pickles provide a sharp, clean counterpoint to the creamy, warm fish pie.

How to Store Fish Pie After Cooking

• Transfer leftover fish pie to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled fish pie securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover fish pie with foil to prevent top from burning.

FAQs About Mary Berry’s Fish Pie

• Why use flour in the sauce?

Flour helps thicken the milk sauce, creating a creamy and smooth texture that binds the fish and vegetables together, preventing a watery consistency.

• Can I use different types of fish?

Absolutely! Mix white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for a varied flavor. Choose fresh, firm fish that can hold its shape during cooking.

• How do I know the fish is properly cooked?

Fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork. In this recipe, simmering for 2-3 minutes ensures the fish is gently cooked without becoming tough or dry.

• Is it necessary to fork the potato surface?

Forking creates crispy peaks that brown nicely in the oven, adding a delightful textural contrast and golden-brown appearance to the pie’s topping.

Fish Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 73 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty british fish pie brings comfort straight from coastal kitchens, combining delicate seafood with creamy potato blanket. Creamy layers and rich flavors invite you to savor each comforting spoonful of this classic maritime dish.

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Ingredients

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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
• 4 hard-boiled free-range eggs, roughly chopped

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

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

Topping Ingredients:

• 900 grams (2 pounds) potatoes, peeled and cut into even-sized pieces
• 8 tablespoons hot milk
• 50 grams (2 ounces) butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 200C (400F) and grease a spacious baking vessel with butter for optimal cooking.
2. Gently cook chopped onions in butter until they become translucent and softened.
3. Incorporate flour into the onion mixture, creating a roux-like base for the sauce.
4. Gradually introduce milk, whisking continuously to develop a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Enhance the sauce with seasoning, adding salt, pepper, and a splash of bright lemon juice.
6. Gently fold fish into the sauce, allowing it to simmer and absorb flavors for approximately 3 minutes.
7. Transfer the fish and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
8. Scatter chopped hard-boiled eggs across the surface of the fish filling.
9. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash thoroughly with hot milk and butter until creamy and smooth.
10. Season the potato mash with additional salt and pepper to taste.
11. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the fish layer, creating a complete cover.
12. Use a fork to create decorative peaks and texture on the potato surface.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly.

Notes

• Ensure fish is fresh and of high quality for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
• Select white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock for a classic, mild taste that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
• Customize the pie by adding frozen peas or chopped herbs like parsley to the filling for extra color and nutrition.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and checking that all ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 53 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg