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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

    Simple Fish Pie

    Published: January 5, 2020 Updated: January 19, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 26 Comments

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    Large serving spoon dunked into a pan of fish pie.

    This simple fish pie is total comfort food, sure to make your belly happy! There’s cod, salmon and plenty of veggies in a lush sauce. It’s topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and makes for a hearty and delicious dinner you’re gonna love!

    Large serving spoon dunked into a pan of fish pie.

    Hi friends!

    I’m super excited to be sharing this easy fish recipe with you all today!

    Fish pie (also known fisherman’s pie or seafood pie) is a classic British dish and, in my opinion, is like a cross between a traditional Newfoundland dish, cod au gratin, and shepherd’s pie.

    It has seafood coated in a creamy sauce (much like cod au gratin), but also includes veggies as well as a mash topping (like shepherd’s pie).

    The end result?

    So delicious!

    A few years ago, a local grocery store carried a frozen seafood pie that hubby and I really enjoyed (as did my sister-in-law and brother).

    Unfortunately, the grocery store no longer carries that product. Nowadays? I make my own version of fisherman’s pie!

    And homemade is always way better than store-bought anyway, right?

    This fish pie is the kinda stick-to-ya-ribs comfort food that one would crave during cooler months.

    Put on your comfy clothes, put on your fave show and grab a plate of this creamy fish pie and you’re set for cozy town, my friends.

    I seriously hope you love this one as much as we do!

    Ingredients for Simple Fish Pie

    • Seafood, like cod and salmon
    • Veggies, like leek, carrot, celery, and peas
    • Aromatics, like garlic and lemon zest
    • Seasonings, like thyme, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper
    • Seafood broth and milk
    • Olive oil, butter, and flour
    • Cheesy mash (potatoes, milk, butter, chives, and cheese)
    Ingredients for a fish pie recipe.

    How To Make Fish Pie

    Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    Make cheesy mashed potatoes

    1. Peel and cut potatoes into large chunks. Cook in a pot of salted water until tender, then drain.
    2. Rice those potatoes into a bowl (or you could mash, if you like).
    3. Give them a little stir. Add melted butter, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and salt.
    4. Mix again.

    Tip: You could also add some Parmesan cheese, if you like. Or, if you aren’t into cheese, try adding some roasted garlic, cooked leeks or enjoy those potatoes as they are. Either way, delicious!

    Collage of steps to make cheesy mashed potatoes with chives.

    Make creamy fish pie filling, assemble and bake

    1. In a pan, cook some leek in olive oil. Then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in carrots, celery, salt, and pepper and give that a little cook.
    2. Add butter and once it melts, stir in flour. Slowly add seafood broth and milk. Add about ⅓ to ½ cup at a time, whisking after each addition until creamy and thickened.
    3. Stir in thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest.
    4. Add seasoned seafood and peas, stirring in to incorporate with the sauce.
    5. Dollop cheesy mashed potatoes over top. Spread them out. Have little bumps and valleys (as this creates little crispy, golden brown and delicious bits).
    6. Bake, cool a little, garnish, and serve.
    Collage of steps to make fish pie.

    Type of Seafood To Use

    For this fish pie recipe, both cod and salmon is used. You could use fresh or frozen (that has been thawed).

    Other delicious options include halibut, haddock, or tilapia.

    You can use all of one or a combo. Whatever you decide to use, just make sure that it’s free from any bones and skin.

    Fish pie in a pan, sitting on top of a checkered tea towel.

    Tips and Variations

    • Cut the seafood into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
    • Want to make things even richer? Try half-and-half instead of whole milk.
    • Frozen peas are used, but you could use fresh if you like.
    • Thyme is used, but you could try dill instead. Dill also works lovely with seafood.
    Large spoon resting in a pan of partially eaten seafood pie.

    What To Serve With Fish Pie

    Any of these go great with fish pie:

    • Mixed green salad
    • Garlic bread
    • Lemon wedges (a must, in my opinion)
    • Green beans
    Portion of fish pie and a lemon wedge on a black plate.

    More Delicious Seafood Recipes

    • Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes
    • Tomato Fish Stew
    • Fish Curry With Coconut Milk
    • Crispy Fried Fish Burger

    If you make this easy fish pie recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Fish pie in a pan, sitting on top of a checkered tea towel.

    Simple Fish Pie

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    This simple fish pie is total comfort food, sure to make your belly happy! There's cod, salmon and plenty of veggies in a lush sauce. It's topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and makes for a hearty and delicious dinner you're gonna love!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 25 mins
    Cooling Time 30 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled (about 4 to 5 Russet potatoes)
    • ½ cup melted unsalted butter
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, about 1 cup
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Fish Pie Filling

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 leek, cut in half lengthwise and sliced thinly into half moons (white and light green parts only). Rinse well and drain before using as leek can contain debris/dirt between the layers.
    • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced about ¼-inch thick
    • 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced about ¼-inch thick
    • 1.25 teaspoons salt, divided
    • 1.25 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • â…“ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup seafood broth
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme (leaves only), or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
    • pinch ground cayenne pepper
    • 1 lemon, zest only
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • 1 pound cod fillets (boneless and skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
    • ½ pound salmon fillet (boneless and skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
    • Chopped fresh thyme leaves, garnish to taste (optional)
    • Chopped fresh chives, garnish to taste (optional)
    • Lemon wedges, garnish to taste (optional)

    Instructions

    Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    • Cut peeled potatoes into chunks.
    • Place potatoes into a large pot of cold, salted water, ensuring that the potatoes are fully covered by the water by at least an inch or two above the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes or so. Drain.
    • Rice potatoes (or mash them) into a bowl. Add butter, milk, cheddar cheese, chives and salt, stirring to combine. Set aside.

    Fish Pie Filling

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a 12-inch heavy oven-safe sauté/deep pan over medium heat on the stovetop.
    • Add leek and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until softened.
    • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    • Add carrots, celery, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes or until softened slightly.
    • Add butter and melt.
    • Stir in flour to form a paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Slowly (½ cup at a time) whisk in seafood broth and milk (you want to add the liquid in increments so that it gives things a chance to thicken before adding more liquid). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes or so.
      If you want less sauce in the finished product, you can add about ½ cup less broth here.
    • Season with thyme, ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest.
    • Stir in peas.
    • Season cod and salmon with remaining ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
    • Distribute seafood in pan, stirring to incorporate.

    Assemble the Fish Pie and Bake

    • Top seafood with reserved cheesy mashed potatoes. Don't smooth out perfectly. Leave little bumps and valleys so they create character and some crispy bits when baked.
    • Carefully place pan onto a sheet pan (to catch any spills) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until everything is cooked through and the mashed potatoes have a little golden brown colour.
    • Let the fish pie cool for about 30 minutes before serving (don't skip this as it allows things to settle). Garnish with thyme and chives, if desired. Delicious served with lemon wedges. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Cut the seafood into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
    • Frozen peas are used, but you could use fresh if you like.
    • Thyme is used, but you could try dill instead. Dill also works lovely with seafood.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword easy seafood recipe, seafood pie

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

    More Main Dish Recipes

    • Loose Meat Sandwich
    • Fries, Dressing and Gravy
    • Cheese Lovers Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
    • Sausage Stir-Fry

    © Girl Heart Food Inc. All photographs and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kevin

      January 08, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      Can’t go hungry with this comforting dish, what a great combination of flavors, so savory!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:58 am

        Totally! Thanks Kevin 🙂

        Reply
    2. Valentina

      January 07, 2020 at 4:59 pm

      5 stars
      YUM! Dawn, what a comforting and delicious recipe. My 13-year-old has just declared himself a Pescatarian (kinda cute), and salmon is is favorite. This recipe is perfect for him (and the whole family)! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:58 am

        So cute!! Thanks Valentina! Hope you guys enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    3. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      January 07, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      I’ve often heard of fish pie but have never had it…I think I’ve missed out on something good by the looks of your dish.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:58 am

        For sure! It’s delish! Hope you get a chance to try soon! Thanks Karen 🙂

        Reply
    4. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      January 06, 2020 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious looking comfort food dish Dawn! I’m always looking to add more fish dishes to our menu too. Can’t wait to try! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        Yay! Hope you enjoy! Thanks Mary Ann 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      January 06, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love fish pie and especially with a cheesy topping! Perfect comfort food for these cold days 😉

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        Totally! Thanks Jennifer 🙂

        Reply
    6. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      January 06, 2020 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      I’m totally trying this one, Dawn!! Total comfort food during the winter. That cheesy top is soooo calling my name!! I’m in love! Happy New Year and welcome back to real life, haha!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        Yay! Hope you love it! Happy New Year, my friend 🙂

        Reply
    7. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      January 06, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my word, Dawn! The cheesy mash!! Amazing! Flaky fish?! Mindblowing…all in all, amazing recipe! YUM! Happy New year, my friend! <3

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        Thanks Haylie! Happy New Year to you too! XOXO

        Reply
    8. [email protected]

      January 06, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Loving this stick-to-ya-ribs comfort food! Especially that gorgeous cheesy top!! Happy New Year, my friend!! xoxo

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:56 am

        Thank you Annie! Happy New Year to you too! XOXO

        Reply
    9. Leanne

      January 06, 2020 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh! I seriously need some of this hearty goodness in my life today! I’m not looking forward to tackling the mound of snow in our driveway, but when I do, I would love to have a big plate of this fish pie waiting for me! I’m having a huge craving for seafood, and that cheesy mash on top looks like the ultimate comfort food. Happy Monday Dawn. Stay warm!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:55 am

        Thank you Leanne! Comfort food to the max 😉 Have a great weekend and stay warm!

        Reply
    10. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      January 06, 2020 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! This has comfort written all over it!!! There’s nothing better than a cozy dish that comes out of the oven all piping hot and topped with mashed potatoes! It just doesn’t get any better!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:54 am

        Thanks Kathy! I agree 🙂

        Reply
    11. David @ Spiced

      January 06, 2020 at 9:15 am

      5 stars
      You can say that again about homemade tasting way better than store-bought! I’m glad that grocery store carried that fisherman’s pie as it led to the inspiration for this homemade version. 2 types of fish, mashed potatoes and veggies? Now that sounds like a winter comfort food meal that I can get behind. Yum! Happy New Year to you, my friend!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:53 am

        Right? 😉 Thank you David! Happy New Year to you too, my friend!

        Reply
    12. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      January 05, 2020 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      It’s been so chilly lately and I’m craving all the comfort food. This totally fits the bill–I’m coming over for dinner! This sounds delicious, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:52 am

        I hear ya!! Thank you so much, Kelsie 🙂

        Reply
    13. Marissa

      January 05, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      Loving everything about this loaded fish pie, Dawn! Including that gorgeous cheesy mash top! It’s snowing today and this is just the kind of comfort food I’m craving.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        January 11, 2020 at 10:52 am

        Thank you Marissa! This would be perfect on a cold day 😉

        Reply

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