How to Make Fish Pie – A Comforting British Classic

--- published by foodie Parmod.

Fish pie is a beloved British comfort food, known for its creamy filling, flaky fish, and buttery mash topping. Unlike meat pies, it doesn’t use pastry – instead, a golden mashed potato crust seals in a rich, savoury fish filling. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing ahead for the week, fish pie is a satisfying and wholesome choice for any occasion.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to make a proper British fish pie from scratch.

---

🐟 What Is Fish Pie?

Traditional British fish pie (sometimes called "fisherman’s pie") features white fish like cod or haddock in a creamy white sauce, often mixed with peas, boiled eggs, and sometimes prawns or smoked fish. It’s topped with mashed potatoes instead of pastry and baked until golden brown.

---

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4)

For the filling:

400g white fish fillets (cod, haddock or pollock), skinless and boneless

150g smoked haddock (optional, for extra flavour)

100g cooked prawns (optional)

1 small onion, sliced

1 bay leaf

500ml whole milk

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

75g frozen peas

40g butter

40g plain flour

Salt and black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the mashed potato topping:

800g floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper), peeled and chopped

50g butter

75ml milk

Salt to taste

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Fish

Place the fish, sliced onion, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Pour over the milk and slowly bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and starts to flake. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and set aside. Strain the milk and keep it for the sauce.

2. Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the fish cooks, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

3. Prepare the White Sauce

In a clean pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the reserved milk, stirring constantly to make a smooth white sauce. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if using.

4. Combine the Filling

Flake the cooked fish into large chunks and place in a baking dish. Add the prawns, peas, and chopped boiled eggs (if using). Pour the white sauce over the fish and gently stir to combine.

5. Add the Mash

Spoon the mashed potato over the top of the fish filling. Use a fork to spread and fluff the surface – this will create lovely crispy peaks when baked.

6. Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Bake the fish pie for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

---

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Fish pie is hearty enough to serve on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, try it with:

Steamed greens like broccoli, spinach or green beans

Buttered carrots or garden peas

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fish pie can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes or until piping hot throughout. You can also freeze the uncooked pie and bake from frozen for around 1 hour (cover with foil for the first 40 minutes).

---

✅ Top Tips for a Perfect Fish Pie

Use a mix of fish for flavour and texture – white fish, smoked fish, and prawns work beautifully together.

Don’t overcook the fish when poaching – it’ll cook further in the oven.

Mash well – creamy mashed potatoes make all the difference to the top layer.

Add mustard or cheese to the sauce for extra flavour, if you like a richer dish.

---

❤️ Why You'll Love It

Fish pie is the ultimate British comfort dish – creamy, warming, and perfect for all ages. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own twist, it’s a brilliant way to enjoy healthy, satisfying seafood.

---

how to make fish pie, traditional British fish pie, easy fish pie recipe, fish pie with mashed potato, UK fish pie recipe, creamy fish pie, British comfort food

#FishPie #BritishRecipes #ComfortFood #SeafoodPie #TraditionalCooking #UKFoodBlog #FamilyMeals #EasyDinners #HomeCooking

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.