The Ultimate Creamy Fish Pie (With Cheesy Potato Topping)

Looking for the *ultimate* fish pie dish? This British classic is packed with fish, prawns, and a cheesy potato topping. Comfort food at its finest! Get the recipe now.

June 2, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

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Right then, let’s get stuck into the cosy world of fish pie . ever find yourself craving something properly comforting? something that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out? well, you know, look no further, because this fish pie dish is exactly what you need.

Diving into Deliciousness: A Creamy Dream

This ain’t just any fish dinner recipe ; it’s a proper classic ! We're talking creamy, dreamy filling packed with tender fish, topped with a golden, cheesy potato masterpiece.

It’s got that hearty British food feel, something your nan would whip up on a Sunday. It's like a hug from the inside.

The Ultimate Creamy Fish Pie (With Cheesy Potato Topping) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) skinless, boneless white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or a mix), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz (225g) peeled and deveined raw prawns (shrimp)
• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) fish stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional, but adds depth)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered (optional)
• 3 lbs (1.35kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (100g) grated mature cheddar cheese (or Gruyere)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

• Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with milk, butter, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
• Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and fish stock. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Stir in white wine (if using), parsley, dill, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
• Gently stir the fish and prawns into the sauce. Cook until the fish is just cooked through (flakes easily) and the prawns are pink. Be careful not to overcook.
• Pour the fish mixture into the baking dish. Arrange hard-boiled egg quarters (if using) evenly over the fish. Top with the mashed potato topping, spreading it evenly.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

From Humble Origins to Our Plates

Fish pie , bless its heart, is a dish that’s been around the block. a classic dish, where it is designed to keep you warm on cold days.

Think of it as the shepherd's pie of the sea. it's been around for yonks!. this version takes things up a notch.

It is simple enough to make on a weeknight, but fancy enough to impress. this fish pie recipe jamie oliver would be proud of.

It’s a medium effort dish. this is it will take around 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish. but trust me, it’s worth every single minute.

This recipe makes enough for six hungry souls.

Why This Fish Pie Rocks

Honestly? it’s just good for the soul! but it's good for your body too! fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are brilliant for your heart.

This fish dinner is also perfect for a chilly evening. picture this: you on the sofa, blankets, and a big steaming bowl of this fish stew .

Pure bliss.

What makes this salmon pie special is the cheesy potato topping. it's not just plain old mash; it's loaded with cheddar.

Which gives it that amazing golden crust. speaking of potato toppings , who doesn't love a golden crust? this recipe also works well with smoked fish , if you're feeling adventurous! the smoked fish adds a lovely depth.

Time to gather the ingredients!

Alright, let's get this fish pie party started! it's the ultimate british food comfort dish. think fish stew meets creamy goodness under a blanket of cheesy potato toppings .

I am excited to share with you my version, which is great with salmon. and by the way, it's adaptable.

Ingredients & Equipment: Ready, Set, Cook!

This ain't rocket science. But a little prep makes all the difference, you know?

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• 2 lbs (900g) white fish (cod, haddock, or a mix). Freshness is key, smell it! Quality fish has a firm, almost pearlescent look. If it smells too "fishy," steer clear.
• 8 oz (225g) raw prawns. Get the peeled and deveined ones to save yourself a headache.
• 3 lbs (1.35kg) Yukon Gold potatoes. This for that dreamy potato topping .

Get the best you can afford, it makes a difference. I use Salmon Pie when I'm feeling fancy.

Seasoning Notes: Bam! Flavor Town

A good fish pie needs balance.

• Essential spice combo: A pinch of nutmeg in the mash and some fresh dill with parsley in the sauce.
• Flavor enhancers: Dijon mustard adds a subtle zing. Lemon zest brightens everything up.
• Quick sub: No Dijon? A dash of horseradish works wonders. I learned that when I forgot the mustard again .

Don’t be scared to experiment. A little smoked paprika can be a game changer in your Fish Dinner . I promise Fish Dinner Recipes will never be the same.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven. For that lush, dreamy sauce.
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) fish pie dish . This gives you enough area for that golden-brown crust.
• Potato masher. A good old masher does the job.

Don’t stress about fancy equipment. a big pot and a fish pie dish are all you need, really. this fish pie recipe jamie oliver is for everyone, no fancy equipment required.

Remember, it's about having fun and creating something delicious! we are making the recipe for fish pie not for a michelin restaurant! the key here is understanding what the user is looking for when they use this keyword

I think this recipe works so well is that it works with many type of Smoked Fish , which gives it an advantage over all others, making it a delicious dish.

Alright, let's dive into making the ultimate creamy fish pie . honestly, this is proper british comfort food at its finest.

Think fish pie recipe jamie oliver would approve of – simple, delicious, and guaranteed to warm you right up! forget complicated fish dinner recipes , this is the one.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our ducks in a row, yeah? this is where the "mise en place" comes in—fancy french for "everything in its place.

"

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop your onion, mince your garlic, cube your fish, peel those prawns. Basically, get everything prepped before you start cooking. Honestly, this saves so much stress later.
• Time-Saving Organization Tips: Use small bowls to hold prepped ingredients. It's like your own little cooking command centre! Plus, it makes tidying up afterward a breeze.
• Safety Reminder: When working with fish, make sure your surfaces and utensils are squeaky clean. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy!

Step-by-Step to Fish Pie Perfection

Right, here's where the magic happens. Pay attention, 'cause this is crucial!

1. Mash that Potato: Boil 3 lbs of potatoes until soft. Drain well, and mash with ½ cup of milk, 4 tbsp of butter, 1 cup of cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside. This is your Potato Toppings heaven.
2. Sauté Time: Melt 4 tbsp of butter in a pan. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic until soft. This is where your Fish Dinner starts.
3. Sauce It Up: Stir in ½ cup of flour. Cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of fish stock. Simmer until thick.
4. Flavour Bomb: Stir in ¼ cup of white wine, 2 tbsp each of parsley and dill, 1 tsp of mustard, lemon zest, and juice. Season well. It's all about that base, that base.
5. Fishy Business: Gently stir in 2 lbs of white fish and 8 oz of prawns. Cook until fish flakes easily and prawns turn pink . Don't overcook!
6. Assembly Time: Pour the fish mixture into a fish pie dish . Add egg quarters, if using, evenly. Spoon the mash on top and spread it.
7. Bake it Good: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes . The topping should be golden and the filling bubbling.
8. Rest Up: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Patience is a virtue, even with British Food .

Pro Tips for Fish Pie Wizards

Want to take your Salmon Pie to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years.

• Smoked Fish Magic: Chuck in some smoked haddock for a really deep flavour. A Smoked Fish elevates this dish for sure.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more fish stock or milk. Nobody wants a paste!
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Make the fish filling a day ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day! Plus, a great way to get an easy Fish Stew the next day.

So there you have it. the ultimate creamy fish pie . it's more than just a meal, it's a proper hug in a dish! give it a go and let me know what you think.

Honestly, you'll be hooked.

Alright, let's talk about a few extra bits for this killer fish pie dish . it's not just about following the recipe; it's about making it your masterpiece.

Think of these as helpful hints to level up your fish pie recipe jamie oliver style!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Fish Pie Game!

Serving Suggestions: Posh Nosh or Comfort Grub?

Honestly, presentation matters. for a bit of poshness, serve individual portions straight from oven-safe ramekins. sprinkle some extra grated cheese on top for that golden glow! a sprig of dill adds a fancy touch.

If you're just after pure comfort, a generous scoop on a plate does the trick. it’s all good!

What about sides? steamed green beans are classic. buttered peas are always a winner. a crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

And of course, crusty bread for mopping up that gorgeous sauce is a must . you know? like a fish stew with potato toppings but better.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!

Got leftovers? (if you do, you're doing something wrong!). jokes aside, refrigeration is key. let the fish pie cool completely, then cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to 3 days. reheating is easy; just warm it in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

You can also microwave it, but the topping might get a bit soft.

Freezing is an option too! wrap individual portions well in cling film, then foil. it'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. freezing is more applicable to the salmon pie version.

Variations: Switch it Up!

Fancy a change? for a dietary adaptation, try using cauliflower mash instead of potato for the topping. it's lower in carbs and still super tasty.

You could also try using lactose-free milk in the sauce.

Seasonally, this british food classic is a star any time, but you can tweak the ingredients. in summer, try adding some fresh asparagus to the fish dinner .

In winter, a dash of nutmeg in the potato toppings adds a warm, comforting vibe. you could even swap some of the white fish for smoked fish like haddock.

Get creative with your fish dinner recipes !

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let’s be real; this isn't exactly a light dish. it is packed with protein from the fish and prawns, which is great for building and repairing tissues.

The dairy provides calcium for strong bones. however, it's also relatively high in fat and calories. everything in moderation, right? the average calorie count is 550, protein is 40g, fat is 25g, carbohydrates are 40g, fibre is 4g, sugar is 8g and sodium is 450mg.

Ultimately, this creamy fish pie dish is a real treat. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

And remember, cooking should be fun! so, get in the kitchen and give it a go. i reckon you'll love it!