Try our classic fish pie recipe, then also check out more comforting pie recipes.
Which ingredients do you use in a fish pie?
Fish pie is a brilliantly versatile dish which allows you to mix and match your favourite fish and seafood. The most common ingredients are a firm white fish like cod, haddock or pollock, salmon and smoked haddock and most supermarkets sell a ready-prepared fresh or frozen fish pie mix of these. You can also add prawns, mussels, crab and even lobster for a super-luxurious pie. Spinach, frozen peas and quartered boiled eggs are often used to bulk out the pie and add extra texture.
How do you make fish pie sauce?
The sauce for a fish pie is traditionally roux-based where an equal amount of flour and butter is cooked until toasty then milk is whisked in to give a thick white sauce. As fish will give out water when cooked it’s important to have a sauce that binds all of the ingredients and doesn’t split. Chopped parsley, dill or tarragon are all traditional herbs to flavour the sauce. You can also add a splash of cream or white wine for extra indulgence and a little lemon zest to lift the flavour.
Fish pie toppings
Creamy, buttery mashed potato is probably the most traditional fish pie topping but puff pastry is also popular. If topping with mash be careful not to add too much milk when mashing – you don’t want it to be too sloppy as it means the finished pie won’t have any structure and you’ll end up with fish pie soup! You can mix grated cheddar or gruyère into the mash for extra savouriness or scatter over grated cheese for a melty topping. If using puff pastry put the fish pie base in a pie dish with a good lip so the pastry doesn’t fall into the sauce and get soggy on the bottom.
Fish pie recipe
Try these five twists on the classic fish pie:
Healthy fish pie
For a healthier spin on fish pie which still promises big flavours, have a go at our high-protein option. It’s bursting with haddock, salmon, prawns and lots of fresh, colourful veg, too.
Fish pie lasagne
Two family favourites in one! Layer soft flaky salmon, creamy mozzarella and crunchy broccoli between fresh lasagne sheets and a smooth and creamy roux. Check our out best lasagne recipes.
Bombay fish pie
Prefer a bit more spice in your life? Try this ingenious fusion – a classic fish pie packed with Indian flavours and made with a creamy coconut milk sauce. Try our Indian hake curry too.
Luxury fish pies with rösti topping
Swap the mash for a crispy rösti topping with this crisp fish pie recipe – the gorgeously golden top makes it feel extra special.
Mushy pea fish pie
Fans of mushy peas will love this epic fish pie recipe, complete with a hidden layer of vibrant-green peas buried underneath a delicious puff pastry topping.
