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Homemade Fish Pie
There’s a reason fish pie is such a British classic. Tender pieces of fish cooked in a creamy sauce, topped with fluffy mashed potato and baked until golden and bubbling — it’s proper comfort food.
This version is simple, hearty and ideal for a family dinner. We use a mix of salmon, hake and haddock, giving the pie a great combination of flavours and textures.
Using our fresh fish pie mix also saves you the job of preparing several different types of fish, as it’s already cut into convenient pieces and ready to cook.
🐟 Ingredients
For the fish pie:
- 500g fresh fish pie mix
- 40g butter
- 40g plain flour
- 500ml milk
- 100ml double cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 100g frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- A squeeze of fresh lemon
For the mashed potato topping:
- 800g potatoes
- 40g butter
- A splash of milk
- Salt and black pepper
- 50g grated cheddar, optional
🍳 Method
1. Prepare the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
Place them in a pan of salted water and bring to the boil. Cook for around 15–20 minutes, or until completely tender.
Drain well, then mash with the butter and a splash of milk. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. Make the creamy sauce
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook gently for around 5 minutes, until softened but not browned.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Add the cream and Dijon mustard, then continue cooking gently until the sauce has thickened.
Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Add the fish
Add the fresh fish pie mix to the sauce, along with the peas and chopped parsley.
Give everything a gentle stir, then add a squeeze of lemon.
You don't need to cook the fish through at this stage — it will finish cooking in the oven. This helps keep the fish tender rather than overcooked.
4. Assemble the pie
Transfer the fish mixture to an ovenproof dish.
Spoon the mashed potato over the top and spread it evenly across the surface.
For extra crispy edges, run a fork lightly over the potato to create some ridges.
If you like, sprinkle over a little grated cheddar.
5. Bake
Place the pie into a preheated oven at 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas Mark 6.
Bake for around 25–30 minutes, or until the potato is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before serving.
🥔 What to Serve with Fish Pie
Fish pie is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides work particularly well.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed green vegetables
- Tenderstem broccoli
- Buttered peas
- Green beans
- A crisp green salad
- Fresh crusty bread
For an especially comforting dinner, serve with plenty of vegetables and a little extra parsley over the top.
🐟 What Fish Is Best for Fish Pie?
A mixture of fish works particularly well because you get different flavours and textures throughout the pie.
Salmon adds richness and colour, while hake and haddock bring delicate, flaky white fish to the mix.
You can also experiment with other fish depending on what's available. The important thing is to choose fish that will stay tender during cooking and complement the creamy sauce.
AO Fishmonger's Tip
“Don't cook the fish before adding it to the pie. Let it cook gently in the creamy sauce while the pie is in the oven — it keeps the fish beautifully tender and flaky.”
Looking for Fish Pie Mix?
Take the preparation out of homemade fish pie with our fresh fish pie mix, combining Scottish salmon, hake and haddock.
Our fishmongers prepare the fish into convenient pieces, ready to add straight to your recipe.