Simple Fish Pie Recipe with Potatoes

Name: Simple Fish Pie Recipe with Potatoes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2½ lbs Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and chopped; ½ cup whole milk (plus more if needed); ¼ cup unsalted butter; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 lb boneless white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), cut into chunks; ½ lb salmon fillet, skinned and cut into chunks; 2 cups whole milk; 1 bay leaf; ½ small onion, peeled; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¾ cup chicken broth; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ cup frozen peas (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives; Zest of ½ lemon (optional); ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Author: Keyla Stewart

Published: 26.05.2025

Updated: 08.06.2025

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When the weather turns cool and comfort calls, nothing beats a simple fish pie recipe with potatoes. Creamy, flaky, and crowned with buttery mash, it’s a one-dish wonder that warms from the inside out — a true classic that deserves a spot in every home cook’s rotation.

Overview of the Simple Fish Pie Recipe with Potatoes

This simple fish pie recipe with potatoes is the kind of dish that tells a story with every forkful. It harks back to cozy British kitchens, where thrift met flavor and every meal was made to nourish both body and spirit. Think tender chunks of flaky white fish bathed in a velvety white sauce, enriched with subtle aromatics and topped with a blanket of golden mashed potatoes. No pastry, no pretense — just honest, satisfying food.

Unlike many seafood dishes that feel reserved for summer or special occasions, this pie is unapologetically humble and perfect for chilly months. The heartiness of the potatoes combined with a creamy filling makes it a go-to winter staple, but it’s just as welcome on an autumn table or a rainy spring evening.

And while it might look like something out of a beloved grandmother’s recipe book, this version is streamlined for the modern cook. We skip the need for fancy ingredients and focus instead on building flavor from pantry staples and fresh, affordable fish. The result? A dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh, traditional and totally weeknight-friendly.

It’s no wonder the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes has remained a household favorite across generations. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for leftovers, or just craving something warm and grounding, this is a recipe worth bookmarking.

Ingredients List

This recipe serves 4 to 6 hearty portions. Feel free to scale up for larger families or freeze individual servings for later.

For the mashed potato topping:

2½ lbs Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and chopped
½ cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
¼ cup unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the filling:

1 lb boneless white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), cut into chunks
½ lb salmon fillet, skinned and cut into chunks
2 cups whole milk
1 bay leaf
½ small onion, peeled
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¾ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

Optional topping addition:

½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)

This simple fish pie recipe with potatoes keeps things flexible — you can easily swap ingredients or adjust quantities depending on what you have on hand. The key is a silky filling and a comforting mash to top it all off.

Necessary Tools for Preparation

A well-prepared kitchen makes this dish smooth sailing. You don’t need any fancy gadgets — just a few essentials:

Medium saucepan – for boiling potatoes
Sauté pan or deep skillet – for poaching fish and making the white sauce
Mixing bowls – for combining filling ingredients
Potato masher or ricer – to get your mash creamy and lump-free
Whisk – for the roux and sauce
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and layering
2-quart oven-safe baking dish – ceramic or glass both work well
Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy helps for consistent results
Fork (for topping decoration) – adds those signature ridges for golden crispy peaks

Simple tools, straightforward ingredients — and yet the result is a dish that feels like it took hours to perfect. That’s the beauty of the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes: maximum comfort with minimum fuss.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

One of the best things about a simple fish pie recipe with potatoes is how flexible it can be. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs, preferences, or just working with what’s in the fridge, this dish is easy to adapt while still delivering that comforting core.

Dairy-Free Adjustments:
To make a dairy-free version of this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes, swap the milk with unsweetened oat milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for both the mashed potatoes and the roux. Make sure the substitute is neutral in flavor — coconut milk is too sweet here.

Gluten-Free Option:
The traditional white sauce in a simple fish pie recipe with potatoes uses all-purpose flour, but you can replace it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Dissolve it in cold chicken broth before adding it to your roux for smooth results.

Fish Swaps:
While the base of this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes includes cod and salmon, you can easily use other flaky white fish like pollock or tilapia. Smoked fish like mackerel adds depth, but stick to unsmoked varieties if you prefer milder flavor.

Extra Add-Ins:
Chopped leeks, sautéed spinach, sweetcorn, or even a soft-boiled egg hidden beneath the mash can elevate your simple fish pie recipe with potatoes. For a golden crust, add a handful of grated cheese to the top before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your simple fish pie recipe with potatoes effortless yet unforgettable. Each layer builds on the last — from tender poached fish to creamy filling to that crisp, ridged mash.

① Boil and mash the potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and chopped potatoes and cook for about 15–18 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, then mash until smooth but firm — not runny. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

② Poach the fish

In a deep skillet or saucepan, combine milk, half an onion, and a bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the fish fillets and poach for 5–7 minutes until just cooked through. Remove fish with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard the onion and bay leaf, but reserve the poaching liquid.

③ Make the white sauce

In a clean saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in reserved poaching liquid and chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest (if using), and herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

④ Assemble the filling

Flake the poached fish into large chunks and fold gently into the white sauce. Add peas or any additional vegetables. Pour the filling into a 2-quart baking dish and smooth the surface.

⑤ Add the mashed potato topping

Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling in even dollops. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth, then run a fork across the top to create ridges — this gives the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes its signature look and that delicious golden finish.

⑥ Bake until golden

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling bubbles at the edges. If you added cheese, let it form a crisp, golden crust.

⑦ Cool and serve

Let the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes scooping cleaner and more satisfying.

This process may seem like a few steps, but once you’ve made it once, it becomes second nature. And the payoff — that first creamy, savory, fluffy bite — is always worth it. This simple fish pie recipe with potatoes is a ritual worth keeping, a tradition in every spoonful.

Serving Suggestions

Once your simple fish pie recipe with potatoes is bubbling hot and golden on top, the only thing left is deciding what to serve with it — though honestly, this dish needs very little help. Still, a few smart sides can transform your meal from rustic to restaurant-worthy.

Pair it with something green:
Bright, buttery green peas are the classic match for any simple fish pie recipe with potatoes. Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or even roasted Brussels sprouts can add color and texture.

Add a crisp salad:
A simple salad with lemon vinaigrette or mustardy greens can cut through the richness. Look for arugula, watercress, or baby kale to contrast the creamy base of the fish pie.

For a cozy table spread:
Serve your simple fish pie recipe with potatoes family-style, with crusty bread to mop up any creamy sauce, and mugs of hot apple cider or iced herbal tea depending on the season. It’s a comfort meal that scales beautifully from casual weeknights to cozy weekend gatherings.

Tips for Best Results

Making a truly memorable simple fish pie recipe with potatoes comes down to mastering a few small but powerful tricks. These kitchen-tested tips ensure every bite delivers exactly the right balance of creaminess, texture, and flavor.

1. Poach, don’t boil the fish:
Simmer gently in milk. Overcooking makes fish rubbery — and rubbery fish has no place in this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes. You want tender, just-set flakes that melt into the sauce.

2. Warm your milk before adding it to the roux:
This little detail helps prevent lumps and makes the white sauce silkier. It also ensures your mash and filling blend more harmoniously.

3. Season every layer:
Each component of the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes — the mash, the sauce, the fish — needs seasoning. Don’t rely on salt and pepper at the end. Build it as you go.

4. Use a firm mash:
The mash should be smooth but not overly soft. Too much milk or butter will cause it to sink into the filling. A thicker mash helps it hold its shape and crisp nicely on top.

5. Fork it right:
That signature forked pattern on top isn’t just tradition — it’s technique. It creates little peaks and ridges that crisp and brown in the oven, giving the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes its classic golden crust.

6. Rest before serving:
Give your pie at least 5–10 minutes to settle before scooping. The filling will firm slightly, and flavors will come together more cleanly on the plate.

Storage Instructions

The simple fish pie recipe with potatoes isn’t just dinner — it’s tomorrow’s lunch, or next week’s emergency freezer meal. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful beyond night one.

Refrigerator Storage:
Let the pie cool completely before covering with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (15–20 minutes). Add a splash of milk if the filling seems dry.

Freezing (Before or After Baking):
To freeze an unbaked pie, assemble fully but don’t bake. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.

To freeze a baked pie, let it cool fully, then freeze in portions or whole. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave — the mash will re-crisp better and the filling will warm evenly.

Best Practice:
Label your frozen pies with the date and whether they were baked or unbaked. That makes pulling together a future dinner even simpler — just like the whole spirit of this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes.

FAQ

Can I prepare the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire pie (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge and pop it in the oven when ready to cook. It’s perfect for meal prep or dinner parties.

Can I make the simple fish pie recipe with potatoes without dairy?
Yes. Swap in unsweetened oat milk or almond milk for poaching and the white sauce. Use dairy-free butter for the mash. The texture stays lush and satisfying.

What’s the best fish for a simple fish pie recipe with potatoes?
Stick to mild, flaky white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock. A little salmon adds richness and color. Avoid oily fish like tuna — they overpower the sauce.

Can I use sweet potatoes for the mash topping?
You can! Just know it’ll shift the flavor toward earthy and slightly sweet. A blend of white and sweet potatoes strikes a nice balance.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Use the oven, not the microwave. Reheat individual portions in a covered dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Is this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes freezer-friendly?
Yes, both baked and unbaked versions freeze well. It’s one of the best dishes to double batch — one for now, one for later.

Conclusion

The magic of a simple fish pie recipe with potatoes lies in its timelessness. This is the kind of dish that warms a kitchen, feeds a family, and tastes like home. It’s humble, hearty, and endlessly adaptable — whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a dish that comforts across generations.

By using fresh ingredients and a few clever techniques, you can make a meal that feels both classic and elevated. One that pulls you back for second helpings, and maybe even becomes a signature in your kitchen. So the next time you need a no-fuss, feel-good dinner, reach for this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes — and bring warmth to the table.

Additional Recommended Recipes

If you loved this simple fish pie recipe with potatoes, try one of these comforting dishes next:

Crab Casserole Recipe – A creamy, oven-baked dish packed with tender crab meat and a golden crust—perfect for cozy dinners.
Shrimp and Mirliton Casserole – A Southern classic combining sweet mirliton squash and succulent shrimp in a savory bake.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Garlicky shrimp tossed with pasta and baked under a blanket of melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Easy Crawfish Étouffée Recipe with Cream of Mushroom – A rich, flavorful Cajun dish featuring crawfish tails simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce.

These recipes offer hearty, seafood-forward dishes that bring warmth and flavor to your table—just like your new favorite fish pie.