Classic Fish Pie Recipe

Name: Classic Fish Pie Recipe
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients: 900 g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cubed; A splash of Arla® B.O.B Semi Skimmed Milk 2L; salt and pepper to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil; 25 g plain flour; 4 spring onions, sliced; 1 medium red onion, chopped; 2 leeks, chopped; 1 Fish Pie Mix (cod, salmon, smoked haddock); 1 tsp English Mustard; 1 small bunch of chives, chopped; 100 g petits pois; 100 g frozen sweetcorn; 100 g cheddar cheese; 50 g parmesan cheese; breadcrumbs of crusty stale bread; A splash of Worcestershire sauce; rocket leaves

This classic fish pie brings together a wide variety of sea flavours in a smooth milk sauce made with Arla B.O.B milk, topped with a layer of cheesy mashed potatoes that turn nice and golden in the oven. Each bite combines tender fish with sweet spring onions, crisp peas, and sweetcorn. The dish is perfect for a meal with family and friends.

Ingredients

Potato mash

900 g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cubed
A splash of Arla® B.O.B Semi Skimmed Milk 2L
Salt and pepper to taste

Fish pie

3 tbsp Olive oil
25 g Plain flour
4 Spring onions, sliced
1 Medium red onion, chopped
2 Leeks, chopped
1 Fish Pie Mix (cod, salmon, smoked haddock)
1 tsp English Mustard
1 Small bunch of chives, chopped
100 G petits pois
100 g Frozen sweetcorn

Topping

100 g Cheddar cheese
50 g Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumbs of crusty stale bread
A splash of Worcestershire sauce

Garnish

Rocket leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200 °C/fan 180 °C/gas mark 6.

Potato mash

Bring water to the boil and add potatoes. Simmer until tender.
Once cooked, drain and mash with milk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Fish pie

Heat oil in a pan. Add flour shortly after, followed by spring onions, red onion, and leeks. Heat gently and cook for 5-10 minutes. The vegetables should be soft, and the onions almost translucent.
Whisk in milk and bring to the boil. Stir as often as possible to avoid the bottom of your pan burns. It should take around five minutes to thicken.
Remove from the heat and add mixed fish, English mustard, chives, petits pois, and sweetcorn.
Place in an ovenproof dish and spoon potato mash on top.

Topping and garnish

Sprinkle with cheese, breadcrumbs, and Worcester sauce.
Bake for 35 minutes until bubbling at the edges and coloured on top. To finish, garnish with rocket leaves.

Fish pie FAQs

What is in a traditional fish pie?

A classic fish pie is a mix of smoked haddock along with a white fish like pollock or cod, and sometimes salmon. These are folded into a creamy sauce, typically a bechamel made with milk, and sometimes with prawns or boiled eggs added for extra richness. Everything is then topped with a generous layer of mashed potatoes and baked in the oven until golden. For our fish pie recipe, we use Arla B.O.B milk in both the sauce and the mash for a lighter, lower-fat finish.

Do you cook the fish before making a fish pie

No, the fish in a fish pie isn’t cooked before adding to the mix. This would cause the fish to be overcooked during the baking. Some elements should be cooked before adding, such as boiled eggs and prawns, if using.

What sauce goes in a fish pie, and how do you make it?

The sauce in a fish pie starts with a traditional roux – heating butter and flour together in a pan before whisking in milk to create a smooth, creamy bechamel-style sauce. We use Arla B.O.B milk in ours for a lighter result without losing any of that comforting richness. You can then build on the flavour with seasoning and extras like mustard, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill.

Can you freeze fish pie?

Fish pie can be frozen once you’ve assembled it, but before baking. You should leave out boiled eggs if you plan to freeze the pie, as they don’t freeze well, and don’t use frozen prawns, as they shouldn’t be refrozen. Once fully cool, wrap the pie in plenty of cling film and use within 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, defrost the pie in the fridge overnight.

What can you serve with fish pie?

Fish pie is a wonderfully comforting dish that pairs well with a range of sides. Steamed green beans or tenderstem broccoli make a great accompaniment, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy filling. Spinach also works beautifully alongside it, or you can opt for a light salad if you're after something a little less heavy. And don't forget some crusty bread for mopping up that delicious sauce.