Creamy Fish Pie with Dill Mash Topping: Comfort in Every Forkful

There’s something undeniably soothing about a well-made fish pie. It’s a classic comfort food, deeply rooted in British culinary tradition, but universally loved for its rich flavors, silky texture, and hearty warmth. This Fish Pie with Dill Mash Topping takes that tradition and brightens it with the aromatic touch of fresh dill—an herb that beautifully complements the subtle sweetness of white fish.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a rainy day or impress guests with a surprisingly elegant casserole-style dish, this fish pie is a winner. The creamy, herby sauce envelops tender chunks of cod or haddock, with sweet green peas adding color and contrast. All of it is crowned with a generous layer of buttery mashed potatoes laced with dill, baked to golden perfection.

It’s simple, satisfying, and soul-hugging—a perfect recipe to have in your rotation for cozy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
White fish fillets (cod, haddock), cubed	1 lb
Milk	1 cup
Heavy cream	1 cup
Small onion, chopped	1
Butter	2 tbsp
Flour	2 tbsp
Frozen peas	½ cup
Fresh dill, chopped	2 tbsp
Salt and pepper	To taste
Mashed potatoes	3 cups
Egg yolk (optional, for brushing)	1

Ingredient Notes

• Fish: Cod and haddock are traditional choices, but feel free to mix in smoked fish, shrimp, or salmon for variety.
• Cream and Milk: This combo gives a luxuriously creamy texture; however, you can use all milk for a lighter version.
• Mashed Potatoes: Make your mash buttery and creamy with a touch of warm milk and extra dill for maximum flavor.
• Dill: Fresh dill adds a fresh, grassy brightness that cuts through the creaminess—don’t skip it!

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan: For making the creamy fish filling.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a lump-free sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For folding in fish and peas gently.
• Baking dish (medium-sized): To hold and bake the assembled pie.
• Spoon or piping bag (optional): To spread or pipe the mashed potatoes decoratively.
• Pastry brush (if using egg yolk): Helps give the mash a glossy golden top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter your baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1 minute while stirring—this removes the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Fish
Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens to a custard-like consistency.

Gently stir in the cubed fish, frozen peas, dill, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, just enough for the fish to begin cooking and absorb the flavors. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the creamy fish mixture into your prepared baking dish and level it out.

Top with 3 cups of mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly with a spoon or offset spatula. For a decorative finish, use a fork to create ridges or pipe the mash using a piping bag.

If desired, brush the top lightly with beaten egg yolk for a golden, glossy crust.

Step 5: Bake
Bake the pie for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.

Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.

Tips and Variations

• For a Smoky Twist: Add a few ounces of flaked smoked haddock or trout to the fish mixture.
• Make it Cheesy: Mix grated cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Add More Veggies: Chopped spinach, leeks, or sautéed mushrooms can be added for more nutrition and depth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, oat milk, and coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Use olive oil mash.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend to thicken the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This fish pie is a complete meal in itself, but a few sides can enhance the presentation and taste.

Serve it with steamed green beans or buttered carrots for a pop of color and crunch. A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Garnish the finished pie with extra chopped dill or parsley, and consider topping individual servings with a dollop of crème fraîche or lemon zest for brightness.

To plate, use a large spoon and scoop portions gently to preserve the layers.

Pairings

A crisp Chardonnay or a dry Riesling works wonders with this creamy fish dish, offering acidity to cut through the richness while complementing the dill.

For beer lovers, a light pilsner or a wheat beer brings refreshment without overwhelming the delicate fish flavors.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a cucumber and mint tonic or sparkling elderflower water are refreshing and elegant choices.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through—about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk over the top before reheating to help rehydrate the mash.

Microwaving is possible but may result in softer mash; if doing so, heat in short bursts and cover loosely to avoid drying out.

This pie also freezes well. Freeze in portions or whole before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 420 per serving
• Total Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Allergens: Contains dairy, fish, gluten (if not modified)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

This Fish Pie with Dill Mash Topping is everything you want in a comforting, homemade meal: creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The fresh dill in the mash adds a subtle herbal lift that ties all the elements together, making this dish memorable and slightly more elevated than your average casserole.

Give this a try, and you’ll find it making regular appearances on your table. And when you do, share your tweaks, photos, and serving ideas—we’d love to see how it turned out!

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