If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe. It takes the classic British fish pie to new heights by combining creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh dill with a luscious, cheesy white sauce and tender pieces of mixed fish. Each ingredient plays a starring role to create a dish that is both rich and refreshing, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with rustic charm and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe is delightfully simple because each ingredient is chosen carefully to build layers of flavor and texture. From creamy potatoes to zesty dill and sharp cheddar, these essentials balance comfort and brightness perfectly.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their naturally buttery texture is perfect for creamy mashed potatoes that hold their shape well under the cheese topping.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in mashed potatoes and sautéing vegetables to add richness without overwhelming the fish.
- Milk: Creates smooth mashed potatoes and a velvety cheese sauce for the fish filling.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the dish, used carefully in multiple stages.
- Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a touch of green color inside the sauce.
- Carrots: Add subtle sweetness and texture for contrast in every bite.
- Garlic: Infuses the filling with a warm, savory aroma that complements the fish.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a creamy yet stable filling.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Split between the sauce and topping; it adds tangy depth and a golden, melty crust.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle zing that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh dill: The signature herb here, lending a fresh, slightly citrusy note that brightens the fish.
- Mixed fish fillets: A combination like cod, halibut, and salmon ensures tender flakes with varied texture and flavor.
- Frozen peas: Small bursts of sweetness and color, found scattered throughout the filling.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
How to Make Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Make Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the Yukon Gold potatoes, then boil them until tender. Drain thoroughly and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until your mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and luscious. This simple base becomes the wonderful topping that will brown beautifully in the oven, adding that irresistible texture to the dish.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
While your potatoes settle, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ready to bake your fish pie to golden perfection.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and gently sauté the green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. This vegetable mix adds sweetness and aromatic layers that make every bite of the filling more complex and satisfying.
Step 4: Make Sauce
Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables with flour and cook while stirring for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then stir in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh dill until the cheese completely melts and the sauce is smooth and glossy. This creamy, cheesy sauce binds everything together with brilliant flavor.
Step 5: Add Fish and Peas
Gently fold the bite-sized pieces of mixed fish into the sauce, cooking just long enough for them to begin firming up without breaking apart, about 1 to 2 minutes. Toss in the frozen peas for pops of sweetness and chuck in salt and freshly cracked black pepper to season everything perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble Pie
Pour the fragrant fish and vegetable filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Carefully dollop and spread your creamy mashed potatoes on top, using a fork to create textured peaks that will crisp up beautifully as they bake. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top for an indulgent, golden crust.
Step 7: Bake
Place your assembled pie onto a baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is bubbling, golden brown, and irresistibly crispy. This is where all those wonderful flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Step 8: Serve
Once out of the oven, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and dig into the creamy, cheesy, tender, and herbaceous goodness of your homemade fish pie.
How to Serve Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
A simple scatter of fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley right before serving brightens up the dish visually and enhances the vibrant flavors inside. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a welcome zesty contrast for those who want a splash of acidity.
Side Dishes
This hearty fish pie shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans, or even a tangy cucumber and yogurt salad to cut through the richness. Keep sides light to balance the comforting heaviness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, prepare individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also experiment by adding a breadcrumb topping mixed with extra cheddar and herbs for an extra crunchy crust that adds texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the first meal, store any leftover fish pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This lets the flavors meld even further and makes for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe freezes well either before baking or after cooking. If freezing cooked pie, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping back up.
FAQs
Can I use a single type of fish instead of mixed fish fillets?
Absolutely! While a mix adds texture and flavor complexity, you can use just one kind, such as cod or salmon, depending on your preference and availability. Just ensure the fish is fresh and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Is there a substitute for sharp cheddar cheese?
If you don’t have sharp cheddar on hand, aged gouda or a good quality gruyere work wonderfully and bring their own unique flavor profiles that complement the dill and fish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with some modifications. Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes, and replace cheddar with a plant-based cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift, but it will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to prepare the potatoes for the mash?
Peeling and cutting the potatoes into even cubes ensures they cook uniformly. Drain them thoroughly after boiling to avoid watery mash and mash with warm milk and butter for the creamiest results.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Leeks, peas, or finely chopped spinach work well. Just adjust cooking times to keep vegetables tender and vibrant, complementing the fish rather than overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe a try soon because it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, tender fish, and fresh dill creates a comforting, flavorful meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This classic Fish Pie recipe features tender mixed fish fillets in a creamy cheddar and dill sauce, topped with fluffy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and baked until golden brown. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish combines fresh vegetables and a cheesy crust to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- â…” cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
Fish Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 pounds mixed fish fillets (cod, halibut, salmon, etc.), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then mash them with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ⅔ cup of milk, and ½ teaspoon salt until creamy and smooth. Set aside for later use.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pie.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk into the roux until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, the Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh dill until the cheese melts completely, forming a creamy sauce.
- Add Fish and Peas: Gently fold in the mixed fish fillets, cooking them in the sauce for 1-2 minutes without breaking the pieces. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and season the filling with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, mixing carefully to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the fish and vegetable filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them to cover the entire surface and use a fork to create a textured pattern. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the pie from the oven, garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a mix of firm white fish like cod, halibut, and flavorful salmon for best taste and texture.
- For a richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with cream.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes and sauce ahead of time to save prep time on the day of cooking.
- If dairy-free, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste based on your preference.
