Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chunks of mixed fish swimming in a rich, cheesy dill sauce and crowned with fluffy mashed potatoes sprinkled with sharp cheddar, this dish is a showstopper for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. The freshness of dill perfectly balances the creamy texture, making every bite irresistible and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy Yukon Gold potatoes providing a buttery base, or the sharp cheddar adding a tangy richness that ties everything together.

• Yukon Gold potatoes: Their natural creaminess makes the perfect mash topping for the pie.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the mashed potatoes and the sautéed vegetables.
• Milk: Keeps the mashed potatoes smooth and the sauce silky.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the fish.
• Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
• Garlic: Boosts the overall savory depth of the filling.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Divided for melting into the sauce and topping the pie with a golden crust.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh dill: Its bright, herbaceous notes lift the creamy fish filling beautifully.
• Mixed fish fillets: A combination of cod, halibut, salmon, or your favorite varieties for delicate, flaky bites.
• Frozen peas: Add pops of sweetness and vibrant green color.
• Black pepper: For a subtle spicy warmth to balance the dish.

How to Make Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe

Step 1: Make Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling the Yukon Gold potatoes until they are tender and ready to be mashed. Drain them well to avoid any watery mash, then combine with butter, milk, and salt. Mash until perfectly creamy and smooth, setting this aside to be the comforting topping of your pie.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

While working on the filling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready for baking your pie to golden, bubbly perfection after assembly.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the sliced green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This combination creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce, delivering sweetness and depth with every spoonful.

Step 4: Make Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and cook for a couple of minutes while stirring to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens flawlessly. Stir in half of the sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill, allowing the cheese to melt into a luscious, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Add Fish and Peas

Gently fold in the fish pieces and cook for a brief 1-2 minutes to begin firming them up without overcooking. Add the vibrant frozen peas and season everything with salt and pepper, creating a well-rounded, flavorful filling ready to be baked.

Step 6: Assemble Pie

Pour the creamy fish mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top, using a fork to create texture that will brown up beautifully. Sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust once baked.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The fish pie is done when the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges, promising a deliciously warm and savory experience.

Step 8: Serve

After baking, garnish with fresh dill or parsley to brighten the dish. Serve your Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe hot, and prepare for comfort food bliss in every mouthful.

How to Serve Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley adds a lovely fresh finish that cuts through the creamy richness and enhances the appearance with vibrant green hints. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of crème fraîche on the side works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of butter and garlic. Simple sides keep the spotlight on the creamy fish pie while adding texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pie in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that feels special for each guest. Alternatively, arrange a seafood platter alongside for a seafood-themed feast. You can also experiment by adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping mixed with cheddar before baking for a delightful variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Please store any leftover Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier second serving.

Freezing

This fish pie freezes wonderfully. Just assemble but don’t bake it, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pie loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This method prevents drying out and helps retain the cozy creaminess you love.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a classic tangy flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère or a mild white cheddar for a different twist. Just remember to choose cheeses that melt well for the creaminess you want.

Is it necessary to use fresh dill?

Fresh dill really brightens the dish and balances its richness, but if you can’t find it, dried dill can be used in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount called for fresh to avoid overpowering the pie.

Can I substitute the fish with seafood mix?

Yes, a seafood mix of shrimp, scallops, and fish can be a delicious variation. Just be mindful of cooking times as some seafood cooks faster and may need to be added later in the process.

What can I do if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?

Russet potatoes are a fine substitute, though they may yield a slightly fluffier mash. Yukon Gold are preferred for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, which complement this fish pie beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe holds up well as leftovers and can be portioned for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store and reheat as suggested for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a well-made fish pie, and this Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe delivers all the love and comfort you crave. Its blend of fresh dill, sharp cheddar, and tender fish all tucked under fluffy mashed potatoes makes it a dish you’ll want to return to over and over. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

Creamy Fish Pie with Cheddar and Fresh Dill Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Fish Pie recipe features a comforting blend of tender mixed fish fillets in a creamy cheddar and dill sauce, topped with fluffy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the 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

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Instructions

1. Make Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes until tender. Drain them well, then mash with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ⅔ cup milk, and ½ teaspoon salt until the mixture is creamy. Set the mashed potatoes aside for later use.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pie.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add thinly sliced green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Sprinkle the vegetables with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook while stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk to the skillet until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, mixing until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce.
5. Add Fish and Peas: Gently stir in the 2 pounds of mixed fish fillets, cooking the mixture for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors without overcooking the fish. Then add 1 cup of frozen peas, seasoning the filling with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
6. Assemble Pie: Pour the fish and vegetable filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, using a fork to create a textured surface. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
8. Serve: Garnish the fish pie with additional fresh dill or parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• Use a mix of firm white fish like cod and halibut along with a bit of salmon for added flavor and texture.
• Ensure the potatoes are well drained before mashing to avoid watery topping.
• Do not overcook the fish in the skillet; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Frozen peas can be added directly without thawing.
• For a richer sauce, substitute part of the milk with cream.
• Use fresh dill for the best flavor and garnish; dried dill can be used but reduce quantity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British