If you love cozy comfort food with a fresh twist, this Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a luscious blend of flaky mixed fish enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with vibrant vegetables and fresh dill, all crowned with a golden, cheesy mashed potato topping. This dish is a wonderful way to celebrate the humble fish pie, elevating it with sharp cheddar and a hint of dill, making every bite utterly irresistible. It’s a recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction straight to your dinner table, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully to create this heartwarming dish. Each element plays a vital role—whether it’s the creamy mashed potatoes that provide the perfect topping, the fresh dill for a herbaceous burst, or the cheddar cheese adding a sharp, melty layer of flavor. You’ll be amazed at how these basic pantry staples combine to make something truly special.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These creamy potatoes mash smoothly for a buttery topping that browns beautifully in the oven.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- Milk: Adds creaminess both to the mashed potatoes and the sauce, balancing flavors.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Green onions: Offer a gentle onion flavor that complements the fish without overpowering it.
- Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds depth and a savory kick to the vegetable sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Both sharp and melty, it infuses the sauce with bold flavor and tops the pie with a cheesy crust.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a little tang that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh dill: Provides a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish.
- Mixed fish fillets: A lovely medley of cod, halibut, and salmon ensures a variety of textures and flavors.
- Frozen peas: Sweet peas add a pop of freshness and color that lightens the pie.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and spice to balance the flavors.
How to Make Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes until they are tender and easy to pierce with a fork. After draining, mash them with butter, milk, and salt until you have a creamy, smooth consistency. These mashed potatoes will form the perfect, velvety blanket over your pie.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your pie is assembled. A consistently warm oven ensures that the fish cooks evenly and the topping develops a tempting golden crust.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing them until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step unlocks the sweetness and depth from the vegetables, laying the foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Vegetable Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir for around two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the sauce becomes smooth and thickened without any lumps. Stir in half of the sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and freshly chopped dill, letting the cheese melt fully to enrich the sauce with a sharp, creamy flavor balanced by herbal freshness.
Step 5: Add the Fish and Peas
Gently fold the pieces of mixed fish fillets into the sauce, cooking just for one to two minutes until they begin to firm up. Add in the frozen peas and season everything with salt and black pepper. Treat the fish gently here to keep it tender and flaky throughout.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Pour the luscious fish and vegetable sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes on top, then use a fork to create beautiful textured peaks that will brown nicely. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the surface—this is the secret to that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake the Pie
Place the baking dish on a sheet to catch any drips and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. This warm, inviting aroma means your Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe is ready to go!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. This pause helps the sauce settle, making it easier to cut beautiful portions that showcase the colorful layers and ooey-gooey cheese topping.
How to Serve Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill or parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, herbaceous note and a lovely pop of green. These garnishes not only brighten the flavor but also elevate the visual appeal of this comforting dish.
Side Dishes
This fish pie pairs wonderfully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad. A squeeze of lemon on the greens ties back to the brightness of the dill in the pie, balancing the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress friends, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets topped with a tiny sprig of dill. This makes the experience feel extra special and cozy at the same time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover fish pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! Assemble the pie but don’t bake it—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time until it’s hot and bubbling.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until piping hot all the way through. This helps restore the crispy topping better than a microwave, keeping each bite just as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in your favorite firm white fish or whatever’s fresh and available, like monkfish, tilapia, or sea bass.
What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?
Dried dill can be substituted, but use sparingly since it’s more concentrated—start with about one teaspoon. Fresh dill really shines here, but the pie will still taste fantastic without it.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Just be sure it’s a blend that can be cooked in the same way to avoid lumps and maintain a creamy texture.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in extra diced celery, corn, or even chopped spinach for more nutrients and color. Just sauté additional veggies along with the carrots and onions before thickening the sauce.
How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within three days. Beyond that, the texture and freshness will start to decline, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
This Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe is such a heartwarming, satisfying dish that it quickly becomes a staple in any food lover’s recipe box. With its irresistible balance of creamy textures, fresh herbs, and cheesy comfort, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable meal that everyone will rave about!
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Fish Pie with Cheddar, Dill, and a Creamy Vegetable Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Fish Pie recipe features tender mixed fish fillets in a creamy cheddar and dill sauce, topped with buttery mashed Yukon Gold potatoes baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. A comforting and hearty dish perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- â…” cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
Fish Pie 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 salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ⅔ cup milk, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- 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 sliced green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh dill until the cheese melts completely.
- Add Fish and Peas: Gently fold the mixed fish pieces into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes to begin firming the fish. Add frozen peas, then season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the fish and vegetable filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully top with the prepared mashed potatoes, spreading evenly and using a fork to texture the surface.
- Add Cheese Topping: 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: Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley if desired, and serve the fish pie hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use a mixture of firm white fish and fatty fish like salmon for balanced flavors and textures.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the fish.
- For a lighter version, substitute milk with low-fat milk or use reduced-fat cheese.
- Make ahead: Prepare filling and mashed potatoes separately, assemble, and bake when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
