If you are craving a cozy, comforting meal that truly satisfies, the Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe is an absolute must-try. This brilliant dish brings together tender, flaky fish pieces enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, brightened with fresh dill and topped with a golden, buttery mashed potato crust. Every bite delivers warmth, a touch of freshness, and that irresistible melted cheddar goodness. Whether for a family dinner or a special weekend treat, this fish pie is destined to become one of your go-to favorites.

Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this fish pie both rich and balanced. Each component plays an important role—from the creamy mashed potatoes lending smooth texture to the sharp cheddar adding depth and the fresh dill bringing a lively herbal note that elevates the whole dish.

Yukon Gold potatoes: Perfect for mashing into a creamy, buttery topping that crisps beautifully when baked.
Unsalted butter: Used in both the mashed potatoes and sautéing vegetables, it infuses richness without overpowering flavors.
Milk: Creates a silky texture in the mashed potatoes and the cheese sauce, ensuring everything blends harmoniously.
Salt: Enhances every element, balancing the natural sweetness of the veggies and fish.
Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor with a fresh bite, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.
Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and lovely color contrast.
Garlic: A subtle punch of aroma and depth to the filling.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings deliciously to the fish and veggies.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Divided for melting into the sauce and sprinkling on top, it adds a robust flavor and irresistible cheesiness.
Dijon mustard: A hint of tang that lifts the sauce to another flavor dimension.
Fresh dill: Chopped and folded in for a fresh, slightly citrusy herbaceous note.
Mixed fish fillets: A combination like cod, halibut, and salmon gives varied texture and flavor, making the pie more exciting.
Frozen peas: Tossed in for vibrant color and bursts of sweet freshness.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and spice to round out the seasoning.

How to Make Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe

Step 1: Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling peeled Yukon Gold potatoes until perfectly tender. This is your golden topping base, so mash them thoroughly with butter, milk, and salt until smooth and luscious. The key here is to achieve that creamy texture that will crisp beautifully in the oven without drying out.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

While your potatoes are cooking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and gets that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced green onions, chopped carrots, and minced garlic. Cook them until they’re tender and fragrant but still vibrant—the sautéed vegetables act as the flavor backbone of the filling.

Step 4: Create the Cheesy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens smoothly. Then, stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and freshly chopped dill. The cheese melts into this luscious sauce, creating a perfect creaminess that coats every bite.

Step 5: Add Fish and Peas

Gently fold in the mixed fish pieces, cooking just until they start to firm up—be careful not to overcook here. Add frozen peas and season with salt and black pepper, allowing the filling flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Pour the fish and vegetable filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly. Create texture with a fork for that lovely browned finish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese across the top to ensure a golden, bubbling crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled fish pie onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should bubble around the edges while the potato crust turns a warm golden brown, signaling your dinner is ready to impress.

Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your fish pie sit for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the filling set, making each slice neat and packed with flavor.

How to Serve Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh dill or a scattering of chopped parsley on top adds a vibrant green burst and a fresh aroma that complements the richness of the pie. A light squeeze of lemon juice over the plate can also brighten up each forkful.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. These lighter sides provide a textural and flavor counterpoint to the creamy fish pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve the pie straight from the baking dish for a rustic feel. If you’re entertaining, try pre-portioning into small ramekins or individual cast iron skillets for a charming personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days so you can enjoy the comforting flavors again without any hassle.

Freezing

This pie freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Cover it securely with plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavors and textures intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the mashed potato topping crisp and the filling creamy and bubbly, avoiding sogginess that microwaving can cause.

FAQs

Can I use different types of fish in this recipe?

Absolutely! The Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe works well with a variety of mild, flaky fish like cod, halibut, or salmon. Mixing types adds wonderful texture and complexity.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free cheddar to enjoy a similar creamy and cheesy flavor without the dairy.

How can I make the mashed potatoes extra fluffy?

Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes and mash them while still hot with plenty of butter and milk. Avoid overmixing to keep them light and fluffy rather than gluey.

What can I serve instead of peas?

Frozen peas add sweetness and a pop of green, but you could swap in green beans, corn, or diced zucchini according to your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the sautéed vegetables and cheese sauce with fish a day ahead, refrigerate it, then assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Hearty Fish Pie with Cheddar and Dill Recipe will become one of your favorite comfort foods in no time. It’s simple to make yet incredibly flavorful, beautiful to look at, and heartwarming to enjoy. Give it a try and gather your loved ones around the table for a memorable, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug.