Mary Berry’s Christmas Fish Pie is a comforting and luxurious dish, perfect for festive gatherings. With creamy mashed potatoes, a rich and flavorful fish filling, and a golden-baked topping, this recipe brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
What is Mary Berry’s Christmas Fish Pie?
This fish pie combines flaky white fish, smoked fish, and prawns in a creamy sauce, topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Mary Berry’s version is rich and indulgent, making it a standout dish during the holiday season. It’s the perfect combination of creamy textures and delicious flavors.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Festive and Comforting: A classic dish made extra special for the holidays.
- Great for Sharing: Serves a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- Easy to Make: These are straightforward steps with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Adapt the fish and vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie
For the Filling
- White Fish (300g): Such as cod or haddock, for a flaky texture.
- Smoked Fish (200g): Like smoked haddock, for a depth of flavor.
- Cooked Prawns (150g): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Milk (500ml): For poaching the fish and making the sauce.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Flour (50g): Thickens the sauce.
- Leek (1, finely sliced): Adds a subtle onion flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): For freshness and color.
- Nutmeg (a pinch): Adds a warm, festive flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For the Topping
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled and chopped): For the creamy mash topping.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the mash.
- Cream (50ml): Makes the mash extra smooth.
- Cheese (optional, 50g grated): For a golden, crispy topping.
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or ricer
- Whisk
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Poach the fish
In a saucepan, heat the milk gently and add the white fish and smoked fish. Poach for 5 minutes, or until the fish starts to flake. Remove the fish, reserving the milk, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce
In the same saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the reserved milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the leeks, parsley, nutmeg, and seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble the filling
Flake the poached fish into bite-sized pieces and combine it with the cooked prawns in the sauce. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Step 5: Make the mashed potato topping
Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper, and spread the mash evenly over the fish filling. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface.
Step 6: Add the cheese (optional)
Sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potato if desired for a golden crust.
Step 7: Bake the pie
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 8: Serve
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley for a festive touch.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the dish.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad adds freshness to balance the richness.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- White Wine: A light, crisp wine pairs beautifully with the fish.
- Lemon Wedges: Adds a zesty freshness to each serving.
- Pickled Vegetables: For a tangy contrast.
- Roasted Asparagus: A seasonal and elegant side dish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie
- Use Fresh Fish: Freshly caught fish ensures the best flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking the Fish: Poach gently to keep the fish tender.
- Season the Mashed Potatoes Well: Proper seasoning enhances the overall taste.
- Create Texture on the Topping: Fork ridges help the top crisp up beautifully.
- Customize the Cheese: Use a strong cheese like cheddar or Gruyère for extra flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the pie in advance and bake just before serving.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie
- Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: Slice and layer them with the fish for a classic touch.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add cooked spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.
- Use Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique flavor.
- Try Different Fish: Include salmon or shellfish for variety.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
- Avoid Freezing Fully Assembled Pie: Freeze the filling and topping separately for best results.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the fish pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh on the day of serving for the best results.
What is the best fish to use for Christmas Fish Pie?
The best fish for Christmas Fish Pie includes a mix of white fish like cod or haddock, smoked haddock for flavor, and prawns for texture. You can also add salmon for variety.
How do I prevent the mashed potato topping from sinking into the filling?
Ensure the filling is thick and slightly cooled before spreading the mashed potato topping. This helps it stay on top without sinking.
Can I freeze Mary Berry’s Christmas Fish Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the fish pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Final Words
Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for the festive season. Its creamy, flavorful filling and fluffy mashed potato topping make it a standout addition to any holiday spread. Try this recipe and enjoy the magic of a comforting classic at your Christmas table!
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Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This fish pie combines flaky white fish, smoked fish, and prawns in a creamy sauce, topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Mary Berry’s version is rich and indulgent, making it a standout dish during the holiday season. It’s the perfect combination of creamy textures and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- White Fish (300g): Such as cod or haddock, for a flaky texture.
- Smoked Fish (200g): Like smoked haddock, for a depth of flavor.
- Cooked Prawns (150g): Adds sweetness and texture.
- Milk (500ml): For poaching the fish and making the sauce.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Flour (50g): Thickens the sauce.
- Leek (1, finely sliced): Adds a subtle onion flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): For freshness and color.
- Nutmeg (a pinch): Adds a warm, festive flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For the Topping
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled and chopped): For the creamy mash topping.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness to the mash.
- Cream (50ml): Makes the mash extra smooth.
- Cheese (optional, 50g grated): For a golden, crispy topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Poach the fish
In a saucepan, heat the milk gently and add the white fish and smoked fish. Poach for 5 minutes, or until the fish starts to flake. Remove the fish, reserving the milk, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce
In the same saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the reserved milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the leeks, parsley, nutmeg, and seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble the filling
Flake the poached fish into bite-sized pieces and combine it with the cooked prawns in the sauce. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Step 5: Make the mashed potato topping
Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper, and spread the mash evenly over the fish filling. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface.
Step 6: Add the cheese (optional)
Sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potato if desired for a golden crust.
Step 7: Bake the pie
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 8: Serve
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley for a festive touch.
