Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie Recipe

Creamy, comforting, and full of rich seafood flavor, this Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie Recipe is the ultimate homestyle British classic elevated to a dinner-party standard. Featuring a medley of tender white fish, smoked haddock, and plump prawns enveloped in a velvety white sauce and topped with buttery mashed potatoes, it’s a warming dish that delivers both elegance and nourishment.

What is Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie?

The Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie is a classic British baked dish made from flaky white fish, smoked fish, and seafood cooked in a creamy béchamel-style sauce, often enriched with cheese or cream. It’s topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, which turn golden and crisp in the oven. Mary Berry’s version balances traditional comfort with refined flavor, adding a rich, luxurious touch with ingredients like prawns, mustard, and fresh herbs.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Citron Tart
• Mary Berry Oat and Raisin Cookies
• Mary Berry Stuffed Marrow
• Mary Berry Summer Pudding

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Packed with premium seafood – White fish, smoked haddock, and prawns for a full flavor profile.
• Rich and creamy sauce – Infused with mustard, parsley, and a hint of cheese.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Perfect for the family or guests – A versatile main course.
• Comfort food with elegance – Satisfying yet sophisticated.
• No pastry needed – Mashed potato topping makes it simple and hearty.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie

For the Filling:

• White fish fillets (e.g., cod or haddock) – 300g, skinned and boned
• Smoked haddock – 300g, skinned and boned
• Raw king prawns – 200g, peeled and deveined
• Milk – 600ml
• Bay leaves – 2
• Butter – 50g
• Plain flour – 50g
• Double cream – 100ml
• Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

For the Potato Topping:

• Floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper) – 1kg, peeled and cut into chunks
• Butter – 75g
• Warm milk – 100ml
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Grated mature cheddar – 50g (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Deep baking dish
• Colander and potato masher
• Balloon whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Ovenproof dish (approx. 2L capacity)

Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Luxury Fish Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

• Cut fish into bite-sized chunks.
• Place fish and bay leaves in a saucepan with 600ml milk.
• Simmer gently for 6–8 minutes until the fish is just cooked through.
• Remove fish with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve the milk for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the White Sauce

• In a clean pan, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux.
• Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add reserved milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
• Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
• Stir in cream, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Fold in cooked fish and raw prawns. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Boil and Mash Potatoes

• Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender.
• Drain and mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
• Spoon the fish mixture into a large ovenproof dish.
• Top evenly with mashed potato, starting from the edges and working inward to seal.
• Fluff the top with a fork and sprinkle with grated cheese, if using.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie

• Steamed green beans or peas – Adds color and freshness.
• Butter-glazed carrots – Sweet, tender contrast to the creamy filling.
• Simple garden salad – Lightens the meal with crunch and acidity.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Lemon wedges – A splash of acidity brings the dish to life.
• Roasted asparagus – Adds elegance and texture.
• White wine or sparkling water – Complements the creamy base.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie

Use these tips to ensure a perfect fish pie every time:

• Use firm white fish – Cod, haddock, or pollock work well and hold their shape.
• Don’t overcook the seafood – It will continue to cook in the oven.
• Strain the milk – Remove bay leaves and any fish bits before making the sauce.
• Mash until smooth – Lumps in the topping can affect the final texture.
• Chill before baking (optional) – Assembled pies can be stored in the fridge and baked fresh.
• Bake uncovered – So the potato topping browns nicely.
• Add spinach or leeks – Stir into the sauce for extra vegetables.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie

Give the classic fish pie a personal twist with these variations:

• Add chopped boiled eggs – A traditional addition in many British fish pies.
• Use salmon or trout – For a richer flavor profile.
• Make a puff pastry topping – Swap mash for golden pastry for a different texture.
• Add peas or corn – Mix into the filling for color and sweetness.
• Top with sweet potato mash – A lighter, slightly sweet alternative.
• Stir grated cheese into mash – For a richer topping.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie

• Cool completely before storing – Avoid condensation and sogginess.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps for 2–3 days.
• Wrap tightly for freezing – Freeze unbaked or baked for up to 2 months.
• Label and date the dish – Helps with planning ahead.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie

• Oven method (best): Cover with foil and reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.
• Microwave (single portions): Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between if possible.
• Reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as above until hot throughout.
• Check internal temperature: Ensure the pie is piping hot before serving.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Luxury Fish Pie Healthier?

• Use semi-skimmed milk and low-fat cream – Lightens the sauce.
• Replace part of the butter with olive oil – Reduces saturated fat.
• Add more vegetables – Like peas, spinach, or leeks for fiber and nutrients.
• Top with cauliflower mash – Lowers carbs and adds variety.
• Limit added cheese – Use only a sprinkle or skip entirely.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg

FAQs

Do I cook the fish before adding it to the pie?

Yes, the fish is gently poached in milk before being added to the sauce. This step ensures the fish stays tender and flavorful without overcooking in the oven.

Can I make luxury fish pie in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pie up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving or reheat thoroughly if pre-baked.

How do I stop the sauce from being too runny?

Use the right butter-to-flour ratio to create a proper roux, then whisk in the reserved poaching milk gradually. Simmer the sauce until it thickens before combining with the fish.

What’s the best type of fish for luxury fish pie?

Firm white fish like cod or haddock works best. Adding smoked haddock and prawns gives a rich, layered flavor that makes the dish feel more indulgent.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Luxury Fish Pie Recipe brings together everything we love about comfort food—creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. With premium fish, a rich sauce, and golden mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is simple enough to prepare at home. Serve it with seasonal greens and a touch of lemon for a well-balanced, crowd-pleasing main.

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