Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie Recipe

This Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie is a warm, creamy, and festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings, cosy winter dinners, or a make-ahead Christmas Eve meal. With tender fish, rich white sauce, soft leeks, and a buttery mashed potato topping, this pie blends comfort with seasonal elegance. It delivers a balanced flavour that feels hearty without being heavy, making it a great centrepiece for your Christmas table.

What Is Mary Berry’s Christmas Fish Pie?

Mary Berry’s Christmas Fish Pie is a classic British-style baked dish made with a mixture of white fish, smoked fish, and sometimes prawns, coated in a creamy parsley or cheese sauce and topped with smooth mashed potatoes. It’s baked until golden and bubbling, offering a comforting yet festive main course.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Perfect for Christmas entertaining—feeds a crowd and feels luxurious.
• Creamy, hearty, and warming, ideal for cold weather.
• Make-ahead friendly, reducing holiday stress.
• Balanced flavours from smoked and fresh fish.
• Customisable to different seafood mixes and toppings.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie

For the Filling

• 600g mixed fish (white fish, salmon, smoked haddock)
• 150g cooked prawns (optional)
• 1 leek, finely sliced
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

For the Potato Topping

• 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 50g butter
• 100ml warm milk or cream
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: handful of grated cheese for the top

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Potato masher or electric whisk
• Colander
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Boil potatoes until soft, then drain. Mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Cook the Leeks

Melt butter in a pan, add sliced leeks, and cook until softened and lightly fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the leeks and stir well. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Add mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Add the Fish

Cut the fish into chunks and stir gently into the sauce. Add prawns if using. Cook for a few minutes until slightly opaque.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Transfer the fish mixture into a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a fork. Add grated cheese if desired.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Allow the pie to rest briefly before serving for cleaner portions.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce became too thick: Added more milk gradually while whisking.
• Fish overcooked: Only par-cooked fish in the sauce; baked the rest in the oven.
• Topping sank into the filling: Let the filling cool slightly before adding mash.
• Flavour felt plain: Increased mustard and added fresh herbs.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Christmas Fish Pie

• Use semi-skimmed milk instead of full-fat.
• Swap butter for olive oil in the mash.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas.
• Use a mix of lighter fish instead of full-smoked varieties.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie

• White fish → cod, pollock, haddock
• Smoked fish → omit for a milder flavour or replace with smoked salmon
• Potato topping → cauliflower mash or sweet potato mash
• Parsley → dill, thyme, or chives

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie

• Steamed green beans – Adds a bright contrast.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts – Perfect for Christmas.
• Winter salad – Lightens the meal.
• Crusty bread – Great for scooping up sauce.
• Glazed carrots – Sweet and festive side.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie

• Use a mix of fish for depth of flavour and texture.
• Avoid over-stirring to keep fish pieces whole.
• Warm milk before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Cool the filling slightly before topping with mash.
• Season each layer for balanced taste.
• Fluff mashed potato well for a beautifully golden crust.
• Add cheese if you want an extra festive topping.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie

• Add peas or sweetcorn for colour and sweetness.
• Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
• Mix in horseradish for a gentle kick.
• Add spinach for a nutritious boost.
• Use smoked paprika on top for colour and warmth.

Storing Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from chilled: Heat at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes.

How to Reheat Christmas Fish Pie (If Needed)

• Oven: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in 1–2 minute intervals.
• From frozen: Thaw overnight or bake from frozen at a lower temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 23g
• Carbs: 32g
• Protein: 32g
• Fibre: 4g

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FAQs

Why is my Christmas fish pie watery after baking?

A watery fish pie usually means too much liquid was released from the fish or the sauce wasn’t thick enough. Simmer the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon, and pat the fish dry before adding it. Cooling the filling slightly before topping with mash also prevents excess moisture.

How do I stop the mashed potato topping from sinking into the filling?

The mash sinks when the filling is too hot or too runny. Let the fish mixture cool for 10–15 minutes before adding the topping, and ensure the sauce is thick and creamy. A slightly firmer mashed potato also helps it stay on top.

Can I assemble Christmas fish pie in advance?

Yes, this dish is ideal for preparing ahead. You can assemble the entire pie, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. If baking straight from the fridge, add 10 extra minutes to ensure it heats through.

Why is my fish tough or overcooked?

Fish becomes tough when it’s cooked too long before baking. Only cook it gently in the sauce until it turns opaque, then let the oven finish the cooking. This keeps the fish tender and flaky inside the pie.

Wrapping It Up

This Mary Berry Christmas Fish Pie brings together creamy sauce, tender seafood, and golden mash for a comforting festive main dish. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to warm your holiday table with rich flavours and homely charm.