Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast

Mary Berry’s Haddock and Shrimp Feast is a rich and comforting seafood dish that combines the delicate flavour of haddock with the sweetness of shrimp, all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course yet elegant enough for a dinner party. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

What is Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast?

Mary Berry’s Haddock and Shrimp Feast is a baked seafood gratin-style dish featuring haddock, shrimp, and a creamy sauce enriched with cheese and herbs. The seafood is gently cooked before being layered in a dish, topped with sauce, and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a classic example of Mary Berry’s cooking: simple, indulgent, and perfect for sharing.

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake
• Mary Berry Chicken Casserole
• Mary Berry Chicken and Mushroom Pie
• Mary Berry Chicken and Leek Pie
• Mary Berry Cottage Pie with a Kick

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Seafood made easy – Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish.
• Comforting and indulgent – Creamy sauce with cheesy topping.
• Versatile – Works as a weeknight dinner or a dinner-party main.
• Crowd-pleaser – Balanced flavours loved by both seafood fans and casual eaters.
• Customisable – Can be adapted with different seafood or herbs.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast

• 400g smoked or fresh haddock fillets (skin removed, cut into chunks)
• 200g cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 500ml milk
• 100ml double cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 50g breadcrumbs (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk for the sauce
• Ovenproof baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast

Step 1: Prepare the haddock

Lightly poach the haddock in simmering milk for 4–5 minutes until just cooked. Drain and set aside, reserving the milk for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the reserved milk and cream until smooth. Add mustard and half the cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine seafood and sauce

Fold the cooked haddock and shrimp into the sauce, being careful not to break the fish too much. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 4: Assemble the dish

Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve hot

Serve straight from the oven with crusty bread, salad, or mashed potatoes.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overcooked haddock – Made it dry. Gently poaching just until flaky kept it tender.
• Didn’t season the sauce enough – Adding mustard and extra pepper lifted the flavour.
• Too much liquid – Reducing the sauce slightly before baking solved this.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast

• Use low-fat milk and crème fraîche instead of cream.
• Reduce cheese by half and replace with nutritional yeast.
• Add steamed vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the filling.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter roux.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Haddock and Shrimp Feast

• Haddock → Cod or pollock for a similar texture.
• Shrimp → Prawns or crayfish tails.
• Cheddar → Gruyère or Red Leicester.
• Breadcrumbs → Crushed oatcakes or panko.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Haddock and Shrimp Feast

• Buttery mashed potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
• Steamed asparagus – Adds freshness.
• Crisp green salad – Balances richness.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted carrots – Sweetness complements the seafood.

Expert Tips for Haddock and Shrimp Feast Success

• Don’t overcook seafood – Keeps it tender and juicy.
• Use freshly grated cheese – Melts better into the sauce.
• Season gradually – Taste sauce before baking for balance.
• Cool sauce slightly before adding seafood – Prevents breaking.
• Bake until bubbling – Ensures a crisp, golden topping.
• Serve immediately – Best enjoyed hot out of the oven.

Creative Ways to Customize Haddock and Shrimp Feast

• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
• Mix in sautéed leeks or onions for sweetness.
• Use a parmesan crust for extra richness.
• Add spinach leaves for colour and nutrients.
• Sprinkle with paprika or cayenne for gentle spice.

Storing Haddock and Shrimp Feast the Right Way

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Avoid freezing, as cream sauces may split when reheated.
• Store separately from sides like bread or salad.

How to Reheat Haddock and Shrimp Feast

• Oven method – Cover with foil and bake at 170°C for 15 minutes until hot.
• Microwave method – Heat in short bursts, stirring gently.
• Avoid overcooking – Seafood can toughen when reheated.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~465 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 26g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sodium: 590mg

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FAQs

Do you cook haddock before adding it to the shrimp feast?

Yes, haddock should be lightly poached in milk before being added to the dish. This keeps the fish tender and prevents it from overcooking in the oven.

How do you stop the sauce from splitting in a haddock and shrimp bake?

To prevent splitting, whisk the sauce continuously while adding milk and cream. Avoid boiling it too vigorously and cool it slightly before mixing in the seafood.

Can frozen shrimp be used in this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before folding them into the sauce to avoid watering it down.

How do you get a golden topping on a haddock and shrimp feast?

For a golden topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated cheese over the dish before baking. The heat of the oven creates a crisp, bubbly crust.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Haddock and Shrimp Feast is a luxurious yet simple dish that highlights the beauty of seafood. With its creamy sauce, tender haddock, and sweet shrimp, it’s a recipe that works equally well for family dinners and special occasions. Comforting, hearty, and full of flavour, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe for seafood lovers.