What To Know
- Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and thick.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked fish, followed by the sautéed vegetables, and then top with the cheese sauce.
- Bake the fish pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato mash is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Are you craving a comforting and delicious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than a classic fish pie with a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of how to make fish pie with cheese sauce, ensuring a flavorful and heartwarming experience.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we embark on our culinary journey, let’s gather the ingredients we need. Here’s a shopping list for a classic fish pie:
- Fish: Choose your favorite white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock. You can use fresh or frozen fish, ensuring it’s thawed completely before cooking.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy mash.
- Milk: Whole milk or semi-skimmed milk works well for the sauce and mash.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to both the sauce and mash.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion provides a base for the sauce.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic add depth of flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright and herbaceous touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously to taste.
Preparing the Fish and Vegetables
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start preparing the fish and vegetables:
1. Pre-heat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the fish: If using fresh fish, pat it dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. If using frozen fish, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Cook the fish: Add the fish to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily.
Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Next, we’ll create the heart of our fish pie: the creamy cheese sauce. This sauce adds a rich and indulgent element to the dish:
1. Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour: Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Gradually add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and thick.
4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
5. Stir in the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the grated cheese until it melts completely.
6. Season and adjust: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more milk.
Assembling the Fish Pie
Now that we have our fish and cheese sauce prepped, let’s assemble the fish pie:
1. Prepare the potato mash: Peel and boil the potatoes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and salt and pepper.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large baking dish, layer the cooked fish, followed by the sautéed vegetables, and then top with the cheese sauce.
3. Top with the mash: Spread the potato mash evenly over the cheese sauce, creating a smooth and even layer.
4. Bake the pie: Bake the fish pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato mash is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Finishing Touches and Serving
As the fish pie bakes, prepare a garnish of fresh parsley. Once the pie is baked, sprinkle the parsley over the top. Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
A Delicious and Satisfying Meal
This classic fish pie with cheese sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy cheese sauce, tender fish, and fluffy potato mash combine to create a truly satisfying meal.
More Than Just a Fish Pie
While this recipe provides a classic approach to fish pie, feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. For example, you can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach. You can also use different types of cheese, such as brie, goat cheese, or even a blend of cheeses.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
2. What can I do if the cheese sauce is too thick?
If the cheese sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more milk or even a splash of water.
3. How do I know if the fish is cooked through?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it is cooked through.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the fish pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve it.
5. What are some good side dishes for fish pie?
A simple green salad or a side of steamed green beans would complement the fish pie perfectly.
