Name: Jamie Oliver’s Fantastic Fish Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488009H34M45S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cm); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 free-range eggs (optional); 2 handfuls spinach (about 200 g baby spinach); 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, diced small or grated; 1–2 celery stalks, finely diced; Extra virgin olive oil, for frying; 250 ml single cream; 1 cup grated mature Cheddar cheese or Parmesan (or a mix); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp Dijon mustard or English mustard; 1 large handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped; 500–650 g smoked haddock (or cod, hake, salmon, or mixed fish), cut into chunks; 2 tbsp butter (or more for richer mash); ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for mash)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Jamie Oliver’s fish pie is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with nourishing ingredients. With a golden mash topping, layers of tender fish, spinach, vegetables, and a creamy mustard sauce, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A wholesome, comforting classic packed with flavor
Versatile—use haddock, cod, salmon, or a mix of fish
Golden, buttery mashed potato topping with a hint of nutmeg
Creamy sauce infused with mustard, lemon, and cheese
A complete family meal when paired with veggies on the side

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

5 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cm)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 free-range eggs (optional)
2 handfuls spinach (about 200 g baby spinach)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, diced small or grated
1–2 celery stalks, finely diced
Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
250 ml single cream
1 cup grated mature Cheddar cheese or Parmesan (or a mix)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard or English mustard
1 large handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
500–650 g smoked haddock (or firm white fish such as cod, hake, or a mix of white fish and salmon), cut into chunks
2 tbsp butter (or more for richer mash)
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for the mash)

Directions

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Boil the potatoes in salted water for a few minutes. Add eggs and cook for 8 minutes. Remove eggs, cool in cold water, peel, and quarter. Continue cooking potatoes until soft.
Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add cream, bring to a boil, then stir in spinach and mustard. Cook until spinach wilts.
Place fish chunks in an oven dish. Add parsley, lemon juice, cheese, and mustard. Pour over the creamy vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Nestle quartered eggs evenly into the dish.
Drain and mash potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spread mash over the fish mixture.
Optional: drizzle melted butter or olive oil over the top, or sprinkle with extra cheese for a crispier crust.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Serve with baked beans, blanched green beans, or your choice of salad or vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of salmon and cod for a colorful, richer flavor.
Add peas or sweetcorn to the filling for extra veggies.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with cheese for a crunchier finish.
Make it dairy-free by using oat cream and vegan cheese alternatives.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until hot.
Freeze unbaked pie (without eggs) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

What kind of fish works best in fish pie?

Firm white fish like haddock, cod, or hake works well. You can also mix in salmon.

Do I have to use eggs in the pie?

No, they’re optional—leave them out if you prefer.

Can I make the fish pie in advance?

Yes, assemble the pie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Why add mustard to the sauce?

It enhances the flavor, adding subtle heat and depth to the cream sauce.

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before adding to the pie.

How do I get the mash topping extra crispy?

Brush with melted butter or add a sprinkle of cheese before baking.

Can I use double cream instead of single cream?

Yes, it will make the sauce richer and thicker.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The topping should be golden and the filling bubbling around the edges.

Can I make mini fish pies instead of one big dish?

Yes, divide the mixture into ramekins and bake for 20–25 minutes.

What should I serve with fish pie?

Steamed greens, salad, or baked beans complement the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s fantastic fish pie is the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and comforting. With tender fish, fresh vegetables, golden mash, and a hint of mustard and lemon, it’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined. Serve it hot with simple sides for a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Maggie