Dinner

Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

ByCleo Brixton November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

This Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese is a comforting blend of creamy sauce, tender macaroni, and a mix of smoked and white fish. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, combining classic flavors with a twist.

A rectangular white baking dish is filled with a creamy baked casserole that has a golden brown and bubbly cheese layer on top, with hints of slightly browned spots and green herbs scattered throughout. The top layer is textured with melted cheese that covers chunks of light pink shrimp and bits of green peas peeking through. Inside the dish, visible at the missing scoop area, there is a creamy white sauce mixed with peas and shrimp, showing a soft, rich texture. The dish is placed on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath, and a silver spoon resting nearby. A coral pink napkin and parts of white dishes filled with green leaves are also visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

650ml milk
40g plain flour
40g butter
2 tsp Dijon mustard
150g mature cheddar, grated
180g frozen peas
Handful of parsley, chopped
300g macaroni
300g fish pie mix (smoked fish, white fish, and salmon)
Green salad, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the milk into a large pan and add the flour and butter. Set over medium heat and whisk continuously until you have a smooth, thick white sauce. Remove from heat, then stir in the Dijon mustard, most of the cheese (reserve a handful for topping), peas, and parsley.
Step 2: Meanwhile, boil the macaroni in a large pan of water following the package instructions until just cooked. Drain the pasta well.
Step 3: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Add the pasta to the sauce with half of the fish, gently mixing everything together. Pour this mixture into a large baking dish.
Step 4: Top the pasta mixture with the remaining fish, pushing pieces lightly into the pasta. Scatter the reserved cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Serve hot with a green salad if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of your favorite fish for varied flavor and texture, or substitute with cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist.
For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or cream cheese before baking.
You can add a crunchy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkling over the cheese before baking.

Storage

This dish can be chilled in the fridge and eaten within three days. To freeze, cover tightly and store for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot before serving.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy seafood casserole, topped with a thick, golden-browned cheese layer speckled with green herbs and small orange shrimp pieces, the casserole showing a scoop taken out on one corner revealing a creamy white sauce with peas and chunks of seafood underneath. The dish is placed on a wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath, accompanied by a silver spoon on the left side and a plate with leafy green salad on the right, a coral cloth napkin partially visible near the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fish instead of frozen fish pie mix?

Yes, fresh fish can be used as long as it is cooked or firm enough to hold together during baking. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the fish is fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.