Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Fish pie mac ’n’ cheese is a comforting twist on two classic favorites. Creamy, cheesy macaroni mingles with a selection of smoked and fresh fish, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

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

1. 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 the heat, then stir in the mustard, most of the cheese (reserve a handful for the topping), peas, and parsley.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, boil the macaroni in a large pan of salted water following the pack instructions until just cooked. Drain well.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
4. Step 4: Mix the drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Add half of the fish and stir gently to combine. Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish.
5. Step 5: Scatter the remaining fish on top, pushing it lightly into the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle over the reserved cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling. Serve warm with a green salad if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Use any mix of your favorite fish for a personalized flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for extra warmth.
• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
• Swap frozen peas for fresh when in season for a sweeter bite.

Storage

This dish can be chilled and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to one month. To reheat, fully defrost in the fridge, then warm thoroughly in a microwave or oven until the center is piping hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it necessary to cook the fish before baking?

No, the fish in this mix is usually pre-cooked or smoked, so it only needs baking long enough to heat through and meld with the sauce.

Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 125 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and hearty Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese that combines creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a mix of smoked, white, and salmon fish, baked to golden perfection. This dish is enhanced with peas and fresh parsley, making it a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy any day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 650ml milk
• 40g plain flour
• 40g butter
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 150g mature cheddar, grated
• 180g frozen peas
• handful of parsley, chopped

Main Dish Ingredients

• 300g macaroni
• 300g fish pie mix (smoked fish, white fish, and salmon)

To Serve

• green salad (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the sauce: Pour the milk into a large pan and add the plain flour and butter. Place over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick white sauce. Remove from the heat, then stir in the Dijon mustard, most of the grated mature cheddar (reserve a handful for topping), frozen peas, and chopped parsley.
2. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain the pasta well.
3. Combine pasta and sauce with fish: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Stir the drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Add half of the fish pie mix to the sauce and pasta, folding everything together gently.
4. Assemble the dish: Transfer the pasta, sauce, and fish mixture into a large baking dish. Top with the remaining fish, pressing it slightly into the pasta. Scatter the reserved grated cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally accompanied by a fresh green salad.
7. Storage and reheating: This dish can be chilled and stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to one month. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight if frozen and reheat thoroughly in a microwave or oven until piping hot.

Notes

• Use a fish pie mix with a variety of fish such as smoked fish, white fish, and salmon for a balanced flavor.
• The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese sauce but can be adjusted based on taste.
• For an extra crunchy topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with the cheese before baking.
• Remember to stir the sauce constantly when cooking to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• This dish freezes well, making it great for batch cooking and meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: fish pie mac and cheese, fish mac and cheese, baked macaroni with fish, cheesy fish pasta bake, hearty family dinner