• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Scatty Mum

  • Recipes
  • Food Allergy Info
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food Allergy Info
  • About
  • Contact
  • Follow Me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food Allergy Info
    • About
    • Contact
  • Follow Me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes By Diet Types » Dairy-Free Recipes

    Dairy Free Fish Pie

    December 15, 2022 by Lauren Woodger Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Dairy Free Fish Pie is pure comfort food! Fresh fish mixed with a creamy sauce, topped with mashed potato and all dairy free! 

    Dairy free fish pie in a casserole dish with a hand spooning out a portion.

    *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links - This means I receive a commission for purchases made though those links, at no cost to you. Please click here for further info*

    When the winter comes you can’t beat a warm, comforting pie and this dairy free fish pie along with my chicken & bacon potato topped pie are on a current weekly rotation and has been a family favourite for a few years.

    Fresh flaked fish is mixed together with a creamy white sauce, topped with mashed potato then baked until the mash has a delicious crunch to it.

    Traditional fish pie contains dairy due to the milk & cheese used in the white sauce, I have replaced the cheese with nutritional yeast, which has a deliciously nutty, cheesy flavour.Some recipes use coconut milk instead of cows milk but I have replaced the milk with soya milk. Any neutral tasting plant based milk can be used if you can't have soya.   

    This dish is great for baby led weaning or children that have a milk allergy, but its tasty enough to serve up to the whole family!

    Fish is also one of the top 14 allergens, so it’s best to offer it first on its own or with other foods that you know they can tolerate. The NHS website states that its safe to offer fish from 6 months of age.

    This dairy free fish pie is the ultimate winter comfort food!

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • ✏️ How To Make This Recipe
    • 💡 Tips & Tricks 
    • ⚡ Substitutions & Variations
    • 🔪 Equipment Used
    • 🥡 How To Store
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions 
    • 💬 Recipe FAQ
    • Dairy Free Fish Pie
    • 📌 Pin For Later...

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients laid out for dairy free fish pie.

    For The Pie

    • Fish - I have used a fish pie mix, which you can buy in all of the major supermarkets. This contained chopped fillets of cod, salmon and haddock. If your children are not fans of the fishy taste, just use mild white fish like cod or pollock.
    • Potatoes - Yukon Gold are my favourite for mashed potatoes. They have a high starch content and a slight buttery flavour and this combination makes the perfect creamy mash.
    • Celery & Onion - These are our aromatics and form the base favours for the fish pie.
    • Peas & Sweetcorn - Easily hidden for the fussy eaters! Just use frozen peas, no need to defrost them beforehand.
    • Dill - This herb pairs beautifully with fish. I have used dried but if you have fresh, even better!
    • Parsley - A handful of fresh parsley is added to the mixture for extra herby flavour.
    • Bayleaves - Just remember to remove this before eating!

    For The Roux

    • Dairy Free Butter - I love Flora Plant Buttery but any dairy free butter block can be used.
    • Flour
    • Dairy Free Milk - Any neutral tasting plant based milk can be used. I tested this recipe with soya milk, just make sure its the unsweetened version as this works better than sweetened. Oat milk is also good, as is almond milk if you are able to tolerate nuts.
    • Nutritional Yeast - This is a perfect replacement when you need that cheesy flavour. It’s also packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
    • Dijon Mustard - Mustard adds an extra tang to the roux, if you are allergic to mustard this can be left out.

    Scroll to the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

    ✋ Be sure to double check all packaging for allergens. ✋

    ✏️ How To Make This Recipe

    Potatoes boiling in a saucepan.

    Peel the potatoes and chop into even chunks, then boil in a large saucepan until tender.

    A roux being whisked in a saucepan.

    Whilst the potatoes are cooking you can make the roux. Melt the butter in a separate saucepan on a medium heat, once melted whisk in the flour then slowly add the milk whisking the whole time.

    milk being poured into a white sauce in a saucepan.

    Add the bayleaf to the sauce mixture, bring to the boil then reduce to a low heat and simmer for a few minutes until thickened, whisking all the time so the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

    Nutritional yeast being poured into a white sauce in a saucepan.

    Remove the sauce from the heat, then stir in the mustard and nutritional yeast. Remove the bayleaf from the sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste. (You may wish to leave out the seasoning if cooking for small children)

    Drain the potatoes once they are cooked, add a knob of dairy free butter to the pan and mash until smooth and creamy.

    Fish pie contents being mixed in a casserole dish prior to baking.
    fish pie in a casserole dish with mashed potato topping.

    Add the fish, onion, celery, peas, sweetcorn, dill and parsley to an oven proof casserole dish and add the cheesy sauce. Stir through gently until combined.

    Top with the mashed potato and bake in a pre-heated oven until the fish is cooked and the mash starts to crisp and brown on top.

    💡 Tips & Tricks 

    • Use a fork to make a line pattern on top of the mash. This helps to create texture so you get the delicious brown crispy bits on top of the mashed potato.
    • Once you have mashed the potatoes, stir the mash with a wooden spoon to make it extra smooth and creamy.
    • To get an even crunchier and cheesy topping, smash up a packet of (dairy free) cheese and onion crisps then sprinkle over the top of the mash before cooking.

    ⚡ Substitutions & Variations

    • Fish - You can use any type of fish you like here. Cod, pollock & salmon are popular choices but allergies permitting why not add some fresh king prawns. Smoked haddock adds a lot of flavour to the dish but go easy as it can be over-powering. Trout, halibut and sea bass also work well.
    • Flour - To make this recipe gluten free, simply swap the plain flour for a gluten free version when making the roux.
    • Veg - If you are not a fan of peas and sweetcorn, you can add small florets of broccoli and cauliflower, some diced carrot or why not stir through some baby spinach which will wilt into the warm sauce.
    • Potatoes - If you can’t find Yukon Gold potatoes any white potato can be used. For a healthier version why not use sweet potato or carrot & swede mash as a topping instead? 
    • Mustard - If you are allergic, this can just be left out. English or wholegrain mustard can be used, but they both have a stronger flavour so I would use half the amount.
    Close up shot of dairy free fish pie in a casserole dish.

    🔪 Equipment Used

    You will need a saucepan to make the cheesy sauce in.

    Potato Masher

    I like a stainless steel whisk like this one.

    I love these casserole dishes as they come in a variety of colours, have a lid and can be used on all types of hob including induction.

    🥡 How To Store

    Cool any leftovers quickly, then place in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

    To Re-heat

    The easiest way to re-heat this dairy-free fish pie is to put it in the microwave for around 2-4 minutes until piping hot throughout.

    You can also re-heat it in the oven at 180˚C for around 20-30 minutes until piping hot throughout. Be sure to cover the top of the pie with tin foil to stop it from burning.

    To Freeze

    Freeze in individual portion pots for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and re-heat as above.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions 

    I love serving this dairy free fish pie with roasted carrots and green beans. Another guilty pleasure is with a huge dollop of baked beans!

    Some shredded savoy cabbage is also delicious.

    Fish pie and brussel sprouts on a white plate with a salt grinder and pot of fish pie in the background.

    💬 Recipe FAQ

    Does fish pie have cheese on top?

    This is totally optional. Some people put cheese through the sauce and some also sprinkle grated cheese on top of the mashed potato. As this recipe is dairy free I have used nutritional yeast instead. You could sprinkle some vegan cheese on top of the mashed potato for extra cheesiness if you like.

    Can I make this fish pie ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the day before serving and refrigerate overnight but you will need to make sure the sauce is cold before mixing with the fish. I would advise adding the mashed potato topping just before cooking to stop it seeping into the mixture overnight.

    Love this recipe? It would be great if you could leave a 5 ⭐ rating and comment below! Thanks x

    Close up shot of dairy free fish pie in a casserole dish.

    Dairy Free Fish Pie

    This Dairy Free Fish Pie is pure comfort food! Fresh fish mixed with a creamy sauce, topped with mashed potato and all dairy free! 
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine British
    Servings 4 -6 servings
    Calories 424 kcal

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Whisk
    • Potato Masher
    • Casserole Dish

    Ingredients
     
     

    Pie

    • 340 g fish pie mix or a mixture of cod, salmon and haddock
    • 750 g potatoes yukon gold or similar
    • 1 stick celery finely sliced
    • 100 g peas frozen
    • 100 g sweetcorn tinned (drained)
    • 1 medium onion finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon dill dried
    • 1 small handful parsley fresh - chopped finely
    • 1 knob dairy free butter for the mash

    Sauce

    • 25 g dairy free butter
    • 25 g plain flour can be substituted for gluten free flour.
    • 350 ml soya milk unsweetened or any plant based milk
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard can be left out if allergic to mustard
    • 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 bayleaf

    Instructions
     

    • Pre-heat the oven to 200˚C / 180 Fan / 396˚ F / gas mark 6.
    • Peel the potatoes and chop into even chunks, then boil in a saucepan for 15 minutes until tender.
    • Whilst the potatoes are cooking you can make the roux. Melt the butter in a separate saucepan, once melted whisk in the flour then slowly add the milk whisking the whole time.
    • Add the bayleaf to the sauce mixture, bring to the boil then reduce and simmer for a few minutes until thickened, whisking all the time so the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
    • Remove the sauce from the heat, then stir in the mustard and nutritional yeast. Remove the bayleaf from the sauce and season to taste. (You may wish to leave out the seasoning if cooking for small children)
    • Finely chop the onion and celery.
    • Drain the potatoes once they are cooked, add a knob of dairy free butter to the pan and mash until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the fish, onion, celery, peas, sweetcorn, dill and parsley to an oven proof casserole dish and add the cheesy sauce. Stir through gently until combined.
    • Top with the mashed potato, score the potato with a fork (see notes below) and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the fish is cooked and the mash starts to crisp and brown on top.

    Notes

    4-6 servings or 8 toddler portions.
    Tips &Tricks 
    • Use a fork to make a line pattern on top of the mash. This helps to create texture so you get the delicious brown crispy bits on top of the mashed potato.
    • Once you have mashed the potatoes, stir the mash with a wooden spoon to make it extra smooth and creamy.
    • To get an even crunchier and cheesy topping, smash up a packet of (dairy free) cheese and onion crisps then sprinkle over the top of the mash before cooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 28gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 367mgPotassium: 1537mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2889IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 166mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword dairy free, fish pie
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    📌 Pin For Later...

    Pinterest image for dairy free fish pie.

    More Dairy-Free Recipes

    • Gambas Pil Pil (Garlic & Chilli Prawns)
    • 17 Recipes Using Silken Tofu
    • Silken Tofu Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse
    • Creamy Chicken & Leek Risotto

    DOWNLOAD

    your FREE baking substitution cheat sheet!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Lady standing in a kitchen with an apron on.

    The Scatty Mum was born as somewhere to share my experience as a Mum of a child with multiple food allergies and tasty easy allergy friendly recipes that are suitable for the whole family.

    Throw in some product reviews, general parenting rambling and you get the jist. And wine.. there is always time for wine! x

    Popular Posts

    • Dairy Free Garlic Bread
    • Five Guys Copycat Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)
    • Five Guys Copycat Burger Recipe 
    • 40 + Gluten Free & Dairy Free Snacks

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy/Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright 2022 The Scatty Mum