What to Serve with Fish Pie

Fish pie is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed all year round. The combination of flaky fish, creamy sauce, and a golden, crispy topping makes it a timeless classic that is sure to please everyone at the table. To make the meal extra special, I’m going to share some ideas for what to serve with fish pie.

While fish pie is undeniably tasty on its own, pairing it with the perfect side can take your meal to a whole new level. From fresh salads and green vegetables to warm, crusty bread and hearty beans, there are lots of options.

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Sometimes, I feel as though I get a bit stuck in a rut when I’m planning our family meals. Changing up the side dishes can make a real difference and make a meal feel different each time I dish it up.

Vegetable Side Dishes

One of the simplest and healthiest options for serving with fish pie is to serve it with some steamed or roasted vegetables. Some great choices include:

Peas: Steamed peas with a touch of butter and mint make a tasty and colourful addition to your plate.
Broccoli: Roasted or steamed broccoli is an excellent choice for adding some nutritious greens to your meal.
Asparagus: Grilled or steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil is an elegant and easy side dish to prepare.
Sweetcorn: Boiled or grilled sweetcorn adds a sweet and crunchy element that works well alongside fish pie.

Savoury Bread Options

If you’re looking for something a bit more filling to serve with your fish pie, you could go for some savoury bread options:

Garlic bread: This classic side dish pairs well with the rich flavours of fish pie. Simply spread some butter, garlic, and parsley on crusty bread and toast in the oven until golden. Or you could just buy a garlic baguette from the supermarket for a quick and easy side dish.
Bread and butter: Sometimes, you can’t beat the simplicity of freshly baked bread and creamy butter. Serve it warm alongside your fish pie for a comforting touch.

Salad Sides

For a lighter and more refreshing side dish, salad works really well with fish pie, particularly in the summer. Here are some ideas:

Mixed green salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced onion for a side salad that balances the richness of the fish pie.
Courgette ribbon salad: Create a visually appealing side by using a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons of courgette, then dress them with lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkling of goat cheese.
Pear and rocket salad: The sweetness of sliced pears works perfectly with peppery rocket leaves. Add some toasted walnuts and a honey-based dressing for a delightful side salad.

Take these suggestions as a starting point and play around with your preferences when creating your fish pie side dishes.

What are the best Vegetables to Serve with Fish Pie?

You can’t really go wrong with vegetables as a side dish, pretty much any veg will work really well with Fish Pie, but some definitely have the edge.

Green Vegetables

Peas: Whether you prefer garden peas, petit pois or even sugar snap peas, these little green gems are a classic choice. Serve them simply boiled or steamed, seasoned with a little butter and parsley.
Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a touch of elegance to any dish. Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil and lemon juice, then bake them in the oven until tender-crisp.
Broccoli: This nutritious green vegetable goes well with fish pie. You can steam or boil broccoli and season it with salt, pepper, and a bit of butter. Switch out regular broccoli for tenderstem broccoli for a sweeter taste.
Spinach: Sauteed spinach with garlic and olive oil is a delicious accompaniment to fish pie, providing a boost of iron and other nutrients.
Green beans: Steam some green beans and toss them with lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and add a dash of olive oil.

Colourful Vegetables

Carrots: Butter pepper carrots retain their bright orange colour and sweet, earthy flavour when cooked, making them a vibrant side option for fish pie.
Sweetcorn: A bowl of steamed sweetcorn can add colour and natural sweetness to your meal, complementing the creamy sauce in your fish pie. You can also serve it with baby corn for a slight twist too.
Tomatoes: For a light, fresh taste, try serving fish pie with a tomato and cucumber salad mixed with a simple dressing such as olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt.
Red cabbage: A side of red cabbage with a warming spice like cinnamon is a unique and colourful addition to fish pie.
Roasted root vegetables: Mix and match various root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and onions. Roast them with olive oil, salt, and your favourite herbs for a delightful contrast to the creamy fish pie.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables, seasonings, and preparations to find the perfect combination for your fish pie. When you’ve got a delicious fish pie and a plate of enticing vegetables, making mealtime special is easy.

Savoury Bread Options

The beauty of serving bread as a side dish is its versatility; various types suit different tastes and preferences. And I don’t know about you, but I love to soak up the juices from the pie with a piece of warm, buttered bread. Delicious!

Garlic bread is a great side dish for pretty much every meal, and it works perfectly with fish pie. It’s easy enough to make your own, or you could take the easy option and just buy it ready-made.

If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, consider selecting a crusty artisan bread that you can break apart and use to soak up the delicious sauce of the fish pie. A classic sourdough or a wholesome wholegrain loaf would work very well.

Flavoured bread is another great option. Try an olive and sun-dried tomato loaf or perhaps a seeded bread with a mixture of poppy seeds, sesame, and sunflower seeds for added texture.

No matter which type of bread you decide to serve, pairing it with a light spread, such as whipped butter or infused olive oil, will add an extra layer of flavour to this simple, yet satisfying side dish.

Salad Sides

In the summer, I love to make a big salad to serve with our meals. Salad is incredibly versatile, and there are so many different options to choose from that it never gets boring.

Garden Salad Options

A fresh garden salad is always an excellent choice to serve with fish pie. Here are some great options to include in your salad:

Lettuce: Choose from a crisp iceberg, nutrient-rich spinach, or a mix of various greens.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or sliced beefsteak tomatoes all add a lovely burst of colour and flavour.
Cucumbers: Thinly sliced cucumbers bring crunch and refreshing taste to your garden salad.
Carrots: Grated or julienned carrots provide a slightly sweet taste and add texture.
Peppers: Slice up some bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and colour in your salad.
Red onion: A few thin slices of red onion add a zesty kick and visual appeal.
Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, basil, or mint can elevate the salad’s flavour.

Add more vegetables or try different combinations to suit your preferences. Toss your garden salad with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing to enhance the taste.

Seafood Salad Choices

A seafood salad works well for those who like an extra touch of seafood goodness alongside their fish pie. Here are some ideas:

Prawn and Avocado Salad: Combine cooked prawns and avocado slices with a mix of salad leaves. Drizzle with a lemon and garlic dressing for a perfect pairing with your fish pie.
Crab and Mango Salad: Mix flaked crab meat, diced mango, and chopped red pepper with a light lime dressing. Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a tropical twist.
Smoked Salmon and Spinach Salad: Lay smoked salmon slices on a bed of baby spinach sprinkled with capers and red onion. Finish with a drizzle of creamy horseradish dressing.

Remember to keep things simple when it comes to seafood salad choices. Let the natural flavours of the seafood shine through, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper where needed.

Perfect Drinks to Serve with Fish Pie

It’s surprising what a difference the right drink makes to a meal. Here are a few suggestions that will complement the taste of fish pie:

Tea: An ice-cold glass of sweet tea offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of a fish pie, balancing out the experience and leaving your palate refreshed.
Wine: Wine is a classic choice for pairing with seafood dishes, and fish pie is no exception. Opt for white wine, such as an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay, like Chablis, which is a crowd-pleasing option that complements the pie without overwhelming its flavours. For a pie containing salmon, scallops, or added cream, you may consider a slightly richer style of white Burgundy or another cool climate Chardonnay. However, avoid going too heavy on the oak.

Red Wine: While white wine is the more traditional pairing for seafood dishes, you could experiment with lighter-bodied red wines. Just be cautious with tannin levels, as the combination with white fish can lead to a metallic taste. Choose a low-tannin red wine, such as Pinot Noir, to avoid this problem.
Lemon-flavoured Drinks: The zesty notes of lemon pair exceptionally well with fish, cutting through the dish’s rich flavours and offering a light, refreshing contrast. Consider serving a lemon-based cocktail, such as a lemon drop martini, to bring a playful note to your meal.

Here’s a summary of the suggested pairings in a table format for your reference:

Drink Type	Recommended Options
Tea	Ice-cold sweet tea
White Wine	Chardonnay (Chablis, white Burgundy)
Red Wine	Pinot Noir (light-bodied, low-tannin)
Lemon-flavoured	Lemon drop martini, other lemon cocktails

Delicious Desserts

After enjoying a scrumptious fish pie, the right dessert will finish the meal off perfectly.

Choose lemon cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth without overpowering the taste of the fish pie. The citrusy flavours from the lemon will cleanse your palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy fish pie.

Fruit salad is another fantastic choice. Pick your favourite seasonal fruits, like strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries, and combine them in a beautiful, colourful medley. A simple fruit salad is a healthier dessert option and a great palate cleanser.

For an even more refreshing option, try a sorbet with various fruity flavours. Mango, raspberry, and lemon are popular choices that will create an enjoyable and light finish to your meal. The cool, smooth texture of the sorbet makes it a delicious treat after a filling fish pie.

Hints and Tips for Fish Pie

Here are a few hints and tips to make your meal even more enjoyable.

First, let’s consider your choice of fish. Opt for a white and oily fish mix for a well-rounded flavour. Using a mix of cod, haddock, and salmon will provide a balanced taste, and don’t forget the smoked fish like mackerel for an added depth of flavour.

Now, let’s talk seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add a little kick with some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon. Remember to keep the seasoning simple and use them sparingly, as you don’t want to overpower the fish’s natural flavour.

When it comes to the potato topping, the key is getting it just right. Opt for creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and a little milk or cream. To achieve a golden crust, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting sweet potato or even a mix of regular and sweet potatoes for a delightful twist.

Overcooked seafood can become tough and lose its delicate texture. Ensure your fish pie stays in the oven for just the right amount of time, and check it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.

There are so many great side dishes for fish pie, and there are no “wrong” choices here. Go for a dish that complements the types of fish in your pie and don’t be afraid to experiment! Let me know your favourite choices for what to serve with fish pie in the comments.

What to Serve with Fish Pie