This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info please check out my Disclosure Policy. Appreciate your support!

Share it with your friends!

A delicious, super easy, Dairy Free Fish Pie all made in one dish! This recipe is incredibly comforting and makes the perfect Autumn or Winter dinner to share with family and friends. I can guarantee this will be on a weekly rotation in your household!

Fish pie being served with silver spoon on a wooden table. There is parsley to accessorise the table, along with small pots of of salt and pepper.

Recipe Difficultly – Easy

Why this recipe works

This Dairy Free Fish Pie is amazingly creamy and packs so much flavour you won’t even believe it’s free-from dairy and gluten. Loaded with veggies and nutrients from the different types of fish, it’s a great healthy option and perfect for a mid-week dinner!

This Dairy Free Fish Pie a recipe that my parents have been making me for years and it’s one of my absolute favourites. Paired with either Colourful Roasted Root Veg or Chickpea Flat Bread to really soak up those creamy sauces, I can guarantee you’re going to love this warming and incredibly easy recipe!

Ingredients to make Dairy-Free Fish Pie

Ingredients to make dairy free fish pie laid out on wooden table.
  1. Potatoes – I tend to use Maris Piper as I think they are the best for a really fluffy mash topping!
  2. Celery – a fundamental ingredient in so many recipes, adds flavours and body to this dairy free fish pie recipe. If you have some spare then do try my Celeriac Soup.
  3. Chilli – adds a subtle kick of heat to the fish pie, however doesn’t make it spicy!
  4. Carrots – adds flavour, veg and some colour to the dairy free fish pie.
  5. Prawns – I enjoy using prawns in my fish pie as I think they add great texture. If you have some leftover then try my Thai Red Prawn Curry or Prawn Linguine.
  6. Frozen peas – a household staple! Not only does adding peas add some greenery, I also like the texture they provide against some of the flakey fish.
  7. Cod – cod is a really great fish to use in a fish pie, known for it mild and milky flavour, it really adds to the creaminess. If you have any leftover then try my Cod Curry.
  8. Salmon – has a rich flavour, but can also be described at having buttery taste! Again, this fish goes really well in a fish pie for added creaminess. If you have any leftover then try my Easy Grilled Salmon Burgers.
  9. Lemon – I love using lemon in most of my recipes. The lemon really contrasts and cuts through the creaminess.
  10. Garlic – adds a gentle spice and adds to the flavour.
  11. Dill – dill has a bright, sweet flavour and compliments all of the other flavours in the dairy free fish pie recipe really well.
  12. Parsley – Parsley is a classic partner to fish dishes because of its fresh taste!
  13. Cheese – I use dairy free cheese in my recipe, but standard cheddar cheese would also work well.
  14. Spinach – adds greenery and when wilted releases the perfect amount of liquid for this dairy free fish pie.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

The great thing about this Dairy Free Fish Pie is that it’s really versatile meaning you can swap most of the ingredients in this Dairy Free Fish Pie recipe.

  • Fish cost – Using prawns and salmon can increase the price over other fish so you can swap for different types of fish if you wish. For example, you could replace the cod for pollock, which is slightly cheaper in price. I’ll sometimes leave the prawns out entirely and add an extra salmon or cod fillet.
  • Fish taste – This is a mild and creamy fish pie, but if you would prefer this recipe to be even milder, you could swap the salmon for trout because this has a slightly milder flavour.
  • Potatoes – you could also swap the white mash for sweet potato or other veg such as butternut squash, parsnip or pumpkin.
  • Vegetables – if you have any left over veggies in your fridge that need using, you could also pop these in the baking dish.

Variations

  • Spicy – typically fish pies are mild and creamy. However, if you wanted to add some heat to the recipe, I would up the amount of fresh chilli used.
  • Deluxe – this recipe is already at it’s ‘A game’! However, if you wanted to take it to the next level you could also change the type of fish you use. For example using more expensive types of fish such as halibut, hake or turbot.
  • Kid-friendly – this is a family-friendly recipe, however if the combination of fish if a little too much for your child, I would highly recommend my Sweet Chilli Salmon Fishcakes. They are absolutely delicious and really simple to make!

How to make Dairy-Free Fish Pie

Potatoes being boiled in a large saucepan. Saucepan is presented on white marble background.

Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 200C / 390F. Chop the potatoes into cubes and boil in salted water for 15 mins until soft. I leave the skin on to speed up the process. Hint: It also adds extra fibre to the recipe!

Ingredients for the fish pie base mixed together in a large baking dish. Basking dish is presented on a wooden table.

Step 2: Meanwhile to a large baking dish add chopped garlic, celery, carrot, peas, chilli, spinach, dill, parsley, vegan cheese, salmon, cod, prawns with the juice of 1 lemon and a drizzle of olive oil and mix with your hands. Hint: Make sure all of the bones are removed from the fish before chopping

Potatoes being mashed in a saucepan. Saucepan is presented on white marble background.

Step 3: Once the potatoes are boiled, drain and add 1/4 cup olive oil and mash. You can also use vegan butter or milk if you prefer

Mashed potato being put on top of the fish pie base mixture. Baking dish is presented on wooden table.

Step 4: Finally, simply place the mash on top of the fish pie mixture and place in the oven at 200C for 35-40 mins until golden brown

Leftovers

I eat the leftovers the next day and the flavour comes through even more! I don’t recommend freezing this recipe but reheating for lunch/dinner the next day is fine.

If reheating make sure to use raw prawns as you shouldn’t reheat them twice!

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to peel potatoes to make potato mash?

A few reasons why it’s not necessary to peel the potatoes. Firstly, it increases time doing so (nobody has time to waste peeling potatoes, right!). Secondly, it’s reduces food waste. And thirdly, the skins have good nutrients which we don’t want to waste. Just give the potatoes a good scrub if needed before boiling.

Can I change the fish in the Dairy Free Fish Pie recipe?

Yes certainly, for a slightly cheaper recipe you could replace the cod for pollock. For a milder flavour in fish, you could swap the salmon for trout. This is a really versatile recipe, sometimes I will leave the prawns out entirely and add an extra salmon or cod fillet, depending on what I fancy!

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use by the following day. If re-heating, make sure you use raw prawns in the recipe as you shouldn’t re-heat them twice. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.

Could I use sweet potato as the topping instead of standard white mashed potato?

Yes certainly, this recipe can be adapted really easily. You could also swap the white mash for sweet potato or other veg such as butternut squash, parsnip or pumpkin would also work too.

More Savoury Pie Recipes

fish pie in a large baking dish with a salad to accompany it. There is decorative herbs to accompany the dish surrounding the plates.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

Tried this Dairy Free Fish Pie recipe? Please leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and let me know how you get on. Hearing positive feedback is one of the best parts of creating recipes so please review it below and leave a comment!

P.S Never miss a new recipe! Get more healthy recipes sent straight to your inbox weekly – Subscribe and receive a free recipe eBook!

4.50 from 51 votes

Dairy Free Fish Pie

By: James Wythe
Made using one pot, this healthy, wholesome recipe is incredible comforting and makes the perfect Autumn dinner to share with friends
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Save Recipe
Enter your email and get it sent to your inbox!

Equipment

  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • large baking dish
  • potato masher
  • medium saucepan
  • Colander

Ingredients 

  • 1.2 kg potatoes
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stick, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 200 g dairy-free cheese, grated
  • 250 g skinned salmon, chopped into cubes
  • 250 g skinned cod, chopped into cubes
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 180 g raw prawns
  • 1/2 red chilli, deseeded and sliced
  • 1 lemon
  • Handful spinach
  • Small handful fresh dill, chopped
  • Large handful fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 200C/390F. Chop the potatoes into cubes and boil for 15 mins until soft. I leave the skin on to speed up the process
  • Meanwhile prepare the fish pie ingredients. To a large baking dish add the crushed garlic, chopped celery, carrot, chilli, peas, spinach, diced dill, diced parsley, grated vegan cheese, cubed salmon, cod, prawns with the juice of 1 lemon and a drizzle of olive oil and mix with your hands
  • Once the potatoes are boiled, drain and add 1/4 cup olive oil and mash. You can use vegan butter or milk if you prefer
  • Simply place the mash on top of the fish pie mixture and place in the oven at 200C for 35-40 mins until golden brown

Notes

Step-by-Step Photos: My blog post includes helpful step-by-step photos to help guide you through making this recipe.
Substitutions & Variations: I have included a list of these in the post above.
To Store: In the fridge for up to 2 days. It is just as delicious the next day or a couple of days after that! 
To Freeze: Allow to cool, freeze in containers for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost and reheat until piping hot.
Tip 1: Try to get all the fish into similar size chunks to cook evenly.
Tip 2: Allow to sit for 10 minutes before tucking in for the ultimate flavour.
Tip 3: Make double the amount as it keeps for days!

About James Wythe

Hey, I'm James! A fully qualified health coach, cookbook author, full time food blogger and new dad with over 1 million followers. I started this journey after a sudden illness left me bed bound for 2 years and housebound for 4 years! I’m here to help you make healthy and delicious food for you and your family in less time!

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

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

Recipe Rating




31 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious and easy fish pie recipe. Left out carrot (intolerant) and added frozen sweetcorn. I used defrosted fish pie mix of fish. No dill either as it had sold out. Will definitely make it again. Thank you.

  2. Hi James, I’m gluten and dairy free plus have other food migraine triggers. Would this recipe still work if I didn’t use cheese ? Anything else I could add instead ? Thanks

  3. I am planning to cook this in individual pie dishes – would I still cook it for the same amount of time?

  4. If I double the ingredients (cooking for 11), should I increase the cooking time?

    Also – could I make this the night before and refrigerate?

    1. Hey Eve, thanks for the questions. I would add a few more minutes maybe 10. You will definitely need a large dish when doubling or if you use 2 dishes stick at the same timeframes. Yes you could make the night before and reheat (make sure if using prawns that they are raw and not cooked as you can’t reheat cooked prawns twice)

  5. 5 stars
    Made it tonight and although I was sceptical about just mixing all the ingredients raw and bunging them in to cook I was amazed at how tasty it was. Will definitely make again, easy and super tasty.

    1. 5 stars
      Hey Julia, I have frozen it in the past 🙂 just make sure not to use pre cooked prawns if you’re looking to freeze and reheat as you can’t reheat them twice.

  6. 5 stars
    I was craving a warm, hearty dish and this was perfect!! So great to find something that is dairy and gluten free but still creamy and comforting. This is going to be my go-to dish this winter!! Loved it! Thank you!

  7. 5 stars
    This was lovely. I have been looking for a tasty fish recipe that is easy and dairy free. I had no parsley so used coriander, which worked well. My fish mix was cod and smoked haddock. I had no dill or peas, or vegan cheese but it was still tasty. I added half a red onion finely chopped. A lovely dish, and very quick and easy to make.