Quick and Delicious Fish Pie Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe for Family Dinners

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Introduction

Fish Pie Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the perfect blend of two classic dishes : the rich, comforting flavors of traditional fish pie and the cheesy goodness of mac ‘n’ cheese. This fusion brings together tender, flaky fish and a creamy, cheese-filled pasta for a delicious lunch idea that’s indulgent yet family-friendly. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just looking for a hearty weekday meal, this recipe will surely impress.

Ingredients

To prepare this mouthwatering Fish Pie Mac ‘n’ Cheese, you will need the following ingredients :

For the Filling :

300g white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), skinless and boneless

200g smoked fish fillets (haddock or similar), skinless and boneless

150g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined

200ml whole milk

200ml fish stock

1 bay leaf

1 small onion, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese :

300g macaroni pasta

50g unsalted butter

50g all-purpose flour

500ml milk (or a mix of milk and fish stock for added flavor)

150g sharp cheddar cheese, grated

50g parmesan cheese, grated

100g cream cheese

1 teaspoon English mustard powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping :

50g breadcrumbs

30g parmesan cheese, grated

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method

Step 1 : Prepare the Fish

  1. Poach the Fish : In a medium saucepan, combine the white fish, smoked fish, bay leaf, onion, and 200ml of whole milk and fish stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Poach the fish for 6-8 minutes until it’s cooked through. Remove the fish using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Discard the bay leaf and onion.
  2. Flake the Fish : Gently break the poached fish into bite-sized chunks and combine it with the prawns. Set aside.

Step 2 : Make the Mac ‘n’ Cheese

  1. Cook the Pasta : In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce : In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in 500ml of milk (or a milk-fish stock mix) and cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
  3. Add the Cheese : Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, and mustard powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3 : Combine the Components

  1. Fold the Fish : Gently fold the flaked fish and prawns into the cheese sauce, ensuring the seafood is well coated.
  2. Mix in the Macaroni : Stir the cooked macaroni into the fish and cheese mixture, making sure everything is evenly combined.

Step 4 : Add the Topping

  1. Prepare the Topping : In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and olive oil together until well combined.
  2. Assemble the Dish : Transfer the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Step 5 : Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake the Dish : Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
  2. Serve : Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve piping hot !

 

Conclusion

Fish Pie Mac ‘n’ Cheese brings together the best of both worlds—a seafood medley wrapped in a creamy, cheesy embrace of macaroni. This dish is a fantastic lunch option, offering a gourmet twist on two beloved comfort foods. Perfect for family meals or entertaining, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection !

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