Thames River Fish Pie with Dill Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, comforting classic with flaky pastry and a rich dill-infused sauce featuring fresh mixed fish, evoking London's riverside dining traditions. This british-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes layers butter, small, finely diced onion, minced garlic into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 British cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour in 2 cups milk while whisking constantly, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add fish pieces and frozen peas to the sauce, stirring gently to combine. Transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Roll out puff pastry sheet to fit the dish top, place over filling, trim edges, and crimp. Brush with beaten egg.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown and filling bubbles around the edges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Thames River Fish Pie with Dill Cream take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Thames River Fish Pie with Dill Cream?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thames River Fish Pie with Dill Cream?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Thames River Fish Pie with Dill Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Thames River Fish Pie with Dill Cream?

British one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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