Name: Creamy Seafood Pie with Colcannon Mash Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 25g butter; 60g butter; 2 leeks, sliced; 800ml full cream milk; 250g salmon; 250g green prawns, shelled and deveined; 1/3 cup plain flour; 120g smoked rainbow trout; 120g smoked mussels in oil, drained; 90g vintage cheddar, grated; 50g smoked cheddar, grated; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 heaped tsp fresh, finely chopped parsley; Sea salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1kg mashing potatoes; 1 cup full cream milk; 1 bay leaf; 100g unsalted butter; 300g green cabbage, finely shredded; 30g English spinach; 30g spring onions, finely sliced; Sea salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 30g vintage cheddar, finely grated (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 1 review

There is nothing quite as comforting and indulgent as a **Creamy Seafood Pie with Colcannon Mash Recipe** to bring everyone around the table with smiles and full hearts. This dish combines the lusciousness of a rich, cheesy seafood mornay bursting with salmon, prawns, smoked trout, and mussels, all enveloped in a silky sauce. Topping it off is a hearty, buttery colcannon mash filled with cabbage, spinach, and spring onions that adds earthiness and texture, making every bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large round white plate filled with two layers of seafood: the bottom layer consists of peeled pink shrimp, and the top layer is made up of light pink chunks of raw fish pieces spread unevenly. Below the plate, there are two small glass bowls placed over a white marbled surface; the left bowl contains dark orange and black mussels, and the right bowl holds flakes of bright orange salmon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Although this dish might sound complex, the ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and each plays a crucial role in creating the stunning layers of flavor. From the creamy cheeses to the vibrant greens and mix of seafood, everything comes together beautifully in every bite.

Butter (85g total): Divided into two parts to create richness in both the seafood sauce and the colcannon mash.
Leeks (2, sliced): A gentle onion flavor base that softens into sweet silkiness.
Full cream milk (800ml + 1 cup): Essential for poaching the seafood and making the bechamel sauce and mash creamy.
Salmon (250g): Offers a robust, meaty texture and rich flavor as the main seafood star.
Green prawns (250g, shelled and deveined): Add sweetness and a delicate bite.
Plain flour (1/3 cup): Key to thickening the sauce into that perfect creamy mornay.
Smoked rainbow trout (120g): Infuses a subtle smokiness that elevates the pie’s depth of flavor.
Smoked mussels in oil (120g, drained): Adds a briny richness and a touch of gourmet flair.
Vintage cheddar (90g) and smoked cheddar (50g): Melting these cheeses into the sauce creates unbeatable creaminess and tang.
Frozen peas (1 cup): A pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh parsley (2 heaped tsp, finely chopped): Brings freshness and a burst of herbaceous brightness.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly at every stage.
Mashing potatoes (1kg): The hearty base for the colcannon mash — fluffy and filling.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses the mash milk with gentle aromatic notes.
Unsalted butter (100g): Adds creaminess and richness to the potato mixture.
Green cabbage (300g, finely shredded): Provides subtle crunch and earthiness in the colcannon.
English spinach (30g): Offers vibrant color and delicate flavor balance.
Spring onions (30g, finely sliced): Delivers sharpness and a fresh bite to the mash.
Vintage cheddar (30g, finely grated): Used to top the pie, creating a golden, cheesy crust when baked.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Pie with Colcannon Mash Recipe

Step 1: Sweat the Leeks

Start by melting 25 grams of butter over low heat in a Dutch oven, then gently sweat the sliced leeks until they’re tender and fragrant. This soft, sweet foundation infuses the dish with depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully. Once done, set the leeks aside for now.

Step 2: Poach the Seafood

In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk almost to simmering point and carefully place the fresh seafood in to poach. The salmon will take around 6 to 8 minutes, while the prawns will cook faster. Poaching in milk keeps the seafood exquisitely tender and delicate. Once cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside — we’ll reunite everything soon.

Step 3: Make the Bechamel Base

Back in the Dutch oven, melt the remaining 60 grams of butter over low heat and stir in the flour to create a roux. Cooking this for about 5 minutes removes any raw flour taste. Then, using a whisk for smoothness, slowly add in the poaching milk in stages, continuously stirring until a luscious, creamy sauce forms. Don’t worry if it seems runny at first — it will thicken as it cooks!

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Once your sauce is creamy and velvety, stir in the grated vintage and smoked cheddars. They melt into the bechamel, transforming it into a luscious mornay sauce that clings perfectly to the seafood, providing comforting creaminess and flavor richness.

Step 5: Combine the Seafood and Peas

Fold in the flaked salmon, prawns, drained mussels, and rainbow trout gently into the cheesy sauce. Add frozen peas for a sweet contrast and toss in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant lift. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, taking care to balance the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare the Colcannon Mash

Chop your potatoes into even pieces and boil them until soft and ready for mashing. Meanwhile, warm the milk with a bay leaf to aromatize, then discard the bay leaf. In a frypan, sweat the shredded cabbage in half the butter until softened, then add the spinach. Season lightly but don’t overcook the spinach — it wilts quickly. Combine this green mix with the mashed potatoes, butter, warm milk, and spring onions, seasoning to your preference for that iconic colcannon twist.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread the rich seafood mornay evenly in your chosen baking dish. Spoon the creamy colcannon mash atop the seafood layer, smoothing it out beautifully. Sprinkle the remaining grated vintage cheddar on the surface, ready to melt and create that irresistible golden crust. Bake in a preheated 200-degree oven for 30 minutes until bubbling and beautifully golden.

How to Serve Creamy Seafood Pie with Colcannon Mash Recipe

A round black pot filled with a creamy, golden-brown baked dish topped with melted cheese that is browned in some spots and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The dish has a bubbly texture with a few darker toasted spots, sitting on a dark cloth with a rustic silver spoon beside it on a white marbled surface. In the background, a small bowl with coarse salt and a black lid are visible, and some fresh green herbs lie next to the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, fresh parsley sprinkled on top just as the pie comes out of the oven adds a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten the seafood’s richness and tempt the taste buds for each bite.

Side Dishes

Although the dish shines on its own, serving it alongside a crisp, peppery watercress salad or lightly dressed mixed greens adds refreshing contrast and keeps the meal balanced. For a touch of extra indulgence, a glass of chilled white wine pairs marvelously with the creamy seafood flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on the classic, try plating individual portions in ramekins for an elegant single-serve presentation. Alternatively, top the colcannon mash with a decorative fork pattern before baking to add a rustic, homemade charm that guests will adore. It’s perfect for turning this cozy dish into a showstopper at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The creamy seafood and colcannon layers hold beautifully when refrigerated in an airtight container. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this dish a fantastic candidate for planning meals ahead without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie before baking by assembling it properly in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. Frozen Creamy Seafood Pie with Colcannon Mash Recipe stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a moderate oven (around 160 degrees) to maintain creaminess and avoid drying out the mash. Covering with foil prevents the topping from over-browning. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can change texture and make the seafood rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use different seafood for this pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add your favorite seafood such as cod, scallops, or crab. Just adjust poaching times accordingly to keep everything tender and moist.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

While this recipe shines with seafood, you can make a vegetarian version by swapping seafood for mushrooms, smoked tofu, and adding extra vegetables like leeks, peas, and spinach to keep it hearty and creamy.

What’s the best cheese to use in the sauce?

Cheddar works wonderfully for melt and flavor, especially mixing vintage and smoked varieties for depth. Feel free to add a mild cheese like Gruyère for a nutty twist or Parmesan for extra umami.

How do I make the colcannon mash extra creamy?

Using warm milk and plenty of butter is key. Also, don’t overwork the potatoes when mashing to keep them fluffy rather than gluey—folding in the greens gently keeps texture balanced.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can poach the seafood, make the béchamel sauce, and prepare the colcannon mash a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the pie fresh before baking for convenience without losing freshness.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this **Creamy Seafood Pie with Colcannon Mash Recipe**, it will quickly become a cherished staple to turn to whenever you want to impress or simply enjoy an immensely comforting meal. Its layers of creamy seafood, cheesy sauce, and rich, flavorful mash bring warmth and joy in every forkful. So grab those fresh ingredients and dive into cooking this delicious treasure — your taste buds will thank you!

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