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Cod Potpies with Dill Biscuit Crusts

This comforting cod fish pie offers a sophisticated twist on a British classic. Instead of the traditional mashed potato topping, these individual potpies are crowned with buttery, homemade dill biscuits that soak up the creamy sauce. The filling features tender chunks of fresh white fish simmered with leeks, carrots, and celery, creating a savoury and aromatic base that is both light and nourishing.

As a high-protein main course, these pies are ideal for a satisfying family dinner or an elegant weekend lunch. The combination of succulent cod and the herby, golden crust provides a delightful contrast in textures. Serve these ramekins alongside a portion of steamed green beans or garden peas for a balanced, wholesome meal that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cod Potpies with Dill Biscuit Crusts

  • 1 medium leek (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 50g finely diced carrot

  • 60g finely diced celery

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons plain flour

  • 350ml whole milk

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 575g skinless cod or scrod fillet, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

  • 190g plain flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 7 1/2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus 1 tablespoon , melted

  • 120ml plus 1 tablespoon whole milk

  • 40ml chopped fresh dill

  • a 3 1/2-inch round biscuit/biscuit cutter

  • 4 (4- to 5-inch-wide) 8- to 275g ramekins*

How to make Cod Potpies with Dill Biscuit Crusts

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 232°C.

Wash leek in a bowl of water, then lift out and drain well. Cook leek, carrot, and celery in butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until tender, about 7 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in milk, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoons pepper. Bring sauce to a boil, stirring, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. (Sauce will be thick.) Remove pan from heat.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Blend in butter cubes with your fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in milk and dill with a fork until mixture just comes together.

Gather dough into a ball, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 or 3 times. Roll out with a floured rolling pin into an 8-inch square (1/2 inch thick), then cut out 4 biscuits using cutter.

Sprinkle cod with remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/8 teaspoons pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and stir in fish, then divide among ramekins. Top each ramekin with a biscuit, then brush biscuits with melted butter. Arrange ramekins in a shallow baking pan and bake until sauce is bubbling and biscuits are golden, 12 to 15 minutes.

*Available at Bridge Kitchenware (800-274-3435).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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