This salmon pie recipe turns a couple of pantry staples into a golden, flaky double crust pie that tastes like it came straight out of a New England farmhouse kitchen. It layers buttery mashed potatoes with flaked salmon, sweet onion, and fresh dill, all tucked inside a crust that shatters when you cut into it. This comforting, budget-friendly dish is perfect for using up leftovers and freezes beautifully for a make-ahead meal.
Peel and cube potatoes, boil until fork-tender, drain, and mash until smooth.
In a skillet, melt butter and cook onion until softened and translucent. Let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cooked onion, flaked salmon, milk, dill, and parsley. Season with celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and adjust seasoning.
Roll out one disc of dough to a 12-inch circle and line your 9-inch pie dish. Trim the overhang and chill for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spoon the salmon filling into the chilled crust and spread it into an even layer.
Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim, fold, and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush the top crust with beaten egg wash and cut 4-5 small slits in the center for steam to escape.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Let the pie rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a fish spatula.
Notes
Drain salmon well: Extra liquid can make the filling watery and prevent the bottom crust from getting crispy. Drain the canned salmon thoroughly and remove the bones and skin.
Keep dough cold: Chilling the lined pie dish before adding the filling helps the crust hold its shape and bake up flaky instead of dense.
Don't skip resting: Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to firm up for cleaner slices.
Taste and adjust: Canned salmon varies in saltiness between brands. Always taste the filling before assembling the pie and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Moisture control: If your mashed potatoes are on the wet side, mash them without adding extra milk to keep the filling from becoming too loose.
Make ahead: Assemble the entire pie a day in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Freezing instructions: Wrap the fully baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Fresh salmon option: Substitute 1 1/2 pounds of cooked, flaked fresh salmon for the canned salmon. Bake or poach the salmon fillet until cooked through before flaking.
Gluten-free adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust in place of the regular crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free.