A French-Canadian Salmon Pie is a hearty, comforting dish featuring flaky salmon, creamy mashed potatoes, and a buttery golden crust. This rustic, traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, offering a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy salmon. Whether made with fresh or canned salmon, this savory pie is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Traditional French-Canadian dish – A classic recipe with deep cultural roots.
- Flaky and creamy texture – Buttery pie crust filled with smooth, seasoned salmon and potatoes.
- Simple and satisfying – Uses basic pantry staples for a wholesome homemade meal.
- Great for make-ahead meals – Easy to prepare and store for later.
- Pairs well with sides – Serve with pickled beets, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked (fresh or canned)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk
For the Crust:
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Stir until well combined.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Spread the salmon filling evenly over the crust.
- Cover with the second pie crust, seal the edges, and cut slits in the top for ventilation.
4. Bake
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or pickled beets.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal per slice
Variations
- Smoky Flavor – Use smoked salmon for a deeper taste.
- Cheesy Twist – Add a layer of shredded cheddar or gruyère cheese to the filling.
- Herb-Infused – Mix fresh dill or parsley into the salmon mixture.
- Lighter Version – Use a single crust on top instead of a double crust.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free pie crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
What type of salmon works best for this pie?
Fresh, canned, or smoked salmon all work well. If using canned, drain it thoroughly before mixing.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes! A homemade butter-based pie crust adds extra flakiness and flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-baking the bottom crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pie and refrigerate it overnight before baking, or freeze it unbaked for later.
What sides go well with salmon pie?
Pickled beets, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly with this dish.
Can I use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter, richer taste to the filling.
How do I get a perfectly golden crust?
Brushing the top with an egg wash (egg beaten with a little water or milk) ensures a beautiful golden brown color.
Is salmon pie a traditional dish?
Yes, salmon pie is a staple in French-Canadian and Acadian cuisine, often enjoyed as a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped leeks, carrots, or peas can add extra texture and flavor.
How do I reheat without drying out the pie?
Cover the pie loosely with foil when reheating in the oven to keep it moist.
Conclusion
French-Canadian Salmon Pie is a deliciously flaky, savory dish that showcases the comforting flavors of salmon, potatoes, and aromatic spices. Perfect for family meals, special occasions, or a taste of tradition, this rustic pie is sure to become a favorite. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a slice of Canadian heritage!
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Classic French-Canadian Salmon Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A traditional French-Canadian dish made with flaky salmon, creamy potatoes, and a buttery golden crust.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked (fresh or canned)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Crust:
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil the diced potatoes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth.
-
Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine flaked salmon, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Spread the salmon filling evenly over the crust.
- Cover with the second pie crust, seal the edges, and cut slits for ventilation.
-
Bake:
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm with a side salad or pickled beets.
Notes
- For extra richness, add ½ cup shredded cheese to the filling.
- If using canned salmon, remove any bones and drain excess liquid.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Savory Pies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Canadian
