Traditional Salmon Pie with White Sauce

Name: Traditional Salmon Pie with White Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 slices
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (smooth and creamy); 2 cans salmon (213 g each, bones mashed in); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 2 pieces pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp white pepper

75 min 6 slices Medium

All Recipes

A classic Québec Friday night dish featuring canned salmon and creamy potatoes in a double crust, served with a rich white sauce.

Prep

30 min

Cook

45 min

Total

75 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Salmon Pie, or Pâté au Saumon, is a beloved dish in Québec, often enjoyed on Friday nights. This comforting pie combines canned salmon—bones and all—and creamy mashed potatoes, all encased in a buttery double crust. The bones in canned salmon are soft and easily mashed, adding both flavor and nutrition. The potato-to-salmon ratio is key to achieving the perfect balance of texture and taste. A rich white sauce or an egg sauce often accompanies the pie, enhancing its creamy profile. Whether you're a fan of seafood or new to it, this pie is a delightful way to enjoy the unique flavours of Québec cuisine.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Sauté onions

In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Cook onions slowly to avoid browning and achieve sweetness.

Combine filling

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, canned salmon with bones mashed in, sautéed onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Pro tip: Ensure potatoes and salmon are well mixed for a consistent texture.

Assemble pie

Place one pie crust in a pie dish. Fill with salmon mixture and cover with the second crust. Seal edges and cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Pro tip: Crimp the edges well to prevent leaks.

Bake pie

Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Check the internal temperature of the salmon filling by inserting a food thermometer into the center of the pie. It should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure the salmon is fully cooked.

Pro tip: Check halfway through and rotate for even browning.

Prepare white sauce

While pie bakes, melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and white pepper.

Pro tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps.

Serve

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with white sauce on the side.

Pro tip: A short rest allows the pie to set for cleaner slices.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use canned salmon with bones for extra calcium and flavour.
Ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth for a uniform texture.
Pre-bake the crust to prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Traditional recipes use canned salmon for its texture and flavour, plus the bones add nutrition.

What is the ratio of salmon to potatoes?

Use 2 cups of mashed potatoes to 2 cans of salmon for balanced texture and flavour.

How do I make the white sauce?

Melt 2 tbsp of butter, stir in 2 tbsp of flour, whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk, and season with salt and white pepper.

How long should I bake the pie?

Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the crust is golden brown.

Can the pie be made ahead?

Yes, prepare the pie and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with salmon pie?

Serve with white sauce, a green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Traditional Salmon Pie warm with a side of white sauce to bring out the rich flavors of the salmon and potatoes. Pair it with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can make the pie ahead of time and reheat it gently in the oven. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, but for best results, consume within a day or two. The white sauce can also be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

23g

Protein

22g

Fat

Succulent salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection, drizzled with a sweet and tangy ginger maple sauce.

Easy30 min

See the recipe

Kitchen & BBQ gear

What we use for recipes like this

See the whole store

Pots & Pans · Large Pots & Cauldrons

Stansport's Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid (16033) - Large 8 Quart Capacity, Durable Cast Iron Construction, Perfect for Outdoor Cooking, Home Kitchen and Camping Trips, Flat Bottom Design

$104.68

BBQ & Outdoor Cooking · Grill Mats

RENOOK Grill Mat Set of 6, Non-Stick, 15.75 x 13 Inch, Black

$18.98

Pit Boss Grills

Sweet & Hot Jerky Kit

$9.99

Affiliate links. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed at least every 24 hours.