Quick & Creamy Bread Sauce Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting a delectable bread sauce transforms ordinary meals into memorable culinary experiences.

Soft, crusty bread becomes the secret weapon for this classic British accompaniment.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this simple yet elegant recipe passed down through kitchens across the United Kingdom.

Creamy textures and subtle spices dance together, creating a harmonious blend that complements roasted meats beautifully.

Each spoonful carries rich, comforting flavors that warm both stomach and soul.

Milk-soaked breadcrumbs provide a luxurious base for this timeless sauce.

Let’s uncover the magic of this traditional recipe that will elevate your next dinner to extraordinary heights.

Why Mary Berry Bread Sauce Stands Out

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform a simple ingredient like bread into a luxurious, creamy sauce that adds depth and richness to your favorite meats.
• Master Traditional British Cuisine: Learn an authentic side dish straight from the heart of British cooking, perfect for roast dinners and holiday gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Create a sophisticated sauce using just a few pantry staples, proving that culinary magic happens with simple, quality ingredients.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking Technique: Follow straightforward steps to develop confidence in creating a smooth, velvety sauce without complex kitchen skills.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Bread Sauce

• Milk: A rich and creamy base that provides the smooth foundation for the bread sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: The key thickening agent that gives the sauce its classic texture and body.
• Butter: Adds richness and a luxurious finish to the sauce.

• Onion, Bay Leaf, Peppercorns, Nutmeg: A classic combination of spices that infuses the milk with deep, warm flavors.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Water: Used indirectly for simmering and steeping the ingredients to extract maximum flavor.

How To Prepare Mary Berry Bread Sauce

Step 1: Infuse Milk with Aromatic Spices

Combine milk with whole onion, bay leaf, salt, peppercorns, and nutmeg in a saucepan. The goal is to create a richly flavored base that will transform ordinary milk into a fragrant liquid.

Step 2: Gently Simmer the Spiced Milk

Heat the mixture until it begins to simmer softly. Allow the ingredients to dance together and release their flavors for about 10 minutes, creating a delicate and complex liquid.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Develop

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the spiced milk rest quietly for another 10 minutes. This steeping process allows the aromatics to fully infuse their essence into the milk.

Step 4: Strain and Prepare the Base

Pour the milk through a fine-mesh strainer, catching and removing all the whole spices. Return the silky, fragrant milk back to the original saucepan.

Step 5: Thicken with Breadcrumbs

Introduce breadcrumbs into the warm milk, stirring continuously. Cook on low heat, watching the sauce transform and thicken into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Enrich with Butter

Add butter to the sauce, stirring until it melts completely. This final touch brings a luxurious richness and glossy finish to the bread sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm, ready to complement your favorite roasted meats or vegetables.

Tips That Work For Mary Berry Bread Sauce

• Infuse Deeply: Let the milk simmer slowly with whole spices to extract maximum flavor before adding breadcrumbs.
• Control Consistency: Stir breadcrumbs gradually and cook on low heat to achieve perfect smooth texture without lumps.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality breadcrumbs from day-old white bread for the best creamy sauce.
• Temperature Matters: Keep the sauce warm but not boiling to maintain its silky, delicate consistency.
• Customize Seasonings: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or a pinch of cayenne for a personalized twist.

Ways To Change Mary Berry Bread Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, plant-based alternative. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Herb-Infused Version: Swap bay leaf with fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic sauce. Add minced garlic or shallots during the simmering process to enhance the flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with toasted panko. Add a pinch of dried oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Perfect Pairings For Mary Berry Bread Sauce

• Pair with Roasted Poultry: Classic bread sauce transforms roasted chicken or turkey into a luxurious feast, creating a rich and comforting flavor profile that elevates traditional holiday meals.
• Match with Bold Red Wines: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that complements the creamy texture and subtle spiced notes of the bread sauce, enhancing its delicate nuances.
• Serve alongside Game Meats: Bread sauce beautifully cuts through the robust flavors of roasted pheasant, duck, or venison, providing a smooth and velvety counterpoint to hearty game dishes.
• Complement with Winter Root Vegetables: Roasted parsnips, carrots, or butternut squash alongside bread sauce create a harmonious winter plate that celebrates warmth and traditional British comfort cooking.

How To Store Mary Berry Bread Sauce The Easy Way

• Store bread sauce in an airtight container, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Transfer cooled sauce to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of milk if sauce seems too thick. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check consistency and temperature. Add milk if needed to restore smooth texture.

FAQs About Mary Berry Bread Sauce

• What is bread sauce traditionally served with?

Bread sauce is a classic British accompaniment often served with roasted poultry, especially during Christmas dinner with roast turkey or chicken.

• Can I make bread sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare bread sauce in advance. Simply reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of milk if it becomes too thick, and stir until warmed through.

• What type of bread works best for bread sauce?

Use slightly stale white bread for the best results. Day-old soft white bread or bread rolls work perfectly, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

• Is bread sauce gluten-free?

No, traditional bread sauce contains breadcrumbs, which makes it not suitable for gluten-free diets. However, you can use gluten-free bread to create a similar alternative.

Bread Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting bread sauce brings nostalgic British culinary traditions to your holiday table with creamy, aromatic perfection. Silky smooth and delightfully rich, this classic sauce elevates roasted meats and creates memorable dining experiences you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 small onion, peeled and studded with cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 black peppercorns

Seasonings:

• 12 tablespoons salt
• 12 tablespoons grated nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Infuse milk with aromatic ingredients by combining milk, onion, bay leaf, salt, peppercorns, and nutmeg in a saucepan.
2. Heat mixture gently, allowing it to simmer and release flavors for 10 minutes at low temperature.
3. Remove from heat, letting the spices steep and intensify for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Carefully strain the liquid, eliminating solids while preserving the fragrant, infused milk.
5. Return strained milk to the pan, introducing breadcrumbs gradually and stirring consistently.
6. Maintain low heat, continuously stirring until sauce reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
7. Incorporate butter, mixing thoroughly until completely melted and integrated.
8. Evaluate and adjust seasoning, ensuring a balanced and rich flavor profile.
9. Transfer to serving dish, maintaining warmth for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Infuse milk gently with aromatics to extract maximum flavor without scorching the delicate base.
• Choose day-old white bread for best texture and optimal absorption of rich, spiced milk.
• Customize the sauce by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for unexpected depth and complexity.
• Keep stirring breadcrumbs constantly to prevent burning and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 2760 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg