Mary Berry Bread Sauce Recipe

Name: Mary Berry Bread Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 600ml whole milk; 1 onion, peeled and halved; 6 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 150g fresh white breadcrumbs; 25g butter; 100ml double cream; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you are looking for a traditional British side dish that is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavor, this Mary Berry Bread Sauce Recipe is a perfect choice. Made with milk infused with onion, cloves, and bay leaves, then thickened with fresh breadcrumbs, this classic sauce has a smooth texture with a subtle warmth from the spices. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, and festive dinners. Despite its elegant flavor, it is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Bread Sauce

600ml whole milk
1 onion, peeled and halved
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
150g fresh white breadcrumbs
25g butter
100ml double cream
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Mary Berry Bread Sauce Recipe

Prepare the ingredients: Peel and halve the onion. Push the cloves into the onion halves and gather the remaining ingredients.
Infuse the milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the onion, cloves, and bay leaves. Heat gently until the milk is almost boiling, then remove from the heat.
Allow the flavors to develop: Leave the milk to stand for 15 minutes so the onion, cloves, and bay leaves can fully infuse their flavor.
Strain the milk: Pour the infused milk through a sieve into a clean saucepan and discard the onion, cloves, and bay leaves.
Add the breadcrumbs: Return the saucepan to a low heat and stir in the fresh breadcrumbs until evenly combined.
Cook until thickened: Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the butter and double cream until fully melted and smooth.
Season and serve: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm with roast turkey, chicken, goose, or other roast meats.

Tips for the Best Bread Sauce

How do I make bread sauce extra creamy?

Use whole milk and double cream. These ingredients create a richer texture and smoother finish.

Can I use dried breadcrumbs?

Fresh breadcrumbs are recommended because they absorb the milk better and create a softer, creamier sauce.

Why is my bread sauce too thick?

Simply stir in a little extra warm milk until the desired consistency is reached.

How can I add more flavor?

A small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a traditional festive flavor that works beautifully with roast poultry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside roast turkey.
Pair with roast chicken and stuffing.
Enjoy with roast goose or duck.
Add to a traditional Christmas dinner.
Serve with roasted vegetables and gravy.

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave bread sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Freezing

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly while stirring.

Nutrition

Calories: 165 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 210mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make bread sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Bread sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and reheated gently before serving.

What bread is best for bread sauce?

Fresh white bread works best because it produces a smooth and creamy texture.

Can I freeze bread sauce?

Yes. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month and thaw before reheating.

What dishes go well with bread sauce?

Bread sauce is traditionally served with roast turkey, roast chicken, goose, duck, and festive dinners.