Creamy Homemade Bread Sauce Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy and comforting bread sauce captures the essence of traditional British cuisine with its rich, velvety texture.

Memories of Sunday roasts flood back when this classic accompaniment takes center stage.

Warm milk infused with aromatics creates a luxurious base that elevates any main dish.

Generations have cherished this simple yet magical recipe passed down through kitchens across the United Kingdom.

Simple ingredients like day-old bread, onions, and fragrant spices come together in a delightful dance of flavors.

Home cooks can easily master this technique with a few straightforward steps.

You’ll find yourself transported to a cozy dining room, savoring each spoonful of this nostalgic sauce.

Prepare to impress your guests with a side that speaks volumes about culinary heritage.

Why James Martin Bread Sauce Brings Comfort

• Simplify Classic Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into a luxurious traditional British sauce with minimal culinary skills required.
• Perfect Holiday Companion: Ideal sauce for roasted meats, especially during festive celebrations like Christmas, adding rich flavor to turkey or chicken dishes.
• Nostalgic Comfort Food: Delivers a creamy, comforting texture that reminds home cooks of grandmother's classic recipes, bringing warmth and memories to the dining table.
• Budget-Friendly Elegance: Uses affordable pantry staples like milk, bread, and basic seasonings to create a sophisticated sauce that tastes like a gourmet preparation.

James Martin Bread Sauce Ingredient List

• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.

• Onion: Infuses subtle sweet and savory flavor into the milk base.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a delicate herbal note to the sauce.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates the signature texture and body of the bread sauce.

• Butter, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor and seasoning of the sauce.

Simple Instructions For James Martin Bread Sauce

Step 1: Warmly Infuse Dairy Base

Combine whole milk and heavy cream in a saucepan. Tuck in a whole peeled onion and a fragrant bay leaf. Gently heat the mixture, watching carefully until tiny bubbles start to dance around the edges of the pan, signaling it’s just about to boil.

Step 2: Allow Flavor Transformation

Remove the pan from heat and let the liquid sit quietly for 10 minutes. This magical resting period allows the onion and bay leaf to whisper their delicate flavors into the creamy base.

Step 3: Prepare Silky Sauce Foundation

Carefully remove and discard the onion and bay leaf. Gradually sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs into the warm infused milk, stirring smoothly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Thicken With Gentle Care

Return the pan to low heat, stirring continuously. Watch as the sauce gradually transforms, becoming rich and velvety. The breadcrumbs will slowly absorb the liquid, creating a luxurious texture.

Step 5: Finish With Richness

Introduce a generous pat of unsalted butter, melting it into the sauce. Season with salt and white pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing. Serve immediately while warm, offering a comforting companion to roasted meats or festive dishes.

Tips To Make James Martin Bread Sauce Just Right

• Infuse Flavor Deeply: Let the milk mixture steep with onion and bay leaf for the full 10 minutes to extract maximum aromatic essence.
• Control Consistency Carefully: Stir breadcrumbs slowly over low heat to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
• Select Bread Wisely: Use day-old white bread or high-quality breadcrumbs for the most authentic and rich bread sauce.
• Season Strategically: Add nutmeg or white pepper for an extra layer of warmth and depth to the classic sauce.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, use low heat and stir frequently to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency without separating.

Tasty Twists For James Martin Bread Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lighter, plant-based version that's suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Swap bay leaf with fresh thyme or rosemary to create a more aromatic and complex flavor profile that complements roasted meats.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond meal instead of traditional breadcrumbs, making the sauce safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground white pepper to enhance the sauce's depth and provide a subtle warming sensation that elevates the overall taste.

Great Pairings For James Martin Bread Sauce

• Pair with Roasted Poultry: This creamy bread sauce transforms roasted chicken or turkey into a luxurious meal. Its smooth, rich texture complements the crispy skin and tender meat perfectly.
• Match with Full-Bodied White Wine: A buttery Chardonnay or Viognier enhances the sauce's creamy profile. The wine's subtle oak and fruit notes beautifully balance the sauce's mild, comforting flavors.
• Serve alongside Classic British Meats: Traditional roast game birds like pheasant or grouse sing when drizzled with this classic British sauce. The mild, velvety sauce cuts through the gamey richness of these meats.
• Elevate with Nutmeg Garnish: A light dusting of fresh ground nutmeg adds warmth and depth.

How To Store James Martin Bread Sauce Properly

• Store bread sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date.
• Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation. Add a splash of milk if sauce seems too thick.
• Gently warm over low heat, whisking constantly. Add milk or cream to restore original creamy consistency if needed.

James Martin Bread Sauce Q&A

• What are breadcrumbs best for in this sauce?

Breadcrumbs help thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy texture while adding a subtle rich flavor to the bread sauce.

• Can I use different types of milk?

Whole milk works best, but you can use semi-skimmed milk for a slightly lighter version. Avoid using skim milk as it won’t provide the same richness.

• Is bread sauce only for Christmas?

While traditionally served with roast turkey during Christmas in the UK, bread sauce is delicious with roasted chicken, game birds, and other roasted meats year-round.

• How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?

Strain the infused milk, then slowly add breadcrumbs while continuously stirring to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Bread Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful bread sauce elevates any roast with its creamy, comforting British charm. Silky smooth and richly seasoned, this classic accompaniment promises to transport dinner guests straight to a traditional English kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) semi-skimmed milk
• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• 25 grams (0.9 ounces) unsalted butter

Main Ingredients:

• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) fresh breadcrumbs

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, peeled and studded with 6 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Infuse milk with aromatic onion and bay leaf by gently simmering in a saucepan until the liquid reaches a delicate boil, releasing fragrant flavors.
2. Remove pan from heat source and allow the infusion to rest and develop depth for precisely 10 minutes, letting the ingredients meld together.
3. Carefully strain out the onion and bay leaf, preserving the richly flavored milk base.
4. Gradually incorporate breadcrumbs into the warm liquid, stirring consistently to prevent lumps and ensure smooth integration.
5. Return the mixture to low heat, continuously stirring until the sauce transforms and thickens to a velvety, luxurious consistency.
6. Introduce cold butter, whisking until completely melted and emulsified, creating a glossy, rich texture.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavor profile to personal preference.
8. Transfer to a warm serving dish and present immediately, maintaining the sauce’s optimal temperature and silky smooth quality.

Notes

• Steep the aromatics gently to infuse maximum flavor into the milk and cream, creating a rich, subtle base for the sauce.
• Choose day-old white bread for the most authentic texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs liquid more effectively and provides a smoother consistency.
• Adjust the thickness by adding more breadcrumbs or a splash of milk, depending on your desired sauce density and serving preference.
• Transform this classic British sauce into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread and ensuring all ingredients meet dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 234 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg