Description
Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce is a classic British side dish made from breadcrumbs, milk, and aromatic spices like cloves and bay leaves. The sauce is thickened with fresh breadcrumbs and infused with flavors from onions, cloves, and butter, resulting in a creamy, savory sauce with a mild, spiced undertone.
Ingredients
Scale
To make one batch (serves 4-6), gather the following ingredients:
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) whole milk: The base of the sauce, providing creaminess.
- 1 medium onion, peeled: Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 4–5 whole cloves: For a warm, spiced aroma.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds depth and earthiness to the sauce.
- 75g (2 ½ oz) fresh white breadcrumbs: Thickens the sauce and gives it body.
- 25g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- A splash of double cream (optional): For an extra creamy finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Milk
- Pour the milk into a medium saucepan.
- Stud the onion with the cloves by piercing them into the onion. Add the onion and bay leaves to the saucepan.
- Gently bring the milk to a simmer over medium-low heat, allowing it to infuse with the flavors of the onion, cloves, and bay leaves.
- Once the milk is simmering, remove from heat and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Add the Breadcrumbs
- Remove the onion, cloves, and bay leaves from the infused milk and discard.
- Stir the breadcrumbs into the infused milk and return the saucepan to low heat.
- Allow the sauce to cook gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk and the sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Add Butter and Season
- Stir in the butter until it melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of double cream at this stage.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the sauce is thick and smooth, remove from heat.
- Transfer the bread sauce to a serving dish and serve warm alongside roast turkey, chicken, or any other main course.