Delia Smith Bread Sauce

Delia Smith’s Bread Sauce is made with white breadcrumbs, onion, cloves, bay leaf, black peppercorns, milk, butter, and double cream. This traditional bread sauce recipe creates a delicious side dish that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Delia Smith Bread Sauce Ingredients

• 4 oz (110 g) white breadcrumbs (from a two-day-old loaf, with crusts removed; best if made with a blender)
• 1 large onion
• 15-18 whole cloves (or use nutmeg if you prefer)
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 black peppercorns
• 1 pint (570 ml) milk
• 2 oz (50 g) butter
• 2 tablespoons double cream
• Salt and black pepper

How To Make Delia Smith Bread Sauce

1. Prepare Onion: Cut the onion in half and stick the cloves into it. You can use nutmeg instead if you like.
2. Infuse Milk: Put the onion (with cloves), bay leaf, and peppercorns into a saucepan with the milk. Add salt. Heat until it boils, then take off the heat, cover, and let it sit in a warm place for at least 2 hours.
3. Make Sauce: Remove the onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Stir the breadcrumbs into the milk and add 1 oz (25 g) of butter. Cook on very low heat, stirring often, until the breadcrumbs thicken the sauce (about 15 minutes).
4. Finish Sauce: Put the onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns back in. Keep warm until ready to serve. Before serving, take out the onion and spices. Heat gently, then mix in the remaining butter and cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Pour into a warm serving jug.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: For the best results, use fresh breadcrumbs from a slightly old loaf. This helps the sauce thicken better.
• Infuse the Milk Well: Let the milk with the onion, cloves, bay leaf, and peppercorns sit for at least 2 hours. This makes the sauce taste richer.
• Stir Frequently: Stir the breadcrumbs often while cooking to keep them from sticking and to help the sauce thicken evenly.
• Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. Proper seasoning improves the flavor.
• Keep Warm: After making the sauce, keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. This helps keep the sauce the right thickness.

What To Serve With Bread Sauce?

This creamy bread sauce pairs well with roast turkey, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. It also can be served alongside steamed vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, or Yorkshire puddings for a delicious dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Bread Sauce?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover bread sauce cool to room temperature. Then, put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool the bread sauce completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.

How To Reheat Leftovers Bread Sauce?

• In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
• In The Microwave: Transfer the bread sauce to a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• On the Stove: Put the bread sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently for about 5-10 minutes, or until hot.

Delia Smith Bread Sauce Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 182
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Potassium: 337mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 21g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 6g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Chestnut Stuffing
• Delia Smith Hot Cross Buns
• Delia Smith Puttanesca
• Delia Smith Pavlova Recipe