British Bread Sauce – Culinary Ginger

British bread sauce is a quietly brilliant classic: simple ingredients transformed into a deeply comforting white sauce. The milk is gently warmed with onion, cloves, nutmeg and butter, then thickened with breadcrumbs to create a rich, creamy gravy, perfect for accompanying roast turkey on Christmas Day. While it’s simmering on the stove (hob) and your kitchen smells good.

Ingredients

• Milk (or double cream)
• Onion
• cloves
• Nutmeg
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Breadcrumbs
• Butter

History of bread sauce

Dating back to medieval times, this traditional bread sauce recipe began as an economical way to use up leftovers, but has become a popular part of Christmas dinner.

Its velvety texture and mild spices contrast with the richness of roast poultry, add moisture to lean meat that might otherwise be dry, and as it simmers on the hob, it fills the kitchen with the most comforting aroma, bringing warmth, balance and tradition.

Why Brits Eat Bread Sauce at Christmas

Bread gravy is a classic accompaniment to roast turkey, chicken and sometimes goose – where the breadcrumbs thicken the gravy and make the meal heartier, helping a smaller amount of meat go further.

Optional additions

Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary or thyme add aromatic depth, while garlic and spices like allspice berries provide heat and complexity. For an umami boost, even a touch of Marmite can be used. A blade of mace—the whole, dried, lacy outer husk of the nutmeg seed—can be used in place of ground nutmeg. These thin red-orange strips look like delicate petals and offer a subtler, more nuanced flavor than ground mace.

Homemade breadcrumbs

Use leftover bread that isn’t too dark and turn it into fresh breadcrumbs in just a few minutes. Break up slices or crusts of stale bread (leave them out overnight for better texture) or lightly toast a few slices, then toss until crumbled.

Steps to Prepare Bread Sauce

1. Add milk or double cream for a heartier sauce to a saucepan with the onion, cloves, nutmeg and bay leaf. salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and turn off the heat.
2. Let the aromas infuse for 30 minutes.
3. Strain and return to the pan over low heat.
4. Stir in the breadcrumbs until thickened.
5. You can either blend until smooth or leave it thick.

Serve the bread sauce

Serve the bread sauce as is for its classic, rustic texture, or mix it for an ultra-smooth finish.

Remains

To store leftover bread sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk or cream to bring it to the desired consistency. or freeze for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a little milk to relax.

If you have made my British Bread Sauce, please leave a star rating in the recipe. You can also leave a comment or ask a question below.

Janette is a professionally trained chef based in California who channels her passion for cooking into carefully crafted recipes. His culinary creations are inspired by his English heritage as well as his favorite global cuisines, including Indian and Italian. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more delicious inspiration. Learn more about Janette…