Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce Recipe [GUIDE]

Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce is a quintessentially British dish, often found gracing the tables during festive meals like Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or any large family gathering. This creamy, flavorful side dish is made by infusing bread with milk, spices, and aromatics, creating a rich and comforting sauce that complements poultry dishes, particularly roast chicken or turkey.

The beauty of Bread Sauce lies in its simplicity. The dish has a long history, dating back to medieval times, and was traditionally a way to stretch out meals during times of scarcity. It started as a humble way to make bread more exciting and was eventually refined over the centuries into the creamy, aromatic sauce we know today.

Mary Berry, the beloved British chef, has become a household name for her easy-to-follow recipes, and her take on Bread Sauce is no different. Her recipe transforms this humble classic into something extra special, ensuring a silky texture and aromatic depth that elevate any roast. Her version strikes the perfect balance between the savory richness of the sauce and the delicate fragrance of the infused spices. Whether served at a festive meal or as a comforting side dish for a Sunday roast, Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of traditional British flair to their cooking repertoire.

Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce, you’ll need a combination of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Milk: The base of your sauce, providing a creamy texture. Whole milk is recommended for a richer flavor, though you can opt for semi-skimmed if you prefer something lighter.
2. White Bread: Stale white bread is ideal for bread sauce. You can use crustless white bread or any soft, plain bread. The bread soaks up the milk and gives the sauce its characteristic texture.
3. Onion: The onion is traditionally studded with cloves to infuse the milk with its aromatic, sweet flavor. Mary Berry’s version keeps this traditional touch, which gives the sauce an added depth of flavor.
4. Cloves: Used to stud the onion, cloves impart a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy note to the sauce. These small spices pack a punch when simmered in milk.
5. Bay Leaves: Another classic herb in bread sauce, bay leaves bring a subtle, fragrant aroma that balances the richness of the milk.
6. Butter: To add richness and a velvety texture to the sauce, butter is stirred in at the end. It helps to smooth out the flavors and enhance the creaminess.
7. Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the milk and bread. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
8. Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that rounds out the sauce. It pairs beautifully with the clove-studded onion and bay leaves.

Equipment Needed

Making Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce is straightforward, but having the right kitchen equipment will ensure smooth preparation and a perfect end result. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Saucepan: A medium to large-sized saucepan will work best for simmering the milk and infusing the flavors from the onion, cloves, and bay leaves.
2. Knife: A sharp knife is necessary to stud the onion with cloves and to cut the bread into small pieces.
3. Wooden Spoon: Stirring the sauce is best done with a wooden spoon to avoid scratching your cookware. The spoon also helps when you’re mashing the bread to achieve the right consistency.
4. Grater: If you’re using fresh nutmeg, a microplane or fine grater will help you grate just the right amount to add to the sauce.
5. Strainer or Sieve: While Mary Berry’s recipe does not necessarily call for straining, you may want to use a sieve if you prefer a smoother consistency without any leftover bits of clove or onion.
6. Measuring Cups: For precise measurements, particularly when it comes to the milk and bread, measuring cups ensure the ingredients are perfectly balanced.
7. Serving Dish: Bread sauce is typically served warm in a bowl or dish alongside the main course, so having an attractive serving bowl will make it look as appetizing as it tastes.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce

Follow these simple steps to create Mary Berry’s deliciously comforting Bread Sauce. The process is straightforward but results in a rich, flavorful sauce that will impress your guests.

1. Prepare the Onion: Start by studding the onion with cloves. To do this, take a whole onion and insert 4-6 whole cloves into the skin. This will infuse the milk with a subtle, aromatic flavor as it simmers.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, pour the milk and add the studded onion, the bay leaves, and a pinch of salt. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Be sure to watch it carefully to avoid it boiling over.
3. Simmer the Milk: Once the milk begins to simmer, turn the heat down to low and allow the milk to infuse for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the milk absorbs the flavors of the onion, cloves, and bay leaves.
4. Prepare the Bread: While the milk is infusing, cut the bread into small, rough cubes. You don’t need to be precise-this is a rustic dish! If the bread is not stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.
5. Add the Bread to the Milk: Once the milk has been infused, remove the onion and bay leaves. Add the bread cubes into the hot milk and stir to combine. Allow the bread to soak up the milk, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Mash the Bread: After the bread has absorbed the milk, use the back of your spoon or a potato masher to mash the mixture to a thick, creamy consistency. The bread should break down easily, forming a smooth sauce.
7. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the butter and grated nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the butter has fully melted and the sauce is silky and smooth.
8. Serve: Once the Bread Sauce is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and keep it warm. It pairs perfectly with roast poultry and can be served as an accompaniment to your favorite holiday feast.

Tips And Tricks

1. Use Stale Bread: Stale bread works best because it soaks up the milk without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, toast it lightly before using it in the recipe.
2. Infuse for Longer Flavor: If you want a more intense flavor, allow the milk to infuse with the onion, cloves, and bay leaves for up to 30 minutes. Just be sure to keep the heat low to prevent the milk from scorching.
3. Add Cream for Extra Richness: For an even more luxurious bread sauce, you can substitute a small portion of the milk with double cream. This will give the sauce an ultra-creamy texture and a richer flavor.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
5. Make Ahead: Bread sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce is the epitome of comfort food-rich, creamy, and bursting with subtle, aromatic flavors. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, especially when paired with a perfectly roasted chicken or turkey. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate this timeless British classic at home, adding a touch of tradition to your festive meals or weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or simply looking for a delicious side dish to elevate your roast, this bread sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to tweak it to your personal tastes-whether by adding a little extra nutmeg, a dash of cream, or even a bit of garlic, Mary Berry’s version leaves plenty of room for customization.

So, next time you find yourself wondering what side dish to serve with your roast, consider making Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce

Mary Berry’s bread sauce is an iconic dish that exudes comforting flavors, typically enjoyed alongside a roast chicken or turkey. However, its versatility makes it an excellent base for various creative variations. With a few simple tweaks, you can elevate the traditional bread sauce into something unique and tailored to your taste.

1. Herb-Infused Bread Sauce

   For those who love the aromatic flavors of fresh herbs, adding rosemary, thyme, or sage to your bread sauce can make a significant difference. To do this, simply infuse the milk with a few sprigs of herbs while warming it before pouring it into the bread mixture. The herbs release their oils into the milk, giving the sauce a fragrant, earthy flavor. Strain out the herbs before serving, ensuring a smooth texture while retaining the herbal undertones.

2. Garlic and Onion Variation

   If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors, consider adding finely chopped garlic or sautéed onions to your bread sauce. Lightly sautéing the garlic or onions in butter until golden brown before incorporating them into the sauce adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that complements the creamy base of the bread sauce. This variation is ideal if you’re pairing the sauce with a rich, roasted meat or a flavorful stuffing.

3. Spicy Bread Sauce

   For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy twist on Mary Berry’s bread sauce can be a game-changer. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or finely chopped fresh chili to your bread sauce as it’s simmering. These ingredients infuse the sauce with a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with game meats like venison or duck. You can also add a dash of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, which brings an unexpected layer of flavor.

4. Creamy Cheese Bread Sauce

   For a luxurious take, why not introduce cheese into your bread sauce? A spoonful of grated cheddar or a dollop of cream cheese will add richness and depth to the dish. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a velvety texture and a savory, tangy undertone that pairs wonderfully with both roast meats and vegetables. A sharp cheese, like parmesan, can offer a more intense flavor profile, while a milder option like mozzarella will create a subtle creaminess.

5. Vegetarian and Vegan Bread Sauce

   If you’re looking to make a vegan version of Mary Berry’s bread sauce, simply replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Vegan butter or olive oil can be used in place of regular butter, ensuring the sauce retains its richness without compromising the flavor. To enhance the flavor of a vegan bread sauce, you can add nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy, umami-like taste. Fresh or dried herbs can also amp up the dish without sacrificing the traditional essence of the recipe.

By playing with these variations, Mary Berry’s bread sauce can become a dish that fits perfectly with any meal, whether you’re hosting a grand holiday dinner or a simple weeknight roast.

Storing Leftovers

Storing leftover bread sauce is an easy process that ensures the sauce retains its flavors for future meals. When you’ve enjoyed your meal and have leftover bread sauce, follow these simple steps to store it properly and extend its shelf life.

1. Cool the Sauce

   Before storing your leftover bread sauce, it’s crucial to let it cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could lead to bacterial growth. Once cool, transfer the sauce into an airtight container, which will prevent it from absorbing any unwanted smells from the fridge.

2. Refrigeration

   Store your cooled bread sauce in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The sauce should retain its flavor and texture if stored properly. When reheating, ensure you stir it thoroughly and add a little extra milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Gently heat over low heat, stirring continuously, to avoid burning or curdling the sauce.

3. Freezing Leftover Bread Sauce

   If you have a large batch of leftover bread sauce and want to store it for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled bread sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion as it freezes. Bread sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

4. Reheating

   When reheating bread sauce, whether from the fridge or freezer, always do so slowly and gently. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure an even temperature. If the sauce has thickened too much, simply add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency. Be cautious when microwaving, as this can cause the sauce to become unevenly heated and affect its texture.

By following these simple storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy Mary Berry’s bread sauce beyond the initial meal, turning leftovers into a delightful accompaniment for another round of dishes.

What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce?

Mary Berry’s bread sauce is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect side dish for a wide array of meals. While it’s traditionally paired with poultry like chicken or turkey, it’s equally delicious with a variety of other proteins and vegetables. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:

1. Roast Meats

   Bread sauce is most famously served with roast chicken or turkey, especially during festive occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving. The richness of the sauce complements the roasted flavors of the meat, adding a creamy, comforting contrast to the crispy skin and tender meat. You can also serve it with roast lamb, beef, or even duck, where the subtle flavor of the bread sauce balances the strong, savory notes of the meat.

2. Vegetarian Options

   Bread sauce is also an excellent accompaniment for vegetarian dishes. Pair it with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, or with a hearty vegetable Wellington. The sauce’s creamy texture and mild flavor act as a great counterpoint to the earthiness of roasted vegetables, making it a perfect choice for a vegetarian Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Stuffing and Gravy

   For a classic combination, bread sauce pairs wonderfully with stuffing and gravy, especially when served as part of a festive meal. Whether it’s a savory sausage stuffing or a nut-based vegetarian stuffing, the bread sauce adds an extra layer of comfort. This trio of flavors-bread sauce, stuffing, and gravy-creates a harmony of taste and texture that’s hard to beat.

4. Fish and Seafood

   While bread sauce is traditionally paired with meat, it can also be a surprising complement to certain fish dishes. Think of a rich, meaty fish like salmon or a flavorful shellfish like lobster. The bread sauce provides a velvety, mild contrast to the briny, sometimes oily nature of the seafood, creating an unexpected yet delightful combination.

5. Simple Sandwiches and Toast

   Don’t overlook the potential of using bread sauce in simple, everyday meals. It can be a fantastic addition to sandwiches, particularly turkey or chicken sandwiches, bringing an extra burst of flavor and creaminess. It’s also delicious spread on toast as a quick, comforting snack or light meal.

6. Curry and Spicy Dishes

   For a fusion twist, you can pair bread sauce with mildly spiced curries, such as a butter chicken or a chicken korma. The creaminess of the bread sauce can help balance out the spices in the curry, while its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the dish. This can be a fun way to experiment with global flavors and traditional British comfort food.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s bread sauce is a quintessential dish in British cuisine, offering a balance of simplicity and comfort with its creamy, subtly flavored profile. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like adding herbs, garlic, or cheese, this dish can be tailored to suit a wide variety of tastes. Its versatility allows it to pair with an array of meats, vegetables, and even international dishes, making it a valuable addition to any meal.

Storing leftovers is easy, and with the right techniques, you can preserve the sauce for later enjoyment. Whether you’re reheating it from the fridge or freezing it for months, the sauce’s flavor remains intact, ensuring it’s a practical dish to prepare in advance.

Ultimately, Mary Berry’s bread sauce is not just a side dish; it’s a comforting companion to meals, elevating the dining experience with its creamy, flavorful presence. Whether served with roast meats, vegetables, or even as a simple sandwich spread, this sauce adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any plate. So, next time you’re planning a meal, don’t forget to include this timeless classic.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce Recipe?

Mary Berry’s bread sauce recipe includes simple yet flavorful ingredients: milk, butter, an onion studded with cloves, white bread (typically stale or day-old), and seasoning such as salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. These ingredients come together to create a smooth, creamy sauce that’s a perfect complement to roasted meats like turkey and chicken.

How Do I Make Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce Thicker Or Thinner?

To adjust the thickness of Mary Berry’s bread sauce, you can add more or less milk to the recipe. If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less milk and allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, simply add more milk, stirring continuously to achieve the desired texture. It’s important to ensure the bread breaks down into a smooth consistency when stirring, so adjust liquid levels carefully.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Bread Sauce In Advance?

Yes, you can definitely make Mary Berry’s bread sauce in advance! It can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time. After making the sauce, let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, gently reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much during storage.