Delia Smith Bread Sauce Recipe

This classic Delia Smith bread sauce is a smooth, gently spiced accompaniment that belongs on every traditional roast table. It is softly textured, creamy without being heavy, and delicately flavoured with onion, cloves, bay, and nutmeg. The recipe is straightforward and beginner friendly, with no tricky techniques involved. From start to finish, it takes about 35 minutes and can be made ahead with ease.

Ingredients

For the bread sauce

• 600 ml full fat milk
• 1 small onion, peeled and halved
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 75 g fresh white breadcrumbs
• 25 g unsalted butter
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground white or black pepper, to taste

How to Make Delia Smith Bread Sauce

• Prepare the milk: Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Stud one onion half with the cloves and add both halves to the pan along with the bay leaf.
• Infuse gently: Bring the milk just to a simmer over low heat, then remove from the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 20 minutes so the flavours develop fully.
• Add the breadcrumbs: Remove the onion and bay leaf. Return the pan to low heat and stir in the breadcrumbs a little at a time.
• Cook the sauce: Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a soft, spoonable consistency.
• Finish and season: Stir in the butter until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a light grating of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips for Perfect Bread Sauce

Why is my bread sauce too thick?

Add a splash of warm milk and stir gently until the sauce loosens to your preferred consistency.

How do I avoid a lumpy texture?

Use fine, fresh breadcrumbs and add them gradually while stirring to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, bread sauce reheats well. Store it chilled and reheat gently with extra milk, stirring often.

What breadcrumbs work best?

Fresh white bread gives the softest, most traditional texture. Avoid dried or heavily crusted bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with roast turkey or chicken
• Pair with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables
• Spoon alongside stuffing and gravy for a classic plate

Storage

Room temperature

Bread sauce should not be left out for more than 2 hours once cooked.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a little extra milk.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring well.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated fat: 6 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Delia Smith Bread Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Alex TurnerCourse: Side DishCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

portions

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

35

minutes

A classic British bread sauce made with milk, breadcrumbs, onion, and warming spices. Smooth, comforting, and perfect with roast turkey or chicken.

Ingredients

• 600 ml full fat milk

• 1 small onion, peeled and halved

• 6 whole cloves

• 1 bay leaf

• 75 g fresh white breadcrumbs

• 25 g unsalted butter

• Freshly grated nutmeg

• Fine sea salt

• Ground white or black pepper

Directions

• Heat milk with onion, cloves, and bay leaf until just simmering.
• Remove from heat, cover, and leave to infuse for 20 minutes.
• Remove onion and bay leaf, then return milk to low heat.
• Stir in breadcrumbs gradually, stirring constantly.
• Cook gently until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Stir in butter, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Serve warm alongside roast meats.

Notes

• Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
• Add extra milk if reheating.
• Fresh breadcrumbs give the best texture.