Traditional Bread Sauce
Creamy traditional bread sauce made with milk, onion, cloves, and breadcrumbs, finished with butter and cream. A classic accompaniment to roast turkey, chicken, or potatoes.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 large onion peeled and halved
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 black peppercorns
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Infuse the milk:
- Place the halved onion, cloves, mace, nutmeg, bay leaf, and peppercorns into a saucepan with the milk. Heat gently over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and allow to stand for 15 minutes so the flavors infuse.
Strain the liquid:
- Remove the onion and spices from the milk, straining carefully to ensure a smooth liquid. Return the flavored milk to the saucepan.
Incorporate the breadcrumbs:
- Add the dry breadcrumbs to the milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, approximately 5–7 minutes. Adjust with additional milk if required for consistency.
Finish the sauce:
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter and heavy cream until fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Present the sauce warm alongside roasted poultry, potatoes, or other traditional holiday dishes.
Notes
To prepare this traditional bread sauce gluten free, substitute the standard breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, including spices and dairy products, are labeled gluten free.