Name: Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 500ml (2 cups) whole milk; 1 onion, peeled and halved; 6 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 75g (3 oz) fresh white breadcrumbs; 50g (2 oz) butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated nutmeg (optional, for garnish); 50ml (1/4 cup) double cream (optional, for extra richness)

Jamie Oliver’s Bread Sauce is a classic British accompaniment that adds a creamy and comforting element to roasted meats, particularly roast chicken or turkey. Made from milk infused with aromatic spices, breadcrumbs, and a hint of onion, this sauce is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a must-have for traditional British roast dinners, adding richness and depth to your meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Traditional Flavor: A staple of British cuisine, bread sauce brings authentic flavor to roast dinners.
Creamy and Comforting: The texture and mild taste make it a perfect complement to roasted meats.

Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like bread, milk, and onions.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s easy to whip up alongside your main dishes.
Perfect for Leftovers: Bread sauce can be made ahead and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep.

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What is Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s Bread Sauce is a creamy, savory sauce made by infusing milk with onions, cloves, and bay leaves, then thickening it with breadcrumbs. The result is a smooth and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with roasted poultry or game meats. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to any roast dinner.

Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce Ingredients

500ml (2 cups) whole milk

1 onion, peeled and halved
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves

75g (3 oz) fresh white breadcrumbs
50g (2 oz) butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Grated nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
50ml (1/4 cup) double cream (optional, for extra richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce

Step 1. Infuse the Milk

Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the halved onion, cloves, and bay leaves. Slowly bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Once it reaches a simmer, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the milk infuse for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors from the onion, cloves, and bay leaves to develop.

Step 2. Strain the Milk

After the milk has infused, strain it into a clean bowl or pan to remove the onion, cloves, and bay leaves. Return the milk to the saucepan.

Step 3. Add the Breadcrumbs

Stir the fresh breadcrumbs into the infused milk. Place the pan back on low heat and allow the breadcrumbs to soak up the milk and thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4. Stir in Butter and Cream (Optional)

Add the butter to the sauce and stir until melted. If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in the double cream at this stage. Continue stirring until the sauce is fully combined and smooth.

Step 5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the bread sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for extra flavor. Serve the sauce warm alongside roast chicken, turkey, or any of your favorite roast meats.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce

Roast Chicken or Turkey: Bread sauce is traditionally served with roast chicken or turkey, making it a perfect addition to a Sunday roast or holiday meal.
Roast Beef or Lamb: The creamy texture of bread sauce also complements roast beef or lamb beautifully.

Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts, to complete the meal.
Stuffing: Bread sauce pairs well with stuffing, adding another layer of richness to your plate.
Mashed Potatoes: A spoonful of bread sauce on top of mashed potatoes creates a luxurious, comforting side dish.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce

Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh white breadcrumbs will give the best texture and absorbency for the sauce. Avoid using pre-packaged breadcrumbs, which may alter the consistency.
Infuse the Milk Slowly: Don’t rush the milk infusion process. Allowing the milk to simmer gently with the spices ensures a rich flavor.
Adjust the Thickness: If your bread sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more breadcrumbs to thicken.

Make Ahead: Bread sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
Add Herbs: For a twist, stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce

Cheesy Bread Sauce: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.

Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the milk for a herbaceous flavor.
Spicy Bread Sauce: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Garlic Bread Sauce: Sauté a clove of minced garlic in butter and add it to the sauce for a garlicky flavor.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to give the sauce a warm, spiced flavor.

How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce

Refrigeration: Store any leftover bread sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Bread sauce can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Labeling: Be sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce Leftovers

Stovetop: Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
Microwave: Heat the sauce in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.

Add Liquid if Needed: If the sauce thickens during storage, add a little milk or cream to loosen it up while reheating.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 160 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g

Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 100mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce?

Yes, bread sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave when needed.

How long does Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce last in the fridge?

The bread sauce will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, bread sauce can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

What can I serve Jamie Oliver Bread Sauce with?

Bread sauce pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and a variety of vegetables. It’s traditionally served alongside roast meats as part of a British Sunday roast or holiday dinner.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Bread Sauce is a comforting and classic British accompaniment that elevates any roast dinner. Its creamy texture and mild flavors make it the perfect pairing for poultry, beef, or lamb. This sauce is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it a must-have addition to your holiday or Sunday roast. Try it today and bring a traditional British flair to your table!

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