Dinner

Chunky Ciabatta Bread Sauce with Clotted Cream Recipe

Name: Chunky Ciabatta Bread Sauce with Clotted Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 onion, halved; 3 whole cloves; 1 bay leaf; 5 black peppercorns; pinch of freshly grated nutmeg; pinch of salt; 1 litre full-fat milk; 1 x 270g loaf ciabatta; 25g butter; 2 tbsp clotted cream

ByHailey Reed January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

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Introduction

This chunky ciabatta bread sauce with clotted cream is a rich and comforting side that’s perfect for roast dinners. Infused with warm spices and creamy textures, it offers a delightful twist on traditional bread sauce.

A white bowl filled with creamy grits that have a slightly lumpy texture, mixed with bits of light brown sausage. On top, there is a small pool of melted yellow butter spreading over the surface, sprinkled lightly with black pepper. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, partly covered by the grits. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled texture with a white cloth featuring cut-out patterns beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 onion, halved
3 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
5 black peppercorns
1l full-fat milk
1 x 270g loaf ciabatta
25g butter
2 tbsp clotted cream
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Put the onion, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan with the milk. Heat gently until it just comes to the boil, then remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cut the ciabatta into pieces and process in a food processor into chunky crumbs.
Step 3: Strain the infused milk into a clean pan, discarding the onion and spices. Stir in the ciabatta crumbs and bring to a simmer, then cook gently for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, clotted cream, and freshly grated nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old ciabatta for better texture as it absorbs the milk without becoming too mushy.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the clotted cream with plain yogurt.
Add a small amount of finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover bread sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes that have small chunks of brown pieces mixed throughout, topped with a dollop of melted yellow butter and sprinkled with black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the mashed potatoes. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with a white cloth underneath, featuring a subtle lace pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. This can help the flavors develop more fully.

What can I use instead of clotted cream?

If you don’t have clotted cream, substitute with double cream or crème fraîche for a similar richness, though the texture may be slightly different.