Bread Sauce Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Homemade Guide

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Traditional bread sauce is a beloved British condiment, rich in flavor and wonderfully comforting. Typically made with milk, butter, and breadcrumbs, it’s particularly popular during the holiday season, pairing beautifully with roasted vegetables and vegan mains alike.

However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, the classic recipe is off the table due to dairy ingredients. The good news?

You can easily whip up a vegan bread sauce that’s just as creamy, flavorful, and satisfying without any animal products. This recipe uses plant-based milk and a touch of olive oil to recreate that luscious texture and depth.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or simply looking to add a delicious twist to your festive meals, this bread sauce recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and offers incredible versatility.

Let’s dive in and discover how to make this comforting, dairy-free bread sauce that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bread sauce is the perfect blend of creamy and herby, with a subtle sweetness that complements a wide range of dishes. Unlike traditional bread sauces that rely on heavy cream or butter, this version uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.

It’s:

  • Easy to prepare: Just a few steps and your sauce is ready.
  • Dairy-free and vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
  • Customizable: You can adjust herbs and spices to suit your mood or meal.
  • Comforting and creamy: Despite being plant-based, it has a rich texture that feels indulgent.
  • Great for holiday meals or everyday dinners: A fantastic accompaniment to roasted vegetables, vegan sausages, and more.

Ingredients

  • 500ml unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
  • 1 large onion, peeled and halved
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6-8 whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter substitute
  • 100g fresh white breadcrumbs (use vegan bread)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and jug
  • Fine sieve or slotted spoon
  • Bowl for soaking breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the flavored plant milk: Pour the plant-based milk into a medium saucepan. Add the halved onion, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaf, and whole black peppercorns.
  2. Simmer gently: Heat the milk mixture over low to medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from curdling. Let it gently infuse for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove aromatics: Using a slotted spoon or fine sieve, carefully remove the onion, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns from the milk. Discard these solids.
  4. Add olive oil: Stir in the olive oil or vegan butter substitute into the infused milk to add richness and creaminess.
  5. Soak the breadcrumbs: Place the fresh breadcrumbs in a bowl and pour about 150ml of the warm infused milk over them. Let them soak for 5 minutes until soft and creamy.
  6. Combine and heat: Add the soaked breadcrumbs back into the saucepan with the remaining infused milk. Stir gently over low heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Season the sauce: Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, nutmeg, and thyme to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Final whisk: For an extra smooth sauce, you can whisk the bread sauce gently or leave it a bit chunky for texture.
  9. Serve warm: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with your favorite vegan mains.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest sauce, use fresh breadcrumbs made from a soft white loaf. Stale or dry breadcrumbs might make the sauce grainy.

  • Herb twist: Experiment by adding fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic touch.
  • Garlic-free option: If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the garlic and rely on the onion and herbs alone.
  • Make it nut-free: Use oat or rice milk if you have nut allergies.
  • Vegan butter alternative: If olive oil isn’t your preference, a vegan butter will provide a richer mouthfeel.
  • Thicker sauce: Add a few extra breadcrumbs if you want a thicker consistency, perfect for spreading or dolloping onto dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 100g
Calories 80 kcal
Fat 4.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.6 g
Carbohydrates 9 g
Sugars 1.5 g
Fiber 0.8 g
Protein 2 g
Sodium 150 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan bread sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

  • Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes for a cozy dinner.
  • Drizzle over vegan sausages or plant-based roasts for a traditional festive touch.
  • Use as a creamy dip for steamed greens such as broccoli, kale, or Brussels sprouts.
  • Pair with vegan mashed potatoes for a comforting, homestyle meal.
  • Try it with dishes featuring bold flavors, such as the Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe for a creamy contrast.

Conclusion

Making a vegan bread sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a classic British condiment without compromising your dietary choices. This recipe balances traditional flavors with plant-based ingredients to create a sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting side, this bread sauce will elevate your dishes and impress all your guests.

With its simple ingredients and approachable method, you’ll find this sauce easy to incorporate into your cooking routine. Plus, it’s a wonderful companion to many other vegan recipes.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Collard Green Casserole Recipes or the indulgent Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Bread Sauce Recipe Vegan

Description: A creamy and comforting vegan bread sauce made with plant-based milk and aromatic spices. Perfect as a dairy-free accompaniment for roasted vegetables or vegan mains.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 onion, peeled and studded with 4 cloves
  • 1 cup fresh white bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat almond milk in a saucepan with the clove-studded onion until just simmering.
  2. Remove from heat and let the onion infuse for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the onion and cloves from the milk.
  4. Stir in bread crumbs, vegan butter, mustard seeds, and nutmeg.
  5. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve warm as a side sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 15g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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