Parsley Sauce Recipe (2024)

This classic Parsley sauce recipe is an easy and flavorful recipe that can be added to any meal.

A creamy and vibrant sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and parsley, seasoned with salt and pepper and an optional citrus kick of lemon juice.

Creates a fresh savoury flavour that is perfect to serve with gammon, chicken, potatoes, white fish, or vegetables.

Our classic homemade sauce is delicious and easy to make with very little prep time, this classic sauce recipe will add life to any dish.

Follow along with the video below for how to make this easy parsley sauce recipe at home today.

Or jump straight to what you need to know.

We also have a parsley liquor sauce you may want to try, made with stock and parsley, traditionally served in the UK with pie mash and liquor.

Parsley Sauce Ingredients 🌿

Butter

We used butter for this recipe to create a roux helping create a creamy consistency. You can use margarine or a vegan butter alternative. Chop into small squares to help it melt quicker.

Flour

Plain flour (all-purpose flour) is the best choice for this recipe; however, gluten-free flour should work as well.

Milk

We used whole milk here but any milk could be used in its place. To make a really rich parsley sauce, use single cream instead.

For the best results, I recommend warming the milk up before adding to the butter and flour roux. It will make it easier to make a white sauce.

Parsley

Fresh parsley is the best choice for creating a fresh batch of parsley sauce. Finely chop the parsley stalks and leaves they can all be added to the creamy sauce.

Fresh parsley is rich in vitamin C, K and A, giving this sauce a nutritional boost.

Personalize your homemade parsley sauce to your preferences; you can adjust the amount of chopped parsley depending on whether you desire a subtle or robust flavour.

I don't recommend using dried parsley. It will not provide the same taste or have the same health benefits.

Seasoning

Simply add salt and black pepper (or white pepper) to season the sauce.

Nutmeg

We used a pinch of ground nutmeg to add a hint of warmth, but if you don’t have any nutmeg on hand, feel free to leave this out.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another common addition to, especially when it is made with cream. It helps to brighten and balance the flavor. The lemon juice adds a slightly acidic note that compliments the richness of the cream and brings out the savoury qualities of the parsley.

Lemon juice can be used in the milk version as well, but add it at the end of cooking so it does not curdle.

Other optional extras to add to the sauce include finely chopped and sauteed onion and garlic. Or use some mustard powder to add more depth to the flavour.

Equipment 🥄

For a delicious parsley sauce, you'll need nothing more than a saucepan and whisk.

Instructions 👩‍🍳

This recipe for parsley sauce comes together quickly, so prepare and measure all the ingredients before you start.

Jump to the full recipe card with measurements.

Start by making a simple white sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, warm up the milk. Or put it into the microwave for 2 minutes, do not let it boil.

In another saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter.

Slowly stir in the flour whilst using a whisk to make a thick paste-like roux.

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Gradually add the warm milk to the mixture, continuously stirring for an even consistency. Don't worry if it goes a little lumpy; keep stirring with a whisk, and it will become smooth again.

Once all the milk or cream has been added continue to cook the white sauce for a few minutes, stirring continuously.

Add the chopped parsley and cook for a few minutes on a simmer, whilst stirring with the whisk to prevent a skin from forming on top.

Now season with pepper and salt and add nutmeg and/or lemon juice to taste if desired.

If the consistency of the parsley sauce is too thick for you, add little more milk to the mixture bit by bit until you get your desired pouring consistency.

Pour into a sauce jug and add a sprig of fresh parsley on top. Ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions 🍴

Serve homemade parsley sauce with pan-fried fish or baked cod, it compliments any white fish well with a lemon wedge for an extra zing.

Make our slow cooker gammon and braised cabbage. Slice thick, juicy cuts of ham. Treat your taste buds to a classic Irish dish of bacon and cabbage paired with our fluffy mashed potatoes.

Also goes well with slices of cooked beef or turkey served with some air fryer new potatoes and a nice sprinkle of fresh parsley or coriander (cilantro) on top.

Here is a list of some delicious options for serving English parsley sauce with:

• Meats like steaks, chicken, corned beef or sausages
• Seafood like prawns, langoustines or salmon.
• Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots or swede.
• White fish dishes like cod, haddock or tilapia.
• Mix in with fresh pasta and a squeeze of lemon juice.

If I have not given enough above, here are a few other dishes to serve with this homemade parsley sauce.

Once you have tried this recipe, you will definitely go back for seconds.

📖 Step by Step Recipe

Storage 🧊

You can store English parsley sauce in an air-tight covered container in the fridge for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing

As the sauce cools, it will thicken significantly. When you reheat it, the liquid state will be restored.

Reheat

Reheat parsley sauce gently over low heat and keep stirring until warm through.

If it's still too thick for your preference, simply add more milk to reach the desired texture!

FAQs ❔

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We would love to hear your feedback after you have tried this recipe, and let us know what you served it with!