Sherry Cream Sauce is a silky, indulgent sauce known for its rich, nutty flavor and delicate sweetness.
Crafted with dry sherry, cream, and aromatic seasonings, it achieves a perfect balance of depth and smoothness.
Its luxurious texture and refined taste make it a standout in any culinary creation, offering a sophisticated layer of flavor that enhances the overall dining experience without overpowering the palate.
How To Make Sherry Cream Sauce?
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 4 generous portions (depending on use)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan or small pot
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry sherry (avoid sweet cooking sherry—choose something crisp and dry)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot (onion works too)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, if you want that extra aroma)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth (optional substitute)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or a pinch of dried)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Build the Base
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot (or onion) and sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic, if using, for an extra layer of aroma.
2. Deglaze with Sherry
Pour in the dry sherry and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavor to intensify.
3. Add Wine & Herbs
Stir in the white wine (or broth) and sprinkle in fresh thyme. Let it reduce slightly to concentrate the flavor.
4. Create the Creamy Body
Lower the heat and gently whisk in the heavy cream. Add Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a silky texture.
5. Season & Finish
Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness.
Nutrition Facts Of Sherry Cream Sauce
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Fat: 49 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Which Goes Best With Sherry Cream Sauce?
❖ Chicken or Turkey: Drizzle the sauce generously over golden, pan-seared chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for a restaurant-style finish.
❖ Steak or Pork Chops: Serve the sherry cream sauce over grilled or pan-fried steaks and pork chops.
❖ Tossed with Pasta: Turn a simple pasta into a gourmet dish by tossing it with this sauce. Add mushrooms, spinach, or shrimp for extra depth and variety.
❖ As a Seafood Companion: This sauce complements seafood like scallops, salmon, or shrimp. Its creamy texture enhances delicate seafood flavors without overpowering them.
❖ Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Use the sauce as a luxurious gravy for mashed potatoes or steamed rice, creating a comforting and flavorful side dish.
Tips & Variations
✔ Use dry sherry: Sweet sherry can overpower the sauce. Opt for dry sherry for a balanced, slightly nutty flavor.
✔ Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cream; gentle simmering prevents curdling and keeps the sauce silky.
✔ Mushroom sherry cream sauce: Add sliced mushrooms while sautéing onions for an earthy, hearty twist.
✔ Mustard kick: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of sherry should I use?
Use dry sherry, not sweet, for a balanced, savory flavor.
Can I substitute sherry?
Yes—dry white wine, vermouth, or chicken/vegetable broth works, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Heavy cream is preferred for richness; milk can thin the sauce, but a mix with butter may work.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch or flour slurry.
How long can I store it?
In an airtight container, it lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended; cream can separate. Reheat fresh for best results.
Conclusion
Sherry Cream Sauce is a testament to culinary elegance, blending richness and subtlety in every silky spoonful.
Its harmonious flavors and smooth texture highlight the artistry of fine cooking, making it a timeless classic that adds sophistication and depth to any dish while celebrating the essence of gourmet craftsmanship.
Sherry Cream Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or small pot
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry sherry avoid sweet cooking sherry—choose something crisp and dry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot onion works too
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional, if you want that extra aroma)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth optional substitute
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, adds depth
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or a pinch of dried
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot (or onion) and sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic, if using, for an extra layer of aroma.
- Pour in the dry sherry and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavor to intensify.
- Stir in the white wine (or broth) and sprinkle in fresh thyme. Let it reduce slightly to concentrate the flavor.
- Lower the heat and gently whisk in the heavy cream. Add Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a silky texture.
- Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.