Elegant Hazelnut Cream Sauce
When you think of hazelnuts, sweet spreads and holiday cookies might come to mind—but these versatile orchard gems have a savory side too. Our Elegant Hazelnut Cream Sauce is proof. Rich, nutty, and laced with garlic and cream, it’s the kind of sauce that turns a simple chicken breast or bowl of pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal.
At Dee’s Nutz and Berries, we love exploring the full flavor spectrum of hazelnuts. When toasted and blended into creamy sauces, they lend both body and depth—like a nutty béchamel with rustic elegance. Hazelnuts also pair beautifully with herbs like thyme and sage, which grow just outside our farmhouse kitchen door.
Fun fact: Hazelnuts contain oleic acid, the same heart-healthy fat found in olive oil, and are a great source of manganese and copper—minerals that support bone and brain health.
Looking for more gourmet ways to use nuts in cooking? Epicurious’ guide to cooking with nuts is full of chef-tested ideas, from sauces to savory mains.
Hazelnut Cream Sauce
🥛 Ingredients for Hazelnut Cream Sauce
- ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, finely ground or blended
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp chopped fresh sage or thyme
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra richness
🍲 How to Make Hazelnut Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot; sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in the ground hazelnuts and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavor to bloom.
- Add cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using). Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a smooth finish, blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a standard blender. Return to pan and stir in Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm over grilled chicken, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
🍁 From the Orchard Tip
- Pair it right: This sauce is especially delicious with butternut squash ravioli, grilled chicken, or steamed asparagus.
- Make ahead: Store in the fridge up to 4 days—gently reheat over low heat and add a splash of broth to loosen.
- Freeze friendly: Freeze in small portions and reblend after thawing for a creamy texture.
- Flavor twist: Try with sage and white wine for a slightly sharper profile.
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