Mains
Welsh Rarebit
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices bread, toasted
- 250 g (9 oz) sharp Welsh cheddar, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) Welsh ale or beer
- 1 tbsp English mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper, to taste
Method
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir in the flour to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the ale, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, until smooth.
- Add the grated cheese, mustard and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with black pepper.
- Spread the mixture generously over the toasted bread slices and place on a baking tray.
- Grill under a hot broiler for 3-4 minutes, until bubbling and deep golden brown.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Introduction: Welsh rarebit is a rich, savoury sauce of melted cheese, mustard and ale poured over toasted bread, far more elevated than a simple cheese toastie.
Cultural Background: Welsh rarebit is a rich, savoury sauce of melted cheese, mustard and ale poured over toasted bread, far more elevated than a simple cheese toastie. Steeped in Welsh culinary history, it remains one of the country's most iconic and beloved comfort dishes.
Tips: Whisk the ale in gradually and steadily to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. Watch closely under the grill — the topping browns quickly once it starts bubbling. Serve straight away for the best gooey, bubbling texture.
Variations: Add a poached egg on top for 'buck rarebit'. Use a stout for a deeper, richer flavour. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra warmth. Naturally vegetarian as written; not easily converted to vegan, as the cheese sauce is central to the dish.
Storage: Best eaten fresh; the cheese mixture can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the assembled rarebit under a grill for 2-3 minutes until bubbling again.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 420 kcal, 20 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, 26 g fat, 2 g fibre.
FAQs:
Q: What's the difference between Welsh rarebit and cheese on toast?
A: Welsh rarebit uses a cooked, flavoured cheese sauce (with ale, mustard and Worcestershire sauce) rather than simply melting cheese directly on the bread, giving a richer, more complex flavour.
Q: Can I make this without alcohol?
A: Yes, substitute the ale with milk or vegetable stock for a similar consistency without the alcohol.
Q: What is 'buck rarebit'?
A: It's Welsh rarebit topped with a poached or fried egg, a popular variation.
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