If you’re a fan of melted cheese on toast, then you’re going to love quick and easy Welsh Rarebit!
This traditional Welsh Rarebit turns simple ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, ale, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard into something spectacular. Transform ordinary toasted bread into a gourmet treat with this cheesy, savory, egg-topped breakfast.
What is Welsh Rarebit?
Despite the name, Welsh Rarebit contains no rabbit. The dish dates back to the 18th century, originally known as “Welsh Rabbit”—a playful term likely poking fun at the Welsh working class, who may have relied more on cheese than meat. Over time, the name evolved into “rarebit,” possibly to avoid confusion. Regardless of its origins, Welsh Rarebit remains a comfort food classic, cherished for tangy and savory cheese sauce served over crisp toast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: welsh Rarebbit can be made in under 15 minutes!
- It’s Delicious: This dish has a deep, rich flavor.
- Customizable: Use different cheese or bread, or add bacon or tomatoes on top.
- It’s Budget-Friendly: Make a fancy breakfast using minimal ingredients. Stay in and enjoy brunch at home.
Ingredients
- Shredded white cheddar cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Worcestershire sauce
- English mustard (Coleman’s or sub with Dijon)
- Butter
- Black pepper (optional)
- Ale (a mild brown ale or stout for a full-bodied sauce)
- 4 thick slices of bread (sourdough, white, or crusted bread works best)
- 2 large eggs (optional)
- Fresh chives (garnish)
Instructions
- Toast bread: Toast the bread slices in a toaster until golden brown.
- Start the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often. Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the ale and cheese: Slowly whisk in the ale, then the shredded cheese. Stir the mixture until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Spoon the cheese sauce generously over each slice of toasted bread, ensuring an even layer. Garnish with chives before serving.
- Optional Broiling: Place the Welsh Rarebit on the parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbling and slightly golden.
- Optional Fried Egg: Fry two eggs in a separate pan to your desired doneness. Serve two slices of toast with 1 egg on top per person.
Welsh Rarebit Variations & Pairings
- Different Cheese: Swap out white cheddar for sharp yellow cheddar or Gruyère.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra kick of heat.
- Toppings: Serve our Welsh Rarebit with fresh sliced tomatoes instead of eggs.
- Pairings: Serve this dish with a side salad, fruit, or breakfast meat.
More Recipes to Enjoy
Welsh Rarebit
This traditional Welsh Rarebit turns simple ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, ale, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard into something spectacular. Transform ordinary toasted bread into a gourmet treat with this cheesy, savory, egg-topped breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon English mustard Coleman’s or sub with Dijon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper optional
- 1/4 cup ale a mild brown ale or stout for a full-bodied sauce
- 4 thick slices of bread sourdough, white, or crusted bread works best
- 2 large eggs optional
- Chopped fresh chives garnish
Instructions
- Toast bread: Toast the bread slices in a toaster until golden brown.
- Start the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often. Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the ale and cheese: Slowly whisk in the ale, then the shredded cheese. Stir the mixture until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Spoon the cheese sauce generously over each slice of toasted bread, ensuring an even layer. Garnish with chives before serving.
- Optional Broiling: Place the Welsh Rarebit on the parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbling and slightly golden.
- Optional Fried Egg: Fry two eggs in a separate pan to your desired doneness. Serve two slices of toast with 1 egg on top per person.
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