Easy Welsh Rarebit Recipe for Golden British Cheese Toast
Welsh rarebit is a classic British savory cheese toast. This beginner-friendly version makes a smooth, mustardy cheddar sauce with optional ale or milk, then broils it over sturdy toast until browned and bubbling.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 4 slices sturdy country bread or sourdough about 1/2 inch thick (7 oz / 200 g)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 14 g
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 8 g
- 1/2 cup pale ale or whole milk 4 fl oz / 120 ml
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded (225 g)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 5 ml
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire-style sauce 5 ml
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 0.5 g, optional
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Position an oven rack about 5 inches below the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Place the bread on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes per side, watching closely, until lightly toasted. Remove the sheet from the oven.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture looks smooth and lightly foamy.
- Gradually whisk in the ale or milk. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking, until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the shredded cheddar a handful at a time, whisking until each addition melts before adding the next. Do not let the sauce boil after the cheese is added. Stir in the Dijon mustard, vegetarian Worcestershire-style sauce, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Divide the cheese sauce among the toasted bread slices, spreading it all the way to the edges. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, until the topping is bubbling and browned in spots. Watch continuously because broilers vary.
- Let the rarebit stand for 1 minute, then serve hot with fruit, sliced tomatoes, or a simple green salad.