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Welsh Rarebit

A classic British open-faced toasted sandwich topped with a rich, savory ale and cheddar cheese sauce. Broiled until golden and bubbling for a comforting meal.

20 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

BritishLunchStovetop and OvenVegetarianKosher-styleNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 slices crusty white bread, thickly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup English dark ale
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp English mustard powder
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Toast 4 slices thickly sliced crusty white bread under the broiler until lightly browned on both sides.

  2. 2

    Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Slowly pour in 1/2 cup English dark ale, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.

  4. 4

    Stir in 1 tsp English mustard powder, 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low, add 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, and stir until fully melted and creamy.

  6. 6

    Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the toasted bread slices.

  7. 7

    Broil for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.

Questions

Can I make Welsh Rarebit dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free lunch collection instead.

Can I make Welsh Rarebit gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 4 slices crusty white bread, thickly sliced, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup English dark ale, 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko; the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works); the beer for a certified gluten-free beer or a dry cider; the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Welsh Rarebit keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through.

Can I halve or double Welsh Rarebit?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

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