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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

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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.

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Questions

How do I know when Welsh Rarebit is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until fully melted and creamy. Step 7: cook until the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.

Is there a substitute for beer in Welsh Rarebit?

The entry for Welsh Rarebit calls for 1/2 cup English dark ale. In its place: Stock or a non-alcoholic beer, in the same volume.

Is Welsh Rarebit spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Welsh Rarebit comes from 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Welsh Rarebit gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Welsh Rarebit 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.

Is Welsh Rarebit vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan lunch collection.

How many calories are in Welsh Rarebit?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 420 calories, with 18 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 25 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 680 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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