Perfect Welsh rarebit

Method 1

Ingredients

50g/2oz flour

50g/2oz butter

250ml/9oz strong beer, warmed

250g/9oz strong cheddar, grated

2tsp English mustard

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

black pepper

4 large slices granary bread

Method

In a small saucepan melt the butter and make a roux with the flour. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring to prevent the roux from burning. Stir in the warm beer by degrees, until you have a thick but smooth sauce. Add the grated cheese and stir until melted. You should now have a thick paste. Mix in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce and season well with black pepper.

Lightly toast and butter the bread, then pile up the cheesy mixture on each slice. Cook under a hot grill for a few minutes, until browned and bubbling.

Method 2

🧀 Perfect Welsh Rarebit Recipe

Serves: 2 generously (or 4 as a starter/snack)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

🧾 Ingredients:

200g (7 oz) strong mature Cheddar cheese, grated

2 tsp plain flour

1 tsp English mustard (or Dijon, if milder)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 egg yolk

3–4 tbsp ale, stout, or dark beer (like Guinness or Newcastle Brown)

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 slices of thick crusty bread (like sourdough or country loaf)

Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika for heat

🍳 Instructions:

Make the cheese mixture:

In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the grated cheese and flour.

Stir in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ale.

Gently melt the mixture, stirring constantly until it’s smooth and thickened (but don’t let it boil).

Remove from heat and stir in the egg yolk. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.

Toast the bread:

Lightly toast the bread slices on both sides under a grill (broiler) or in a toaster.

Assemble and grill:

Spoon the cheese mixture generously over each slice.

Place under a hot grill for 2–3 minutes, until golden, bubbling, and starting to brown.

Serve hot:

Garnish with a little extra mustard or chopped chives if you like.

Traditionally served with pickles, chutney, or even a poached egg on top.

🔁 Variations:

Add chopped leeks or spring onions to the mix for a Welsh twist.

Use cider instead of ale for a lighter, fruitier flavor.

Make it heartier: Place cooked bacon or sliced tomato under the cheese layer before grilling.

Comments

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