Welsh Rarebit Recipe

BHG fans have told us our grilled cheese sandwich recipes (like these Turkey-Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches) are “SO GOOD,” “AMAZING,” and “OMG to die for.” Well, if you’re keen on grilled cheese, we’d like to introduce you to another recipe that will likely inspire all-caps raves: Welsh Rarebit. 

Toasted bread topped with cheese? “Yes, please,” our tasting panel said as they gave big thumbs up to this easy Test Kitchen-perfected recipe. It can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, and is a brilliant foundation to build on to create the ultimate cozy meal.

What Is Welsh Rarebit, Anyway?

Welsh Rarebit, aka Welsh Rabbit, is believed to have originated in Britain during the 1700s. At the time, only wealthy individuals could afford to eat rabbit, so working class Welsh families whipped up this version of cheesy toast and deemed it “Welsh Rabbit.” Over time, the “Rabbit” part slipped away and this dish became known as “Welsh Rarebit,” perhaps in an attempt to strip away the insinuation that it’s a cheap alternative or is not worthy of celebrating on its own.

Regardless of what you call it, most folks who try Welsh Rarebit recipes can agree that they’re delicious. These days, Welsh Rarebit is a highlight of some high tea menus and is also often enjoyed as part of a lunch.

So is Welsh Rarebit just cheese on toast? Yes, but this isn’t your standard cheese toast. The bread is broiled, slathered in a homemade fondue-like beer cheese sauce, then broiled once more to create a toast that’s crunchy on the bottom and lusciously-creamy on top. 

How to Make Welsh Rarebit

If you have bread, cheese, beer or milk, and a few condiment and pantry staples on hand, you have everything you need to make Welsh Rarebit. It’s a breeze to do at home, and can be yours in about 25 minutes.

1. Make a roux: In a saucepan, make a roux with butter, flour, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir in milk and beer (or all milk for an alcohol-free version), and cook until thick and bubbly. Add shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until it all melts into the Welsh Rarebit sauce.
2. Broil the bread: On a foil-lined baking pan, broil bread 3 to 5 inches from the heat source for 1 to 2 minutes. 
3. Add the cheese sauce and broil once more: Using tongs or a spatula, flip the bread, spoon the cheese sauce on top of the untoasted side of the bread, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes more.

Serve warm and right away; this is one recipe that’s not ideal to make ahead or save as a leftover. Luckily, it’s quick and easy to start from scratch any time you have a craving!

Welsh Rarebit Variations

Welsh Rarebit recipes might have humble roots, however, they’re elegantly simple and scrumptious as-is. Still, if you’d like to adjust or add to our Test Kitchen’s best Welsh Rarebit recipe, consider the ideas below.

• Swap out your bread: We call for sourdough or Italian-style bread, but a thick slice of another sturdy breads will do, too. Try ½ to ¾-inch thick pieces of brioche, French, multigrain, or a crusty artisan bread if you prefer.
• Add protein: For a heartier Welsh Rarebit recipe, put an egg on it (a fried egg on top of the broiled cheese would be fantastic) or add a few slices of deli meat like ham, turkey, or roast beef on top of the bread before adding the cheese sauce. Or you could crumble a couple slices of crispy bacon or layer ribbons of prosciutto on top of the broiled cheese bread.
• Choose an alternative cheese: Sharp cheddar works great, but for an even more on-brand option, trade in a Welsh cheese if you can find one. Keep an eye out for Caerphilly, Celtic Promise, Llanboidy, and Teifi. No matter which cheese you choose, buy a brick or wedge, bust out your cheese grater, and shred it yourself rather than buying grated cheese, which often comes coated in anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• Boost the flavor: If you’d like to layer on even more flavor, garnish with a handful of crisp arugula for freshness, add a spoonful of chili crisp for kick, or top with a scoop of Quick Garlic-Onion Jam for a luxurious, sweet-and-savory finish. After filling the broiled bread but before spooning on the cheese sauce, you could also add thinly-sliced apple on top of the bread. Apples and cheddar are a classic pairing for a reason!
• Round out the meal: We recommend serving Welsh Rarebit with a side salad or bowl of tomato soup for a homemade comfort food combo meal.