Jamie Oliver Punchy Welsh Rarebit is made with good bread, egg, Red Leicester or Cheddar cheese, crème fraîche, English mustard, and jalapeños. This recipe creates a spicy, cheesy toast with a golden top and a crisp apple salad on the side. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 2.
Jamie Oliver Punchy Welsh Rarebit Ingredients
- 2 large slices of good bread (1½cm-thick)
- 1 egg
- 50g Red Leicester or Cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
- 1 heaped tsp English mustard
- 25g jarred sliced jalapeños
- 1 eating apple
- 1 little gem lettuce
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Jamie Oliver Punchy Welsh Rarebit
- Toast the Bread: Place bread in the air fryer and toast for 5 minutes at 200ºC.
- Mix the Rarebit Topping: Whisk egg until light, then grate in cheese, add crème fraîche, mustard, and black pepper; mix well.
- Assemble the Rarebit: Flip toasted bread, spread the cheese mixture on top, and press in jalapeños. Cook again for 5 minutes at 200ºC.
- Make the Salad: Thinly slice apple into matchsticks. Slice lettuce base and leaves. Toss together with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasoning.
- Serve: Plate rarebit with salad, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce if desired, and enjoy hot.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Strong Cheese: Cheddar or Red Leicester gives the best flavor.
- Layer Flavors: Add a swipe of chutney or chilli jam before the rarebit topping.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your taste.
- Toast Bread Evenly: Flip halfway to ensure both sides are crisp.
- Make the Salad Fresh: Assemble just before serving for the best crunch.
What To Serve With Welsh Rarebit
This punchy rarebit pairs perfectly with a crisp apple salad, pickled onions, or a glass of cider. It also goes well with tomato soup or roasted vine tomatoes for a heartier meal.
How To Store Welsh Rarebit
Refrigerate: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.
Freeze: Not recommended due to the egg and cheese mixture.
Welsh Rarebit Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, any good melty cheese like Westcombe Cheddar or Lincolnshire Poacher works well.
Is this spicy?
Yes, due to the jalapeños, but you can reduce or omit them if preferred.
What can I use instead of crème fraîche?
Try sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a splash of milk for a lighter option.
Can I make it without an air fryer?
Yes, use a grill or oven broiler for similar results.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
Optional, but adds a great umami kick if used sparingly.
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Punchy Welsh Rarebit
Course: lunchCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy2
servings7
8
minutes430
kcalCheesy, spicy rarebit topped with jalapeños and served with a crisp apple salad—a bold twist on a British classic.
Ingredients
2 large slices of good bread
1 egg
50g Red Leicester or Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
1 heaped tsp English mustard
25g jarred sliced jalapeños
1 eating apple
1 little gem lettuce
Optional: Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Toast bread slices in air fryer at 200ºC for 5 minutes.
- Whisk egg, add grated cheese, crème fraîche, mustard, pepper.
- Flip bread, top with mixture, press in jalapeños. Cook 5 minutes.
- Slice apple and lettuce, toss with oil, vinegar, and seasoning.
- Serve rarebit with salad and optional Worcestershire sauce.
Notes
- Add a layer of chutney for extra depth.
- Use vegetarian cheese for a fully veggie version.
- Don’t over-toast bread before topping.
- Salad should be fresh and crunchy—make just before serving.