mohamed shili This Welsh rarebit with attitude is a cheesy and savory recipe, which is made with sharp Cheddar cheese and sweet and spicy chilli jam. It’s the perfect quick lunch, a classic comfort food dish ready in about 15 minutes.
Welsh rarebit with attitude Ingredients
A classic combination for the ultimate grown-up cheese on toast.
- 4 x 2cm thick slices of good-quality bread (sourdough or country style)
- 4 tablespoons Cheeky chilli-pepper chutney or a good-quality shop-bought chilli jam
- Worcestershire sauce, for drizzling
For the Rarebit Topping:
- 2 large egg yolks
- 150g crème fraîche
- 1 level teaspoon English mustard powder
- 100g freshly grated Cheddar cheese
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Welsh rarebit with attitude
A step-by-step guide to this classic and comforting British dish.
- Make the Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with the crème fraîche and the English mustard powder. Stir in the freshly grated Cheddar cheese and season the mixture with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your grill (broiler) to its highest setting. Lightly toast your slices of bread on both sides until they are just starting to turn golden.
- Assemble the Rarebit: Spread a good tablespoon of your chilli chutney or jam onto each slice of toasted bread, going right to the edges.
- Grill Until Bubbly: Divide the rarebit cheese mixture into four and spread it evenly over the chutney on each slice of bread, again making sure to go right to the edges. This will prevent the crusts from burning.
- Serve: Place the slices under the hot grill and cook until the topping is melted, bubbling, and starting to turn golden brown. With a knife, carefully score a criss-cross pattern into the melted topping and finish with a generous drizzle of Worcestershire sauce. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
For the most flavorful, perfectly melted rarebit.
- How to get a smooth topping? Using room temperature crème fraîche and egg yolks will help them combine more smoothly. Also, grating your own Cheddar cheese from a block will ensure it melts beautifully without the graininess of pre-shredded cheese.
- What’s the best bread to use for Welsh rarebit? A sturdy, thick-cut bread is essential to hold up to the rich topping. A good quality sourdough, a crusty country loaf, or a thick-cut bloomer are all perfect choices.
- Can I make the rarebit mixture ahead of time? Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the cheese and crème fraîche mixture, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes for an incredibly fast and easy lunch or snack.
- What if I don’t have chilli jam? You can easily make a substitute. Mix a good quality apricot or red onion jam with some finely chopped fresh red chilli or a pinch of red pepper flakes to get a similar sweet and spicy kick.
What To Serve With Welsh rarebit
Simple accompaniments for this rich and savory dish.
This rich and satisfying Welsh rarebit is a complete meal on its own. It is traditionally and most deliciously served with:
- A simple, crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut the richness
- A cold, dark ale or a pint of beer
- A side of pickled onions or a Ploughman’s pickle
How To Store Welsh rarebit
This dish is best enjoyed immediately.
- Best Eaten Fresh: Welsh rarebit is at its absolute peak of perfection—hot, bubbly, and with a perfectly toasted base—when served immediately after coming out from under the grill. It is not recommended for storage or reheating as it will become soggy.
Welsh rarebit with attitude Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per slice.
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 28 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Welsh rarebit and cheese on toast?
Classic cheese on toast is simply sliced or grated cheese melted on bread. A traditional Welsh rarebit is a much more complex dish, featuring a savory sauce or paste made from a base of cheese, egg, and flavorings like mustard and Worcestershire sauce, which is then spread on the toast and grilled.
Do I have to use crème fraîche?
No. You can substitute the crème fraîche with an equal amount of double (heavy) cream or even a very thick, full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier result.
Is English mustard powder the same as regular mustard?
English mustard powder is very fine and pungent. It provides a classic, sharp heat. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with about 1 tablespoon of a strong, smooth English or Dijon mustard.
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Welsh rarebit with attitude Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
7
minutes480
An easy and elevated take on the classic Welsh rarebit, featuring a rich, savory Cheddar and crème fraîche topping, a layer of sweet and spicy chilli jam, all grilled until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
4 thick slices of sourdough or country-style bread
4 tbsp chilli jam or chutney
Topping: 2 large egg yolks, 150g crème fraîche, 1 tsp English mustard powder, 100g grated Cheddar cheese.
Garnish: Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Directions
- Preheat your grill (broiler) to high.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, crème fraîche, and mustard powder. Stir in the grated Cheddar and season with salt and pepper.
- Lightly toast the bread slices on both sides.
- Spread a tablespoon of chilli jam on each slice of toast.
- Top each slice with a quarter of the cheese mixture, spreading it to the edges.
- Place under the hot grill and cook until the topping is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Score a criss-cross pattern on top and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce before serving immediately.
Notes
- Spreading the cheese mixture right to the very edge of the bread is the secret to preventing the crusts from burning under the hot grill.
- This is a quick and impressive lunch or a hearty snack, perfect with a cold beer.
- The rarebit topping can be made a couple of days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- For the best melt, grate your own Cheddar cheese from a block.