10-Minute Welsh Rarebit Recipe (aka Welsh Rabbit) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

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This Welsh Rarebit recipe (aka Welsh Rabbit) is a classic British dish of smooth, velvety, and savory cheese sauce that's broiled on toasted bread. It’s hearty, satisfying comfort food that whips up in just 10 minutes.

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The first time I heard of Welsh Rarebit (aka Welsh Rabbit) was in 2010. I was at the library with my then 6-year-old niece for our regular Saturday “girls’ day out” after grabbing a hot cocoa at Tim Hortons. She was happily playing her favorite game on the computer – Miss Spider – and I was contentedly thumbing through a stack of old cookbooks.

It was then that I happened on a recipe for a dish called “Welsh Rabbit”. I had heard of it before, but I never knew exactly what it was. I always assumed it was rabbit stew or something similar. And because I wasn’t too keen on the idea of eating bunny I never explored the recipe any further.

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After reading the recipe in that old cookbook, I was surprised to find that it didn’t include rabbit or meat of any kind. Actually, it looked quite delicious. Welsh Rarebit is basically fondue on toast. And it's very easy to make!

I’ve been making different versions of this dish since then. Sometimes I’ll top it with a poached egg (which I found out later is a thing! According to Britannica it's called buck rarebit, and as per Wikipedia it's buck rabbit). Other times I’ll wilt some greens like spinach or kale and use them as a bed for the cheese sauce. I’ve played with the type of beer and used lager (light-colored beer) instead of a dark ale. It’s always delicious.

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In This Article

Is Welsh Rarebit the Same as Cheese on Toast?

Well, yes and no.

It is cheese on toast, but not just plain cheese on toast.

It’s a delicious thick and creamy savory cheese sauce on toast.

And the sauce makes all the difference! It’s smooth, rich, velvety, and packed with flavor.

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What is Welsh Rarebit?

Also called Welsh Rabbit, this classic British dish is comprised of a complex-flavored velvety-smooth cheese sauce on toasted bread.

The origin of this dish is unclear and often debated; however, it's thought that it was originally called Welsh Rabbit, even though it didn't contain rabbit. And it's said it may not even be a Welsh dish! According to Martha Stewart, back in the 17th and 18th centuries when this dish originated, the term "welsh" referred to something that was a substitute for the real thing! Here, the substitute being cheese sauce for rabbit.

But no matter what the story is behind it, this dish is now part of classic British fare. Pair it with a pint for pub food at its finest, and nowadays you can also find it on the menu at elegant cafés.

The star of the show here is the sauce. The sauce is magic.

It starts out with a roux (butter + flour) and then has a liquid added. Typically, a dark ale is used, but you can also use a lager (a lighter colored beer) or even milk or broth if you don't want to use beer. Spices and seasonings commonly include some form of mustard (like mustard powder or Dijon mustard), Worcestershire sauce, and paprika and/or cayenne pepper. And then lots and lots of cheese!

My favorite cheese to use for this classic comfort food is sharp white cheddar. But use what feels right to you.

Also, I like to add a splash of heavy whipping cream at the end to make the cheese sauce extra smooth, but this is optional.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast - You’re just 10 minutes away from the best cheese toast of your life. And it's such an easy recipe, you'll want to add it to your regular meal rotation.
  • Affordable - It’s mostly made of bread and cheese. And you can even use day-old bread since it’s toasted anyway.
  • Forgiving - You can use any type of bread you have on hand and whatever kind of cheese you think will be good. I’ve also swapped out the porter for lager, or milk, or chicken stock and had great results each time.
  • Delicious - This savory cheese sauce strikes the perfect balance; it packs a punch of flavor without any one component taking over. A friend of mine in the UK told me it's the best rarebit recipe she's tried!
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Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients Explained

In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas where applicable. For the full recipe (including the ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.

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Welsh Rarebit Sauce Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter - We use butter and flour to make a roux, which thickens the sauce. You can use salted butter instead of salted, and just cut down a little bit on the amount of added salt.
  • Flour - Use all-purpose flour here.
  • Porter beer - Porter is a type of dark ale that hails from London. Porters are known for their hoppy, roasted malt flavor. However, if you prefer, you can use light ale, lager, milk, broth, or stock (chicken stock adds rich flavor).
  • Worcestershire sauce - This fermented savory condiment is a not-so-secret secret ingredient in a lot of British recipes that adds a certain je ne sais quoi. It provides umami complexity, and I love using it in dishes that have cheese or beef (such as British Beef and Ale Stew).
  • Dried mustard powder - Mustard powder adds a subtle piquancy and helps cut through the richness of the cheese. If you don't have dried mustard powder, you can use Dijon mustard instead.
  • Onion powder - Onion powder adds savory depth of flavor.
  • Salt and black pepper - These pantry-staple seasonings add a ton of flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper - Cayenne pepper is optional. I don't add enough to make the Welsh rarebit sauce spicy hot; rather, just enough to add balance and round out the richness. You can substitute with paprika if you want the red color and subtle fruity flavor note without the heat.
  • Sharp white cheddar - Use your favorite English cheddar for maximum effect. But really, any good-quality sharp white cheddar is delicious here.
  • Heavy whipping cream - I like to add a touch of heavy cream to the cheese sauce at the end of cooking for the perfect texture. You can omit it if you prefer.

Other Ingredients

  • Sliced bread - I like to use rustic sourdough or rye bread here, but you can use any type of bread you like.
  • Minced fresh chives - We use chives as a garnish to add a pop of green color and light onion flavor.

How to Make Welsh Rarebit Sauce

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  1. Add the butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Continue cooking for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the porter, whisking until smooth, and bring to a boil (about 10 seconds). Stir in the Worcestershire, dried mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Whisk in the shredded cheddar a handful at a time until melted and well-combined.
  4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

How to Make Welsh Rarebit

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  1. Place the toasted bread slices on a baking tray. Drizzle the cheese on top of the toast.
  2. Broil until the cheese is light golden (stay with it, this happens fast). Sprinkle the chives on top and serve warm.
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Tips

At first glance, this dish looks carb-heavy (which it is in its traditional form). However, this posh cheese toast recipe is actually very easy to adapt to just about any way of eating, including a low carb diet!

  • Vegetarian Version - Make sure to use vegan Worcestershire sauce because this fermented condiment usually contains anchovies.
  • Gluten Free Variation - Omit the all-purpose flour, and instead toss the shredded cheddar with 1 tablespoon cornstarch before adding it to the sauce. In place of porter, use a gluten free beer that you enjoy the flavor of, or go for vegetable or chicken stock. Use whatever gluten free bread strikes your fancy.
  • Low Carb and Keto Friendly - Omit the all-purpose flour and use 2 ounces of room temperature cream cheese. Instead of porter, use your favorite keto-friendly beer or broth or stock. Skip the sourdough or rye, and make these open-face sandwiches on homemade keto bread.
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What to Serve with Traditional Welsh Rarebit

  • Cherry tomatoes (fresh or try roasted tomatoes with balsamic and garlic)
  • Salad greens dressed with vinaigrette (make the best salad dressing recipe)
  • Garlic Roasted Mushrooms
  • Creamy Brussels Sprouts Salad
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Let's Connect

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10-Minute Welsh Rarebit Recipe (aka Welsh Rabbit)

By: Faith Gorsky

This Welsh Rarebit recipe (aka Welsh Rabbit) is a classic British dish of smooth, velvety, and savory cheese sauce that's broiled on toasted bread. It’s hearty, satisfying comfort food that whips up in just 10 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine British

Servings 4 servings

Calories 459 kcal

Ingredients

Beer Cheese Sauce:

Other:

  • 4 large slices sourdough bread toasted lightly
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

Beer Cheese Sauce:

  • Add the butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 30 seconds.

  • Add the porter, whisking until smooth, and bring to a boil (about 10 seconds).

  • Stir in the Worcestershire, dried mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  • Whisk in the shredded cheddar a handful at a time until melted and well-combined.

  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

To Make the Cheese Toast:

  • Preheat the broiler.

  • Place the toasted bread slices on a baking tray. Drizzle the cheese on top of the toast.

  • Broil until the cheese is light golden (stay with it, this happens fast).

  • Sprinkle the chives on top and serve warm.

Faith's Tips

  • To Make This Without Beer: Omit the beer and use milk, vegetable stock, or chicken stock instead. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice along with the spices.
  • If You Need Less Than 4 Servings: You can make the cheese sauce and just pour it onto 1 slice of toast and broil it. Store the leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You don't have to reheat the leftover cheese sauce; simply spread it on toast (it will be thick) and broil.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

10-Minute Welsh Rarebit Recipe (aka Welsh Rabbit)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 459Calories from Fat 225

% Daily Value*

Fat 25g38%

Saturated Fat 14g88%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 66mg22%

Sodium 851mg37%

Potassium 156mg4%

Carbohydrates 40g13%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 18g36%

Vitamin A 773IU15%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 348mg35%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Cheese Toast, How to Make Welsh Rarebit, Welsh Rabbit, Welsh Rarebit, Welsh Rarebit Ingredients, Welsh Rarebit Recipe, Welsh Rarebit Sauce

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on February 9, 2010 and updated on February 26, 2024.

10-Minute Welsh Rarebit Recipe (aka Welsh Rabbit) (2024)

FAQs

Is it Welsh rabbit or Welsh rarebit? ›

Welsh rarebit or Welsh rabbit (/ˈrɛərbɪt/ or /ˈræbɪt/) is a dish of hot cheese sauce served on toasted bread. The original 18th-century name of the dish was the jocular "Welsh rabbit", which was later reinterpreted as "rarebit", as the dish contains no rabbit.

What is the difference between Welsh rarebit and Scottish rarebit? ›

Scottish Rarebit started with buttered, toasted bread. Slices of cheese were placed on top to be broiled. Welsh Rarebit was similar to the Scottish version only the bread had both butter and mustard. There have been several versions added over the years.

Is Welsh rarebit a rabbit dish cooked in England? ›

Welsh rarebit is a savory dish comprised of a hot cheese sauce served over toast that is then grilled or broiled. It originated in 18th century Great Britain as "Welsh rabbit," but the name was eventually changed to avoid confusion. (There is no rabbit in this dish.)

Is Welsh rarebit discontinued? ›

We've discontinued our Welsh Rarebit, Robert. We're glad you enjoyed it though and will take note that you'd like to see it back!

Is Welsh rarebit just cheese on toast? ›

Is welsh rarebit just cheese on toast? No! Cheese on toast is made by grilling slices of pure cheese on toasted bread whereas welsh rarebit is a grilled cheese based sauce made from cheese, flour, beer and often added egg.

How do you make James Martin Welsh rarebit? ›

Method
  1. Preheat the grill to high.
  2. To make the rarebit, gently melt the cheese in a pan, then add all the remaining ingredients, carefully stirring. ...
  3. Toast the white bread spread with chutney, then top with the bacon then the rarebit and grill for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Jan 18, 2021

Does Welsh rarebit give you nightmares? ›

McCay used it despite its relative innocuousness: cultural theorist Scott Bukatman states rarebit was not the sort of dish a person would associate with having nightmares, thereby demonstrating his unfamiliarity with a belief long held - particularly in England - that the consumption of cheese - and more especially ...

What is a substitute for beer in Welsh rarebit? ›

This classic Welsh rarebit makes a great lunch or brunch dish. You can use your favorite local beer, mustard, and any strong Cheddar cheese in this recipe. If you don't like beer, you can replace it with milk; it will still taste great!

What kind of beer is best for Welsh rarebit? ›

The type of beer used in Welsh rarebit can be a contentious subject; some prefer the bold flavor of a porter, while some like the more subtle bitterness of a brown ale.

What is rabbit meat called in a restaurant? ›

In restaurants, rabbit meat is often called “coney” or “lapin.” “Coney,” derived from the Anglo-Norman term, was commonly used in medieval England, while “lapin,” a French term, is widely used in contemporary fine dining establishments.

What is the national dish of the Welsh? ›

Cawl, pronounced "cowl", can be regarded as Wales' national dish. Dating back to the 11th century, originally it was a simple broth of meat (most likely lamb) and vegetables, it could be cooked slowly over the course of the day whilst the family was out working the fields.

What does Welsh rarebit taste like? ›

The Cheese Sauce

“It's typically a cheese sauce, like a bechamel or mornay, and you can flavor it from that point however you wish.” Common inclusions in recipes for rarebit are elements that deepen and enhance the cheese sauce flavor such as beer, Worcestershire, mustard, cayenne, or nutmeg.

What is Stouffer's Welsh rarebit? ›

This Stouffer's Welsh Rarebit microwave dish includes creamy cheese sauce made with 100% real cheddar cheese. This creamy and delicious classic frozen dish has been a favorite for over 60 years, and is sure to satisfy every taste bud.

What is a fact about Welsh rarebit? ›

A popular legend suggests that the meat-based name for this meatless dish stems from Welsh peasants for whom cheese was a substitute for the meat they could not afford. Whatever its origins, the dish is today a staple of British fare and a common pub food, often paired with a pint of beer or ale.

Can I freeze Welsh rarebit? ›

We would not recommend freezing any of our rarebits as this will affect the quality.

Why do they call it Welsh rarebit? ›

A popular legend suggests that the meat-based name for this meatless dish stems from Welsh peasants for whom cheese was a substitute for the meat they could not afford. Whatever its origins, the dish is today a staple of British fare and a common pub food, often paired with a pint of beer or ale.

What is the word for cheese in Welsh? ›

The Welsh word 'caws' and the English word 'cheese' both come from the latin 'caseus' and originally from the Indo-European 'kwat' meaning to ferment, become sour.

What is Welsh Buck or elegant rarebit? ›

Classic Welsh, Buck Rarebit or Elegance. Elegance being Classic Welsh with addition of poached egg and rashers of bacon. Buck being just the egg added. Which ever you have you will not be dissappointed.

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