What Is Welsh Rarebit Anyways?
Updated: Jan. 21, 2023
Don't worry, Welsh rarebit has nothing to do with bunnies! You'll definitely want to have this cheesy treat in your recipe repertoire.
After watching our fair share of British cooking shows (Great British Baking Show, anyone?) we’ve started to become aware of a few delicacies from across the pond, including Welsh rarebit. But we’ll be honest, we’ve heard the name, but we didn’t know quite what this dish was, so we had to do some digging.
What is a rarebit?
The original name for this dish was, in fact, “Welsh rabbit,” though it has nothing to do with bunnies. In an attempt to reduce confusion, the name was altered to “rarebit,” but it can still trip up us American folks that are unfamiliar with the dish.
The dish itself is made with a blend of melted cheese mixed with savory spices. This mix is then poured over slices of toasted bread, often with tomatoes or bacon on top. It makes a great breakfast, easy cheesy appetizer (here are 50 more!) or just a nice snack for a cold, rainy day.
Where is it from?
Originating in 18th century Great Britain, it is believed to first appear in The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy (1747), written by Hannah Glasse. In the book, she offers readers four recipes:
- Scotch rabbit: toasted bread with slices of melted cheese
- Welch rabbit: toasted bread with slices of melted cheese and mustard
- English rabbit: toasted bread soaked in red wine with slices of melted cheese
- English rabbit: toasted bread soaked in red and white wine with slices of melted cheese and mustard
Over time, the recipe has evolved into what we know today.
How to make it yourself
Toasty, cheesy and easily customizable, you’ll definitely want to start whipping up a rarebit or two for yourself.
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (we recommend an aged yellow cheddar for optimal color and flavor)
- 4 slices white bread, toasted (here’s a basic homemade bread recipe we go back to time and time again)
- 12 bacon strips, cooked and drained
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- To make your Welsh rarebit, melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then stir in the flour until it’s nice and smooth. Then stir in your milk. Bring this to a boil and stir for about two minutes or until thick.
- Reduce the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, pepper and cheese. Cook this until the cheese is melted.
- Plate up by placing your toast on a plate with a few strips of bacon, a slice of tomato and then top with the cheese.
This recipe only takes minutes and is darn near irresistible.
Want more quick appetizers? Try these!
Homemade GuacamoleGuacamole is a natural appetizer to serve before a Mexican-inspired feast, but it's so delicious as a snack, it doesn't really matter what you're serving for dinner. Make your own tortilla chips a day in advance if you want a fully from-scratch app.
Tomato-Goat Cheese SpreadSoft, creamy goat cheese makes an ideal base for spreads since it's so easy to blend with flavorings. Here, both sun-dried tomatoes and their juices are used to flavor the cheese. Serve with mild-tasting crackers to let the full-flavored dip shine.
Strawberry SalsaDid you know that strawberries and tomatoes have similar flavor profiles? It's strange but true! Adding sliced strawberries to classic tomato salsa ingredients brings extra sweetness and makes the salsa more versatile. It's still great with corn chips, and especially tasty paired with cheese and crackers.
Peanut Butter Granola PinwheelsThis homey peanut butter roll-up is a fun appetizer for a kid's party or a family dinner. It's also super simple. Spread peanut butter and honey (or jam or jelly) on a tortilla, sprinkle with granola, and roll.
Peachy Jalapeno GuacamoleTired of the same ol' guacamole? We love peaches in savory recipes! Try this spicy-sweet variation of guacamole. Stirring juicy chunks of peach and minced jalapeno into the dipping bowl adds morsels of exciting flavor that perks up the palate.
Artichoke Caprese PlatterThis simple-to-assemble salad combines the flavors of two favorite restaurant appetizers: artichoke dip and Caprese salad. The result is a fresh, but hearty, appetizer perfect for eating al fresco.
Brownie Batter DipWho hasn't snuck a taste of brownie batter off the mixing spoon? This chocolately dip recreates that special treat, without the raw eggs. Serve with sliced apples, Animal Crackers or pretzels.
German Beer Cheese SpreadIf you've only ever had store-bought cheese spread, you've got to make this recipe. By blending cubed cheese, Worcestershire sauce, spices and your favorite beer, you can control the texture and flavor. Super creamy? Grab a softer cheese, or add a splash more beer. Super spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or green chile.
Layered Hummus DipThis fresh, healthy appetizer recipe is the perfect spread for a sticky summer day. Cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, crumbled feta cheese is irresistably savory, and fresh tomatoes complete any summer recipe.
By the way, here's how to make hummus from scratch.
Hot Pizza DipServe an array of crackers or breadsticks with this crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The pizza dip is as customizable as real pizza—add your favorite chopped veggies or pepperoni to the bowl if you like.
Dill Vegetable DipThis may be the most formal recipe in this roundup, but it requires only five minutes of prep time. Assembling sliced crudités vertically in individual cups makes for a striking presentation that's also practical, packaging both dip and veggies in a single-serving dish.
Mom’s Vegetable DipDips don't get much smoother than this creamy treat. The secret? Thinning the cream cheese base with a bit of milk, ensuring that even the most delicate potato chip can dunk without breaking.
Bacon Cheese SpreadThis is the dip bowl that will go quickest at any party, on any occasion, guaranteed. A blend of mayo, cheese and bacon is definitely rich, but chopped raw onion adds a sharp brightness that keeps it from tasting too heavy.
Spinach Dip in a Bread BowlThe special ingredient in this chunky spinach dip? A packet of ranch seasoning! Serving the dip in a bread bowl adds a wow factor, but it will taste just as good in a plain bowl.
Chunky Blue Cheese DipFunky blue cheese has a strong flavor, so it's ideal to enjoy as an appetizer. It tastes great with both savory and sweet dippers, like fresh apple slices or potato chips.
Next Up: What Is a Relish Tray and What Should You Put on It?
Originally Published: June 21, 2018
