Welsh Rarebit

Welsh Rarebit is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that puts a twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It features a rich and flavorful topping made with a seasoned Mornay sauce, which can be prepared in advance. This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack. Just make sure not to skip the final toasting step to maintain the perfect texture.

MAKES: At least 4 servings

TIME: About 20 minutes, plus time to cool

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
• 3/4 cup strong dark beer, like Guinness stout
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
• 1 pound cheddar or other English cheese (or a combination of good semihard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère), grated
• 4 to 8 slices lightly toasted bread

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant (about 3 to 5 minutes).
2. Add the dry mustard and cayenne to the saucepan, then whisk in the beer and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is uniform.
3. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated cheese, whisking until smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat and pour it into a baking dish or a deep, wide bowl to set. If desired, you can refrigerate the cheese mixture for up to a day at this point.
4. Preheat the broiler and place the lightly toasted bread slices on a large baking sheet.
5. Toast one side of the bread under the broiler, ensuring even browning by moving the slices as needed. Flip the slices and return them to the broiler briefly to dry them out slightly.
6. Spread the cheese mixture thickly and evenly onto the untoasted side of the bread slices.
7. Place the topped slices back under the broiler for one final time until the mixture becomes bubbly and the bread turns crisp.
8. Remove from the broiler and serve the Welsh Rarebit immediately.

VARIATIONS:

• Add sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon on top of the cheese mixture before broiling for extra flavor and texture.
• Substitute the beer with white wine or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Experiment with different types of cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations.

USES:

• Enjoy Welsh Rarebit as a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish.
• Serve it as a hearty lunch alongside a fresh salad or soup.
• Indulge in Welsh Rarebit as a comforting late-night snack.

Welsh Rarebit is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With its rich, cheesy topping and perfectly toasted bread, it’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your cravings. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or as a late-night treat, Welsh Rarebit is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in this delightful dish today.