Delicious Welsh Rarebit Bread: A Cheesy Delight
What’s up, cooking enthusiasts! Are you ready to go on a culinary journey to the British Isles with me? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my favorite recipes – Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe. Trust me, this dish is not your average cheese on toast recipe. It is as authentic and traditional as it gets when it comes to Welsh cuisine.
Welsh Rarebit has been a staple dish in Britain since the 18th century, and it’s easy to see why. The unique blend of sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard creates a mouthwatering sauce that is perfect for smothering over toasted bread or roasted vegetables.
But what if we take it up a notch and add bread to the mix? That’s where Welsh Rarebit Bread comes in. This recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by combining Rarebit Sauce with freshly baked brown Welsh bread. Each bite will have you experiencing the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and breadiness that will get your taste buds dancing in delight.
So whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or simply craving comfort food, this Welsh Rarebit Bread recipe will not disappoint. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Alright my foodie friends, listen up because I’m about to drop some knowledge on you. Today we’re talking about the Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe – and let me tell you, this is a recipe you’ll definitely want to try!
First off, let’s talk about the taste. This recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The sharp cheddar cheese mixed with Worcestershire sauce creates a sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s salty, tangy, and has a little kick of spiciness from the dry mustard. When spread over toasted bread, it creates a delectable combination that you won’t be able to get enough of.
But it’s not just the flavor that makes this recipe so great, it’s the texture too. The bread is soft and chewy while the rarebit sauce adds a creamy richness that takes it over the top. It’s like a grilled cheese sandwich on steroids – who wouldn’t love that?
Another reason this recipe is a must-try is its versatility. Whether you’re having a lazy brunch at home or entertaining guests for dinner, Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe can work wonders for any mealtime situation. It’s easy to make, yet still feels like a fancy dish worthy of any restaurant.
Plus, there’s nothing quite like biting into some delicious brown Welsh rarebit – especially knowing it’s been handmade by you! In fact, why not make it a tradition in your household and celebrate Rarebit Day with some mouthwatering Welsh cheese toast?
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to the kitchen and whip up some of this traditional Welsh food. Trust me, once you’ve tried this perfect Welsh rarebit recipe on bread – you won’t look back!
Ingredient List
Before we start, here’s a list of ingredients that will make our Welsh Rarebit Bread recipe delicious and easy to make:
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1 cup warm milk (110-115°F/43-46°C)
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1 package (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 ½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter or margarine
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8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
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2 teaspoons dry mustard or English mustard powder
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Note: if you want to add a twist to your classic Welsh Rarebit bread, you can add some ingredients such as leek, bacon, or herbs like thyme.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get into the fun part. Where the Welsh Rarebit loaf transforms into a masterpiece of flavors. Here’s what you need to do to make this Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of warm milk and 1 tsp of sugar until dissolved. Add 2 ¼ tsp of active dry yeast or bread machine yeast, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form. If the mixture doesn’t bubble, you may need to use fresher yeast or warmer milk.
Step 2: Mix Dough Ingredients
Next, In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour with 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of mustard powder. Mix in the activated yeast mixture, and 2 tbsp of melted margarine or unsalted butter until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use an electric mixer with the dough hook attachment to knead for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Let it Rise
Place the kneaded dough back into a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Make The Rarebit Sauce
Skip the fancy cheese toast, we’ll be making our own rarebit sauce from scratch. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in 2 tsp of dry mustard powder and whisk until smooth. Add in 2/3 cups of milk and continue to whisk until the mixture is heated through. Slowly add in 1 1/2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese in three parts, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Finally, add in 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce and combine well.
Step 6 Assembling the Bread
Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Take out the risen dough and punch it down gently to release air pockets. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle with a thickness of about ½ inch.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you someone who loves to experiment with recipes and make them your own? If so, then this section is for you! Although the Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe I have shared with you is absolutely delicious as it is, there is always room to switch things up a bit. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Cheese: While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, feel free to use other types of cheese too. A mature cheddar, stilton or even gruyere could work well!
– Leek: Add some diced leeks to the rarebit mixture to give it an extra burst of flavor and texture.
– Worcestershire Sauce: Want to make your rarebit sauce more tangy? Try adding extra Worcestershire sauce or even some hot sauce.
– Vegetarian: Make this recipe vegetarian-friendly by swapping out the Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian alternative.
– Bread: Use any kind of bread that you enjoy eating. Sourdough bread, French baguettes or even rye bread would all be great options!
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the dish your own. Don’t be afraid to try out new ingredients or add your own personal touch to this delicious Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe!
Serving and Pairing
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Trust me, once you sink your teeth into this delicious Welsh Rarebit Bread recipe, you’ll be hooked for life. The savory and robust flavors of the rarebit sauce mixed with the bread are out of this world. The bread works perfectly as an appetizer, side dish or even a meal in itself – it’s that good.
For a brunch, try pairing the Welsh Rarebit Bread with scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage – a classic combo that never gets old. For lunch or dinner, this bread pairs well with soups or stews. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables, which will bring out all the flavors even more.
If you’re looking for a fun snack to enjoy during game night or movie night at home, slice up some Welsh Rarebit Bread and serve it with some refreshing beverages or a glass of beer. It’s perfect for dipping into a creamy dip, hummus or even some zesty salsa.
Whatever you choose to pair this tasty bread with, I guarantee it will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to serve up to friends and family. So make sure you have plenty of ingredients on hand and get ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have mastered the art of making Welsh Rarebit Bread, let’s talk about how to store and reheat it for maximum enjoyment.
If you want to make-ahead, you can freeze the bread once it cools down completely. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, this way the moisture won’t get in. When it’s time for serving, thaw the frozen Welsh Rarebit Bread overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a pre-heated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warm throughout.
To store the bread, cool it thoroughly and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for around three days. If you want to retain its freshness and prevent spoilage, you can also store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
But let’s be honest, nothing beats freshly baked bread. So if you have leftover slices, I recommend reheating them on a skillet with a pat of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until crispy on both sides. This gives it that extra crunch that takes your taste buds right up to the edge!
One important thing to note when reheating your Welsh Rarebit Bread is that they can dry out pretty quickly. That’s why storing them appropriately is so important to begin with! And when warming or reheating, use low heat and cover loosely to retain moisture.
Following these tips will ensure that you get to enjoy the taste of traditional Welsh food any day of the week without losing flavor or texture!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect Welsh Rarebit Bread takes a bit of practice, but with a few tips, you’ll be able to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Here are some tips for getting the perfect results every time:
1. Don’t overmix the dough: When making bread, it’s important not to overmix the dough because it can make it tough. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined, and then let them rest.
2. Use sharp cheddar cheese: The key to a great Welsh Rarebit Bread is using sharp cheddar cheese that has been grated freshly. Using pre-shredded or processed cheese can affect the texture and taste of the bread.
3. Let the dough rise: Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size before baking. This will help the bread to become fluffy and light.
4. Watch your oven temperature: Keep an eye on your oven temperature when baking bread. Too hot of an oven can cause uneven baking and potentially burn your bread.
5. Brush with melted butter: Once cooked, brush the top of your Welsh Rarebit Bread with melted butter, as this adds flavor and makes it even more delicious.
6. Pair with leeks: Welsh Rarebit Bread pairs well with leeks – adding them to the recipe or serving as a side dish is sure to add flavor to your meal.
7. Serve warm: For best results, serve warm or toasted Welsh Rarebit Bread almost immediately after it’s baked so that everyone can enjoy its cheesy goodness while it’s still fresh.
With these tips at hand, you’ll be able to create the perfect Welsh Rarebit Bread recipe that will leave everyone asking for more!
FAQ
Before we conclude this article, let’s quickly go through some frequently asked questions about the Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe. These questions will help you understand some of the common queries and concerns people have while making this delicious dish. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section!
What is rarebit sauce made of?
A savoury sauce known as Welsh rarebit is often made by combining ingredients such as butter, milk, beer, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, ground black pepper, all-purpose flour, salt, and Cheddar cheese.
What is the difference between Welsh rarebit and cheese on toast?
Contrary to popular belief, welsh rarebit is not just a fancy name for cheese on toast. While cheese on toast is simply made by grilling slices of cheese on top of toasted bread, welsh rarebit is a delectable grilled cheese sauce made from a combination of cheese, flour, beer, and sometimes even egg.
What cheese is in a traditional Welsh rarebit?
When it comes to creating a classic Welsh rarebit, there are several cheese options that work perfectly. While a sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, Double Gloucester, Cheshire and Lancashire are also excellent alternatives. However, I have a fondness for Caerphilly or Hafod cheese, as they possess a mild creaminess that gives a nod to the dish’s Welsh origins.
Is Welsh rarebit discontinued?
I appreciate your feedback about the Welsh Rarebit, but it is currently unavailable. However, I will make a note of your interest in seeing it return in the future.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe is an incredible dish that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. With its irresistible combination of sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and English mustard, this dish is the perfect marriage of flavors that make up traditional Welsh cuisine.
Whether you are looking for a tasty snack or an impressive main course to serve at your family meal or dinner party, Welsh rarebit bread is the way to go. And with the help of this easy-to-follow recipe, anyone can create a delicious and authentic Welsh rarebit experience right from their own kitchen.
So why not give this recipe a try and be part of the tradition of Welsh culture and cuisine? You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make and even more impressed with how amazing it tastes. So gather all the ingredients, set aside a little preparation time, and get ready to savor the flavor of Wales with this incredible Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe!
Welsh Rarebit Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons margarine, butter or 2 teaspoons cooking oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast or 1 teaspoon bread machine yeast
Instructions
- select loaf size on bread machine.
- add ingredients to the machine according to the manufacturer's directions.
- select the basic white bread cycle.
- note: I used the "dough" cycle only, put dough in regular bread pan and baked at 350 degrees in oven for 30-35 minutes. (Used 2 tsp of veg oil, garlic flavored worcestershire and garlic salt in place of plain worcestershire and plain salt.).
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.