Description
Irish Rarebit is a delicious twist on the classic Welsh Rarebit, featuring a rich and creamy melted Irish cheddar cheese sauce seasoned with mustard, vinegar, and gherkins, served warm over toasted bread. This comforting dish is perfect as a savory snack or a light meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- 1 oz butter (1/4 stick)
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 8 oz Irish cheddar (like Kerrygold Dubliner or another melty cheese)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp English mustard (prepared, or substitute your favorite mustard, or omit)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (freshly grated, to taste)
- 2 Tbsp gherkin (or cornichons, chopped)
To Serve
- 4 slices bread (good quality, toasted)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Add Milk and Cheese: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the milk and grated cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Season the Cheese Mixture: Stir in the white vinegar, prepared mustard, freshly grated black pepper, and chopped gherkins. Combine thoroughly, then remove the saucepan from heat.
- Preheat Broiler and Prepare Toast: Allow the cheese mixture to cool slightly while stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, preheat your oven broiler (grill) and arrange the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Broil the Rarebit: Spoon and evenly divide the cheese mixture over each toast slice. Place the baking sheet under the broiler until the cheese topping is bubbly and hot, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, transfer to plates, and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra gherkins or serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Welsh Rarebit using Irish cheddar for a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Use good quality bread such as sourdough or a rustic white to enhance the texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread with gluten-free toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 749 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
