What is Welsh rarebit?

Welsh rarebit is a traditional Welsh dish made by spooning a savory cheese sauce over toasted bread and broiling it until hot and bubbly. Despite its other name, Welsh rabbit, there is no rabbit—or any other woodland creature—involved!

Can I make Welsh rarebit without beer?

Absolutely. Replace the beer with the same amount of milk or use a nonalcoholic beer. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious, although it will have a slightly milder flavor.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Make the sauce up to a day ahead, let it cool and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if needed.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Use sturdy bread, toast it lightly and choose firm tomato slices. Assemble the rarebit just before broiling and serve it right away.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

Cheese sauce can turn grainy if it gets too hot. Keep the heat low when you add the cheddar, stir constantly and use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.

Can I leave out the bacon?

Of course! (Sob!) The bacon adds smoky flavor, but the tomato-and-cheese combination is still scrumptious without it. Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce too if you want the entire dish to be meat-free.

Have a question that I didn't cover?

Pop your question in the Comments section under the recipe card and I will answer pronto!

Tomato Bacon Welsh Rarebit

Name: Tomato Bacon Welsh Rarebit
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Welsh
Ingredients: 5 slices bread; 10 slices bacon, halved; 2 cups milk; 3/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups grated cheddar; 1/2 cup beer; 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 teaspoon mustard; 10 thick tomato slices; chopped parsley

Tomato Bacon Welsh Rarebit

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This classic dish of bread with melted cheese (also known as Welsh Rabbit) gets a flavor boost with this easy recipe for tomato bacon Welsh Rarebit!

Author: Kate Morgan Jackson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop and Oven
Cuisine: Welsh

Ingredients

Scale

5 slices bread
10 slices bacon, halved
2 cups milk
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups grated cheddar
1/2 cup beer
1/2 teaspoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon mustard
10 thick tomato slices
chopped parsley

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Instructions

Toast the bread until it is lightly browned. Set aside.
Cook the bacon until it is done to your liking. Set aside.
Heat milk in a small saucepan. Melt 1/4 cup butter in another saucepan, stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk hot milk into flour mixture, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add cheese, beer, tomato paste, Worcestershire and mustard and stir constantly over low heat until cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
Spread remaining butter on bread and place on broiler-proof pan or cookie sheet. Top bread with bacon, then tomato. Pour 1/2 cup cheese sauce over each bread slice. Broil until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
Garnish each with chopped parsley and serve, assuring diners that there are no bunnies involved.

Find it online: https://www.framedcooks.com/tomato-bacon-welsh-rarebit/