Somerset Welsh Rarebit

Indulge in the rich, savory perfection of Somerset Welsh Rarebit, a luxurious take on the classic British dish. This recipe features creamy Somerset aged cheddar cheese melted into a velvety sauce with dry cider, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for tangy depth. The mixture is spread over thick slices of crusty bread, then broiled to golden, bubbly perfection. Balanced with a glossy egg yolk finish and optional fresh chives for garnish, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick yet indulgent lunch, snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in just 25 minutes, this elegant comfort food celebrates the irresistible flavors of Somerset's finest ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams Somerset aged cheddar cheese
• 100 ml Dry cider
• 25 grams Unsalted butter
• 15 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large Egg yolk
• 4 pieces Thick slices of crusty bread
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Grate the Somerset aged cheddar cheese and set it aside.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (it should be smooth and golden in color).

Step 3

Gradually pour in the dry cider, whisking constantly to create a thick, smooth sauce.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the grated cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding the next.

Step 5

Once the cheese has melted into a velvety sauce, stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for 1 minute. Then, whisk in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. This will give the mixture a glossy finish and help it set under the broiler.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to broil (or grill setting if in the UK) and toast the slices of crusty bread on one side until golden brown. Place the untoasted side up on a baking sheet.

Step 8

Spread the cheese mixture generously over the untoasted sides of the bread, ensuring it covers the edges for an even, bubbling finish.

Step 9

Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the topping is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned in places. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 10

Remove the Somerset Welsh Rarebits from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped chives if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(433.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1509.3

Total Fat 93.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 269.6mg	0%
Sodium 3566.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.5g	0%
Total Sugars 10.0g
Protein 68.2g	0%

Vitamin D 42.9IU	0%
Calcium 1650.4mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 385.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.7%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 26.2%