Real Welsh Rarebit Recipe

Toasted bread: Provides the base for the dish, adding a crunchy texture.

Vegan cheese: The main ingredient for the sauce, offering a creamy and cheesy flavor.

Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps to create the roux for the sauce.

All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth consistency.

Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Plant-based milk: Provides the liquid base for the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of flavor with its unique blend of spices.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dish.

When making the cheese sauce, ensure to whisk the flour and vegan butter mixture continuously to avoid any lumps. Gradually adding the plant-based milk while whisking helps achieve a smooth consistency. For an extra depth of flavor, consider using a plant-based milk with a richer profile, such as oat milk or cashew milk.

• Toasted bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free bread works well and can be toasted just like regular bread.

• Shredded vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and can be combined with other ingredients to create a creamy texture.

• Vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can mimic the richness and texture of butter in the recipe.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is a good thickening agent and adds a slightly nutty flavor.

• Dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can be used if Dijon is not available, though it has a milder flavor.

• Plant-based milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy consistency that works well in sauces.

• Vegan worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor, though it lacks the tanginess of Worcestershire sauce.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used if you prefer a milder pepper flavor.

• Allow the cheese sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the sauce watery.
• Transfer the cooled cheese sauce into an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the cheese sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant-based milk if it becomes too thick.
• For freezing, pour the cooled cheese sauce into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer to save space.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The cheese sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the cheese sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy texture.
• If the cheese sauce separates after thawing, whisk it vigorously or use an immersion blender to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
• Store the toasted bread separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the toasted bread in a resealable plastic bag for up to 1 month.
• To reheat frozen toasted bread, place it directly in the toaster or oven until warmed through and crispy.
• Assemble the Welsh rarebit by reheating the cheese sauce and pouring it over the reheated toasted bread just before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegan butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover Welsh rarebit in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid to help retain moisture and heat evenly.
  5. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the bread is warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Welsh rarebit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese sauce from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. For a crispier texture, remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Welsh rarebit on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed, until the cheese sauce is hot and bubbly.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Welsh rarebit on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with a piece of aluminum foil to keep the cheese sauce from drying out.
  4. Heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. For a crispier finish, remove the foil for the last 2 minutes of heating.

• Saucepan: Use this to melt the vegan butter and cook the flour, creating a roux for the cheese sauce.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the flour into the melted butter and for ensuring a smooth mixture when adding the plant-based milk.

• Measuring cups: These will help you accurately measure the vegan cheese, plant-based milk, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the dijon mustard, vegan worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the cheese sauce and ensuring it doesn't stick to the bottom of the saucepan.

• Toaster: Use this to toast the bread slices to a perfect golden brown.

• Cutting board: Place the toasted bread on this for easy handling and serving.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the toasted bread if you prefer smaller pieces or for any other prep work.

• Serving plate: Present the finished Welsh Rarebit on this for an appealing presentation.

Pre-shred the cheese: Buy pre-shredded vegan cheese to save time on grating.

Use a microwave: Melt the vegan butter and vegan cheese in the microwave for quicker results.

Pre-toast the bread: Toast the bread slices in advance and keep them warm in the oven.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure the flour, plant-based milk, and seasonings to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot method: Use a single saucepan to melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and add the milk and cheese for easy cleanup.