Rarebit is a simple but very popular dish. Essentially, it’s an elite version of cheese on toast. Toasted thick-cut bread covered in a cheese sauce made with mustard, spices, and ale. Rarebit has been popular since the 1500s. In Welsh, it is caws pobi, which translates as toasted cheese. I love rarebit! Here’s a brief history of Welsh Rarebit and my easy Rarebit recipe too!
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Welsh Cheese on Toast
Nobody’s quite sure how the name came about. But it’s generally believed to be a jest at the expense of the early poor of Wales, from the South Wales Valleys, who may largely have subsisted on rabbit and ale (though how this relates back to cheese on toast, I am not sure). The dish was considered a staple in the diets of Welsh men and women.
What is Welsh Rarebit?
So, what is in Welsh rarebit? It is a dish made with a savoury sauce of melted cheese and other ingredients, served hot after being poured over slices of toasted bread. Now, traditional Welsh rarebit is a treat found in restaurants. Welsh rarebit has humble beginnings, like most things, in Wales. Whilst in truth it was probably enjoyed by a large portion of the British nation. The Welsh have a fondness for the gastronomic delight – cheese on toast.
Does Welsh rarebit have rabbit in it?
A popular misconception or myth is that many believe there is Welsh rabbit in rarebit. Why is it called Welsh rarebit? Possibly because the words sound so similar. The first recorded reference to the dish dates back to 1725, when it was known as ‘Welsh rabbit’. Historians believe it caught on as a joke.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the English often gave laughably fanciful names to food. Especially if it was relevant to a region. The name change was probably an attempt to make it a more fitting dish. I personally think it was a language barrier or a strong Welsh accent that gave the dish its name.
Welsh Rarebit Place of Origin
While Welsh rarebit is widely accepted as originating in Wales, there is no definitive town or region credited with its invention. That said, areas with strong dairy traditions – such as Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, or the Welsh borders – may have been early adopters or popularisers of the dish, but no single town or region can claim exclusive origin.
A Welsh Rarebit Legend
A 16th-century tale recounts how God asked St. Peter to remove the Welsh from heaven, as they were causing a disturbance (there must have been a rugby match on that day!). St. Peter marched outside the Pearly Gates and shouted, “Caws pobi!” All of the Welsh men and women excitedly tumbled out of the gates (like a stampede to the bar at last orders!). The gates were slammed behind them.
National Welsh Rarebit Day
Annually, on 3rd September, it is Welsh Rarebit Day. It is the perfect opportunity for Welsh restaurants and food establishments to promote their local menus, and celebrate this national dish.
How will you be celebrating Welsh rarebit day?
Will you be indulging this Welsh rarebit day? Please share your thoughts on the national dish or the recipe in the comments below. Similarly, DM me on Instagram @RealGirlsWobble.
Easy Welsh Rarebit Recipe
For cheese on toast with attitude, here’s my recipe for rarebit, which serves 2 people.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set aside 1 heaped tablespoon of grated cheese. Mix the remaining ingredients with the egg, beer or milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and cayenne into a thick paste.
- Preheat the grill to high and toast the bread on both sides.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top and then sprinkle the reserved cheese over it.
- Pop in an air fryer or grill until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown. Serve immediately.
What to Serve with Welsh Rarebit
Most people have it on its own. However, it’s great with a sprinkle of Worcestershire Sauce. Have it alongside:
- A rocket and watercress dressed with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- A fried egg, with a runny yolk.
- Homemade chips that can be dipped into the cheesy sauce.
- Green salad with creamy coleslaw.
- Tomato and red onion salad.
- Pickled onions, piccalili or gherkins.
- Apple slices and chutney.
- Crispy bacon, pancetta or gammon slices.
- Sausages or black pudding.
- Grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.
- Baked beans.
- Serve with soup, such as tomato, leek, and potato, or French onion.
- Don’t forget the glass of red wine to wash it down with!
- It also pairs well with ale, stout, cider, dry white wine and a strong builder’s tea.
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One of my all-time favourite dishes! I would possibly add pickle, rather than Worcester sauce, but could be persuaded either way 🙂
I love it too! Would you use a chunky pickle?
For sure 🙂