The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade
Forget plain cheese on toast! We’re taking the classic Welsh rarebit to a whole new level of deliciousness. By gently sweating sweet leeks and folding them into a rich, sharp Cheddar béchamel, we create a topping that’s deeply savoury, wonderfully creamy, and utterly irresistible. This is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cosy lunch or a quick supper when you need a soul-warming hug in a meal.
Ingredients
• (Serves 4)
• 50g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 200g / 1.5 cups leeks, roughly chopped and well washed (about 3 medium)
• 50g / 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 200ml / scant 1 cup whole milk
• 120g / 1 cup mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 large egg yolks
• 4 thick slices of wholemeal or sourdough bread
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Brown sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Place a saucepan over a low heat and melt the butter. Add the chopped leeks and gently sweat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very soft and sweet but not browned.
2. Stir in the flour to coat the leeks and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to create a smooth, thick sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5. Fold in the grated Cheddar until it has melted, then stir in the egg yolks. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Preheat your grill (broiler) to a medium-high heat. Lightly toast the slices of bread on one side only.
7. Turn the bread over to the untoasted side and spread the leek and cheese sauce generously all the way to the edges.
8. Place the rarebits under the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the topping is golden, bubbling, and cooked through.
9. Serve immediately, with a drizzle of brown sauce if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 Rarebit SliceCalories: 450 kcalProtein: 20gFat: 28gCarbohydrates: 30gPlease note that this is an estimate and can vary based on the specific used.
Pro Tips
• For the best flavour, use a strong, sharp Cheddar. Grating your own cheese from a block will result in a smoother, better melt than using pre-shredded varieties.
• The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also fantastic baked over sliced jacket potatoes or stirred into pasta.
• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to the cheese mixture for an extra tangy flavour dimension.
• Use sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough or a rustic wholemeal loaf that can hold up to the rich topping without going soggy.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this leek Welsh rarebit vegan
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be fully vegan. Use a plant-based butter, a creamy dairy-free milk like oat or soy for the sauce, and a good-quality vegan Cheddar-style cheese that melts well. To replace the egg yolks, you can add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavour and colour.
Q: Is this vegetarian rarebit a good source of protein
A: Absolutely! This recipe provides approximately 20g of protein per serving, primarily from the mature Cheddar cheese, whole milk, and egg yolks. Choosing a high-protein wholemeal or sourdough bread can also help increase the overall protein content of your meal.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free
A: To make this leek Welsh rarebit gluten-free, simply use your favourite thick-cut gluten-free bread for the base. For the cheese sauce, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to thicken the béchamel.
Q: Can I prepare the leek and cheese sauce in advance
A: Yes, the cheese sauce is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply give it a good stir before spreading it on your toast to grill.
