Cheese-Coated Toasted Baguette: Savor a Delicious Sauce Prep
Crack open a history lesson on the entertaining trip of Welsh rarebit, a popular appetizer that started life as a sneer, only to blossom into a beloved dish. This tantalizing treat is decked with a zesty cheese sauce and has all the makings of a knockout addition to your next get-together.
Originally christened with the tongue-twister "Welsh rabbit," the roots of its nickname remain hazy. Regardless of the reasoning, it's safe to say it wasn't a fond shoutout to Welsh folk. As the 18th century wore on, it became taboo to throw around derogatory labels in polite society. This change of perspective pushed the name from "rabbit" to "rarebit," signifying a select, scrumptious bite. Now, "rarebit" is a catchy term used to describe yummy pieces of toasted bread drowned in a tangy cheese sauce[1][2]. For the sake of your next shindig, we've opted for snazzy toasted baguette slices to put this old-timer on display[4].
ready to wine and dine? We've got a secret weapon up our sleeve: preparing the sauce ahead of time. Make the sauce up to a whopping four days in advance, let it take a chill pill in the fridge, and voila! The perfect pre-spread consistency[5].
For the cheaters out there, we won't judge if you skip toasting the baguette bread slices before layering on the sauce. No one will be any the wiser[4].
This recipe shone brightly in our Bar Snacks photo gallery and stole the show on our New Year's Eve Speakeasy Party menu[4].
Here's your recipe blueprint:
- Yields: 20 servings as scrumptious hors d'oeuvre delights!
- Difficulty: Medium difficulty level, but nothing a little enthusiasm can’t conquer!
- Total Time*: About 15 minutes of cook time, with 10 minutes spent on active chores[6].
Ingredients (8)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces aged farmhouse cheddar, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup porter or stout beer, such as Guinness
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder, such as Colman's
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 sweet baguette, cut into 1/4-inch slices and toasted
Instructions
- Pop the unsalted butter and flour into a medium saucepan and cook it over medium heat until it smells heavenly and turns golden in color, around 3 minutes[6].
- Add your finely chopped cheddar, porter or stout beer, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika. Stir all ingredients together, cook until the cheese has melted and formed a smooth masterpiece, expected to take around 3 more minutes[6]. If you've got advance planning on your side, transfer the mixture to a suitable container, let it cool, and refrigerate it- covered- for up to 4 days[5].
- Ready to finish off? Heat up your broiler to high heat and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Cover a baking sheet with foil, arrange your delectable toasted baguette slices on the sheet, and adorn each slice with 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture[6].
- Slip the tray under the broiler and broil the cheese mixture until it's bubbling and touches the ceiling with its delicious, darkened crust, around 1 to 2 minutes[6]. Serve this heavenly treat immediately!
Beverage pairings:
Why stop at appetizers? Pour yourself a glass of Brasserie Dupont Foret Organic Saison Ale, Belgium. While a dry white wine could be a splendid companion, this dish is a true beer lover's delight given it has beer in the sauce! This lively ale brims with vibrant springtime field aromas, making it the ultimate friend for your rarebit[7].
- The Welsh rarebit, a popular treat, is not only a delight for its zesty cheese sauce but also for its nutritional benefits, making it an agreement for a health-conscious yet delicious baking option.
- Delving deeper into the history of Welsh rarebit, it's interesting to note that this rarebit, originally denominated as "Welsh rabbit," evolved in the 18th century to be known as "rarebit," signifying a select, scrumptious bite.
- With a rich background and delightful taste, this Welsh rarebit recipe screams for a special occasion, standing out in photo galleries such as Bar Snacks and menus like the New Year's Eve Speakeasy Party.
