Name: Irish Rarebit (St Patrick’s Day Menu Idea) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 oz butter (¼ stick); 3 Tbsp milk; 8 oz Irish cheddar cheese (such as Kerrygold Dubliner or any melty cheese), grated; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1 tsp English mustard (prepared mustard, or substitute your favorite mustard, or omit); ⅛ tsp black pepper (freshly grated, to taste); 2 Tbsp gherkins or cornichons, chopped; 4 slices good quality bread, toasted; Extra gherkins/cornichons and salad (optional, for serving)

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Introduction

Irish Rarebit is a delicious twist on the classic Welsh rarebit, featuring rich Irish cheddar melted into a smooth, tangy cheese sauce. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy meal, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with toasted bread and pickles.

Ingredients

1 oz butter (¼ stick)
3 Tbsp milk
8 oz Irish cheddar (such as Kerrygold Dubliner or another melty cheese)
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp English mustard (prepared, or substitute your favorite mustard, or omit)
⅛ tsp black pepper (freshly grated, to taste)
2 Tbsp gherkin (or cornichons, chopped)
4 slices bread (good quality, toasted)

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then add the milk and grated cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the white vinegar, mustard, black pepper, and chopped gherkins. Combine well and remove the pan from heat.
Step 3: Let the cheese mixture cool slightly, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness. Meanwhile, preheat your broiler (grill).
Step 4: Place the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet and evenly spread the cheese mixture over them.
Step 5: Broil the cheese-topped toast until the mixture is bubbly and hot, usually a few minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve immediately, accompanied by extra gherkins or cornichons and a fresh salad if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a sharp Irish cheddar for the most flavorful rarebit, or experiment with a mix of cheddar and Dubliner cheese for extra depth.
For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Substitute the gherkins with pickled jalapeños for a tangy heat variation.
If you don’t have a broiler, finish the rarebit under a hot grill or in a hot oven until bubbly.

Storage

Irish Rarebit is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through, though toasted bread may lose some crispness.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a thick slice of toast covered with a thick, creamy layer of melted cheese mixed with small green pickles, giving it a slightly bumpy texture on top with specks of light brown seasoning. On the left side of the plate, there is a small salad made of fresh green and purple leafy vegetables with a glossy look. To the right of the toast, three small green pickles rest near an ornate silver fork. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with some green clover and stones visible in the background, and a woman's hand is about to pick up the fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find Irish cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute with a good-quality sharp cheddar or other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Red Leicester to maintain the rich flavor and smooth texture.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this Irish Rarebit recipe is vegetarian. Just ensure the bread and mustard used do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.