rarebit

Rarebit, also known as Welsh rarebit, is a dish consisting of a savory sauce of melted cheese and other ingredients, served hot over toasted bread. While the exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have originated in Wales. The name "rarebit" is thought to be a humorous or perhaps euphemistic term for a dish that might otherwise be called "Welsh rabbit," implying that rabbit meat was not actually used.

The core ingredient of rarebit is cheese, typically a sharp cheddar, which is melted and combined with other elements to create a sauce. Common additions to the cheese sauce include ale or stout, Worcestershire sauce, mustard (often English mustard), and sometimes eggs or milk to thicken the mixture. The sauce is then poured over slices of toasted bread, which can be plain or grilled. Some variations involve baking the rarebit after pouring the sauce over the toast until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rarebit is a popular dish in the United Kingdom and Ireland, often served as a light meal, appetizer, or supper. It can also be seen on menus as a brunch item or a pub snack. Over time, numerous regional and personal variations have emerged, with different types of cheese and additional spices or ingredients being used. Despite these variations, the fundamental concept of melted cheese on toast remains consistent.