A Danish cheese for an Irish recipe? Rather intriguing, no? Or are you more confused about why it’s called ‘Irish Rarebit’ when you’ve probably only ever heard of Welsh Rarebit?
Irish Rarebit vs. Welsh Rarebit. First of all, just to make sure you know that ‘rarebit’ is pronounced just like ‘rabbit’, although there is no rabbit involved.
Rarebit is essentially a glorified ‘cheese on toast’ recipe. Most people have probably heard of Welsh Rarebit, but I am one of those who had never heard of Irish Rarebit until I was perusing my Mrs. Beeton’s cookbook and was very intrigued when I saw it.
Irish Rarebit, unlike Welsh Rarebit has no beer, strangely enough, and includes a bit of a surprise ingredient with chopped gherkins. Many Welsh Rarebit recipes include an egg yolk or two, but I have never used eggs in my rarebit. And isn’t this a great idea for St. Patrick’s Day this week?
The Irish Rarebit was fabulous; accentuated by the flavors in the cheese, there really wasn’t any reason to add anything else. I hope you enjoy my recipe and are inspired to create your own using Herbs and Spice or another Havarti flavor you love!
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Feed Your Creativity — Irish Rarebit with Herbed Havarti
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s day with a simple Irish cheese toast, but with a twist of creamy, spiced Havarti cheese. adapted from a Mrs. Beeton recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 g) butter (1/4 stick)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) milk
- 8 oz (225 g) Herbs & Spice Havarti cheese, grated
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp prepared English mustard (or substitute your favorite mustard, or omit)
- freshly grated black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped gherkin or cornichons
- 4 pieces of thick crusty bread, toasted (I used my own No Knead Bread)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then add the milk and grated cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and becomes smooth. Add the vinegar, mustard, black pepper and gherkins; stir to combine and remove from heat.
- Allow to cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Preheat the broiler (grill) then place the four pieces of toast on a baking sheet and divide the cheese mixture evenly between them.
- Place under the broiler, until bubbly and hot; place on plates and serve with gherkins/cornichons and salad, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of herbed Havarti for the Irish Rarebit?
Yes, you can substitute herbed Havarti with another cheese, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change. A good alternative might be a sharp cheddar or a creamy gouda.
What can I use instead of gherkins in the recipe?
If you don’t have gherkins, you can use chopped dill pickles or even capers for a similar tangy flavor.
Is there a specific type of bread recommended for making Irish Rarebit?
A sturdy bread like sourdough or a thick-cut white bread works best, as it will hold up to the cheese mixture without becoming soggy.
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Ploughman’s Grilled Cheese with Apple Chile Chutney
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- Homemade Dill Cheese Crackers
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