This is a nice quick and easy Vegan Welsh Rarebit recipe which creates a delicious fancy grilled cheese toast. Traditionally, Welsh rarebit was served as an after-dinner snack or as a nibble at the end of a dinner party, where the hostess would serve small pieces of rarebit to guests along with after-dinner coffee or tea. Our Scottish family enjoys rarebit for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a nice bowl of homemade soup.
Welsh rarebit is essentially an extra special grilled cheese on toast. Our dairy-free version features a thick, spreadable cheese-like sauce made with nutritional yeast flakes. For added cheesiness, we sprinkle grated dairy-free cheese on top. We also add a few thin slices of tomato for freshness and serve it with crisp salad leaves on the side. Perfect for lunch or dinner alongside a bowl of home-made tomato soup or lentil soup.
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This recipe has become a reader favourite as its nice and simple. Readers love how quick it is to whip up, and how comforting it feels, just like the original, but completely dairy-free.
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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Vegan Welsh Rarebit
- A quick and cosy meal that’s more than just cheese on toast! It's full of flavour and is a retro family favourite.
- The savoury sauce is rich and creamy thanks to nutritional yeast and vegan Worcestershire.
- Is dairy-free and egg-free and uses easily sourced plant-based & vegan-friendly ingredients.
- Can be adapted to gluten-free diets.
- Perfect for a speedy lunch, dinner, or even a vintage-style after-dinner snack & special dinner parties.
- Easily adaptable with lots of classic variations like Buck Rarebit, Yorkshire Rarebit, or even a spicy “Midnight” version.
Origins of Welsh rarebit
If you would like to find out about the origins of Welsh rarebit then click the toggle '📜'below.
📜 Origins of Welsh rarebit
What is a rarebit?
Welsh Rarebit, or Caws Pob, is a traditional Welsh dish that's basically a jazzed up version of cheese on toast or grilled cheese toast. Rarebit involves making a sauce from cheese, usually a strong cheddar, often combining other ingredients like ale, beer, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture is then spread over slices of bread and grilled until bubbling, melted and golden.
Origins of rarebit
Rarebit, is believed to have originated in 18th Century Wales, originally as a frugal meal as it only needs a few staple ingredients such as bread and cheese along with a few seasonings. As meat was expensive it was not eaten on a regular basis by poorer Welsh folk and so cheese was used as a cheap meat replacement. Many people assume that the word rarebit refers to rabbit and indeed some claim that rarebit was once called rabbit but there's no actual "rabbit" in Welsh Rarebit.
There are many recipes for variations of rarebit in old American and British cookbooks dating back to the early 1900s-1930s as it was often promoted as an inexpensive meat-free meal. Although, many of the first recorded recipes often make no mention of Wales as the origin of the recipe, it is more than likely that the Welsh immigrants to the American colonies brought along their family recipes.
An old rarebit recipe can be found in the American book - ''Two Hundred and Seventy-Five War-Time Recipes'' by Carolyn Putnam Webber [1918]. Webber was a teacher of Cookery and a Lecturer of Home Economics, and her cookery book published in the US. Webber's recipe for Welsh Rarebit is within the chapter ''Meat Substitutes and Savouries' [pg 71]. The ingredients included: slices of toast, cheese, butter, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, milk or cream, and cayenne pepper.
Another old book ''The Commonsense Cookery Book'' [reprinted 1952] was compiled by The Public School Cookery Teachers' Association of New South Wales [printed in Sydney and London] and contains a few very interesting rarebit variation recipes including a macaroni rarebit, a Mexican rarebit,[pg. 31], a tomato rarebit [pg. 32], and a baked bean rarebit! [pg. 33]. You can find those recipes by borrowing the digital book for free over on the Internet Archive- Archive.org.
During the 50s, 60s and 70s, rarebit was often being served up as a retro & vintage after dinner savoury especially by middle class British folk. Small squares of Welsh rarebit finished off a dinner party which was often a large meal with many courses. Also, rarebit was considered an evening comfort food or as a light supper-time meal, which was often nibbled on while supping a pint of ale or cups of hot tea.
🧀 Key Ingredients
- Nutritional Yeast Flakes: The heart of the cheesy flavour, adding savoury depth without any dairy.
- Dairy-Free Milk Soya works great, but oat, almond, or other plant-based milks are all fine.
- Mustard Powder & Dried Garlic Bring a lovely gentle warmth and depth of flavour to the thick dairy-free cheese sauce.
- Vegan Worcestershire Sauce Adds a sharp, umami tang but soy sauce is an easy swap.
- Dairy-Free Cheese Optional, but a little grated Violife or your favourite vegan cheese adds that classic bubbly topping.
- Bread & Tomatoes We love crusty seeded bread and a few fresh tomato slices to finish it off.
6 rarebit variations and how to make them vegan
There are many vintage variations to the Welsh rarebit so do feel free to add different ingredients to this rarebit recipe and make your own family version.
- Buck Rarebit: Also known as Golden Buck, this variation includes a poached or fried egg on top of the prepared rarebit: to make a vegan version replace the egg with wedges of avocado, thin slices of smoked tofu, a few large slices of tomato, or even a scoop of vegan egg mayonnaise which can be prepared with crumbled up firm tofu and plant-based mayonnaise.
- Yorkshire Rarebit: This one adds Yorkshire Ale into the cheesy white sauce. To prepare this you can add a few tablespoons of Ale to the recipe and remove the same amount of milk.
- Blushing Bunny: This variation features tomatoes. To prepare an easy vegan version you can spread some tomato ketchup, tomato puree, or tomato pasta sauce over the toasted bread before adding the rarebit sauce. Or use some leftover tomato pasta sauce instead of preparing a cheesy sauce and add grated vegan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes over the tomato layer and grill as per the recipe. Top the blushing bunny with thin slices of fresh tomato before grilling, if liked.
- Fishy Rarebit: This variation adds anchovy paste or whole anchovies into the rarebit sauce, which gives the rarebit salty, savoury flavours. For a vegan version you could add chopped capers or olives through the rarebit mixture or a few drops of vegan fish sauce, or some chopped seaweed.
- Midnight Rarebit: This one is intended for late-night snacking and can include a dash of paprika, chilli powder, fresh chilli slices, hot sauce, or cayenne for some heat. Add your chosen ingredients to the rarebit sauce or sprinkle some over the rarebit before grilling or broiling.
- Beer Rarebit: This version usually involves adding beer to the rarebit sauce and sometimes a bit of bacon. You can easily make a meat-free version by sprinkling chopped cooked vegan bacon over the finished rarebit or stir the meat-free bacon through the rarebit sauce. You can also omit some of the milk required for the rarebit and replace it equal amounts of beer.
How to prepare
For added convenience you can prepare the rarebit sauce in advance and store it for a few days before using, that way you can have Welsh rarebit ready in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Toast the bread slices and butter them with the margarine or your choice of spread. Set the slices of toast on to a baking tray while you prepare the thick sauce.
Step 2: Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
Step 3: Add the flour and stir well for 2-3 minutes over a medium heat.
Step 4: Stir through the mustard powder and garlic granules or powder.
Step 5: Slowly add the milk stirring well each time the milk is added.
Step 6: Stir through the Worcestershire Sauce.
Step 7: Bring the sauce up to the boil, stirring constantly.
Step 8: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir through the nutritional yeast flakes.
Step 9: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Evenly spread the rarebit sauce over each slice of toast.
Step 11: Sprinkle over the grated cheese.
Step 12: If using add thin slices of tomato over each slice.
Step 13: Place the rarebit under a hot grill or broiler for 3 minutes keeping a close eye on it so that it doesn't burn.
Step 14: Rarebit is ready when the cheese has melted, the sauce and tomatoes are nicely hot, and the edges of the toast are crisp and brown.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy with a fresh green salad for a nice lunch or snack. Or along with a bowl of home-made soup for dinner. Also, a nice dollop of tomato ketchup, brown sauce, or vegan mayonnaise pairs well with the flavours of the Welsh rarebit.
For a vintage after-dinner savoury or nibble slice the prepared rarebit into small squares and enjoy with after dinner coffees, teas, or drinks.
🔁 Ingredient Substitutions
- Worcestershire Sauce → Use soy sauce, liquid aminos, or add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Dairy-Free Cheese → Swap with extra nutritional yeast flakes or leave out entirely for a lighter version.
- Mustard Powder → Dijon or English mustard from a jar works in a pinch just reduce the liquid slightly.
- Flour → Use gluten-free plain flour or wholemeal flour for a slightly nuttier sauce.
- Tomato Slices → Try spring onions, chives, or sautéed mushrooms instead or skip them altogether.
***please note: for US measurements click the 'US customary button' within the recipe and the measurements will switch to tablespoons, cups, and ounces.***
📖 Recipe
Vegan Welsh Rarebit
Equipment
- Toaster [for toasting the bread]
- non-stick saucepan [for preparing the rarebit sauce]
- Cheese grater
- Cutlery knife or butter knife
- Baking tray [for sitting the rarebit on]
- Oven grill or broiler [or an air fryer, for finishing the rarebit]
Ingredients
Toast:
- 6 slices bread, toasted [toast the bread before using for the recipe, we used Co-op farmhouse seeded bread]
- 1 tablespoon margarine [we used Flora dairy-free, use more if necessary]
Rarebit sauce:
- 25 grams plain flour [or all-purpose flour, or wholemeal/wholewheat flour - if using a brown flour add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of milk]
- 25 grams margarine [we used Flora dairy-free]
- 14 tablespoons dairy-free milk [we used soya milk]
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce [or soy sauce or liquid aminos]
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder [we used Coleman's powdered mustard]
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or granules [or onion powder, or a few pinches of vegetable stock or bouillon powder]
- 25 grams nutritional yeast flakes [or dairy-free cheese - add more cheese to taste]
Topping:
- 30 grams dairy-free cheese [we used Violife original grated, but if preferred you can omit the cheese and replace with nutritional yeast flakes but use less and just sprinkle some over each rarebit toast before broiling]
- 6 cherry tomatoes or 2-3 large tomatoes [optional, can replace with sliced spring onions [green onions] or chives]
Instructions
- If you have not done so already toast the bread and spread with margarine -using more if necessary.6 slices bread, toasted, 1 tablespoon margarine
- Switch your oven grill or broiler on to pre-heat to a high heat.
Prepare the rarebit thick sauce: [this can be done in advance]
- Melt the margarine in the saucepan.25 grams margarine
- Add the flour and stir well. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes over a low-medium heat and be careful not to burn the flour.25 grams plain flour
- Next over a medium heat, slowly add the milk stirring constantly to achieve a smooth consistency.14 tablespoons dairy-free milk
- Stir through the Worcestershire Sauce.1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Next, stir through the mustard powder and garlic powder.½ teaspoon mustard powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder or granules
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir through the nutritional yeast flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste. The rarebit sauce or spread will be nice and thick but if you think the mixture is a bit too thick you can thin it down with 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk.25 grams nutritional yeast flakes
Assemble rarebit:
- Cover the toasted bread slices with the rarebit sauce.
- Sprinkle the vegan cheese evenly over each slice of toast. Alternatively, sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast flakes over each slice instead of the cheese.30 grams dairy-free cheese
- If using the tomatoes - top the toast with the tomato slices.6 cherry tomatoes or 2-3 large tomatoes
Toast the rarebit slices:
- Place the rarebit onto a baking tray or directly on to the grill or broiler shelf and toast for 3 minutes over a high heat. The rarebit is ready when the bread edges are nicely golden and crunchy, and the cheese has melted. The tomato slices and sauce will also be hot once ready.
- Do keep your eye on the rarebit as it grills or broils as it can quickly burn if left for too long - exact toasting times will depend on your grill or broiler.
Serving variations:
- For a traditional Buck Rarebit a poached or fried egg is placed on top of the rarebit when it is dished up. However, as this is a vegan rarebit you could add slices of avocado or smoked tofu to the rarebit before grilling. See recipe notes and FAQ sections above this recipe for more serving variations.
Notes
- Nutritional information is for guidance only and is not an exact calculation as ingredients vary.
- This recipe creates 6 slices of rarebit which will feed 6 people for a snack or if the rarebit is served along with sides. For bigger portions double the recipe.
- This recipe can be prepared in an air-fryer. First, toast the bread according to your air-fryer instructions, however its usually just a case of placing slices of bread in a single layer in your air fryer basket and switch to a medium-high setting and checking every few minutes to see how the bread is toasting. Once toasted to your liking, spread the rarebit topping over the least toasted side and then add the rarebit to the air-fryer and continue air-frying until the cheese is nicely melted.
- Welsh rarebit is best eaten soon after it has been prepared, but it can be stored within the refrigerator for a day or so. To reheat place it back under the grill just until it's reheated and crisped up.
- We love our easy and quick Home-Made Tomato Soup with our rarebit for lunch or for a light dinner along with a crisp green salad.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
To prepare a gluten-free vegan Welsh rarebit you will have to use a gluten-free bread and ensure that your Worcester Sauce is gluten-free [we used Chippa Worcester sauce which is gluten-free]. You will also need to use a gluten-free plain flour. It's always best to check every ingredient you use to ensure that it is safe for gluten-free diets.
You can replace it with soy sauce or liquid amino acids. Or for a smoky rarebit you can add a ½-1 teaspoon of liquid smoke. Adjust these ingredients to taste.
You can omit the cheese or replace it with a little extra nutritional yeast flakes sprinkled over the rarebit before grilling or broiling.
The tomato topping is optional so it can be omitted or you can replace it with sautéed diced mushrooms, sliced spring onions [green onions], chopped chives, parsley, coriander, or basil. Additionally, diced or thin slices of avocado is also a nice topping.
Yes, instead of preparing Welsh rarebit another idea is to prepare the rarebit sauce, and once cooled add it to a small container spreading it out evenly. Chill the cheese spread before using on crackers, oatcakes, sandwiches, with veggie burgers, as a dip, etc. For a thinner spreadable cheese sauce you can add a few extra tablespoons of milk whilst preparing the sauce.
For a spicy vegan cheese sauce sprinkle some chilli flakes or a few pinches of cayenne pepper over the cheese sauce once it has been added to the container. Alternatively a paprika topping would also be very tasty.
Yes, but you will just have to thin the sauce down with more milk and cook the sauce for a few minutes before using - adjust the seasoning to taste.
A bowl of home-made soup always pairs well with Welsh rarebit, especially a tomato-based one such as our quick Home-Made Tomato Soup which only needs a few pantry ingredients. And this delicious Hungarian Pepper Soup or this classic Minestrone Bean Soup would nicely complement the flavours of Welsh rarebit.
Alternatively, a crispy green leaf and herb salad is the perfect accompaniment to rarebit especially if you're just wanting a light meal.
More vegan Welsh Recipes
We love frugal recipes that are also traditional family favourites as they have stood the test of time, and are so interesting and exciting to adapt with vegan-friendly everyday ingredients. Throughout history traditional meals were adapted to what was on hand or available and so making those dishes vegan is a continuation of this. It also helps appreciate the origins of the recipes keeping their story alive.
There is something particularly comforting about cosy homely Welsh cooking and so we aim to include many more vegan adaptations of traditional Welsh recipes. For now our family favourites include this tasty Welsh Cawl Soup and this delicious Welsh Onion Cake. For breakfast or snack we love these Welsh Cakes especially warm and spread with margarine and a slice of this Bara Brith tea bread is perfect for tea breaks.
Comments
Prepared our Vegan Welsh Rarebit recipe? We would love to know how you got on with the recipe and if you prepared the quicker or longer rarebit method. Do drop us a comment below. All feedback is very much appreciated. Jacq x
Nikki says
I made this today - it’s so easy to make and delicious! Thank you so much for the recipe 😊
Jacq says
You're very welcome, thank-you for taking the time to comment 🙂