Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Welsh Rarebit

Welsh Rarebit is a dish made with melted cheese and toast, though other ingredients may also be used.

The Welsh part of the name comes from its origins in Wales (the rarebit bit), while the “rarebit” portion means “a bit of toasted cheese”.

It has been described as “like an unsweetened cheesecake without the crust”.

This dish is popular in the UK and Ireland, but it has been enjoyed for generations on the European continent.

In different countries, it is made with different types of cheese (gouda and Emmental) and varies by region (in Poland, ham pieces are often added).

Additionally, you can choose whether to serve it as an appetizer or side dish to the main course.

The flavor and texture of Welsh rarebit depend entirely on the cheese you choose.

Some cheaper cheeses will give it a more gritty, chalky taste, while others produce much creamier results.

If you make Welsh rarebit with melted cheddar, use extra sharp rather than mild cheese to enhance the flavor.

When serving Welsh rarebit, be sure to offer a variety of condiments such as horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and fruit chutney.

That being said, you can serve Welsh rarebit in many different ways.

In this article, we will discuss the best side dishes to serve alongside Welsh rarebit.

From potatoes to bread, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Welsh Rarebit?

In terms of condiments, Welsh rarebit is one of the easiest culinary delights to prepare.

The main ingredient – cheese – is easily melted in a saucepan with just a splash of milk.

Once the mixture has thickened, pour the rarebit over toast or crackers, and you’re done.

However, while Welsh rarebit makes for an excellent appetizer, it’s a pity to eat the dish without a side dish to go along with it.

Fortunately, Welsh rarebit is well-suited to eating alongside virtually any other menu item, making it a great option for parties and gatherings when you would like to prepare several different dishes.

One good reason to consider serving side dishes with Welsh rarebit is that there are many complementary flavors one might choose to pair the condiment with.

The main ingredients of Welsh rarebit are cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and ale or beer.

Given these disparate elements, it should come as no surprise that rarebit can be eaten alongside a wide variety of foods that are rich in flavor.

In addition to complimentary tastes, Welsh rarebit also pairs well with side dishes contrasting in texture.

The main ingredients of Welsh rarebit – cheese and beer or ale – are smooth inconsistency; pairing these elements with something crisp or crunchy will please the palate.

So if you’re planning to take your rarebit along to a party or get-together, be sure to take advantage of its wide culinary compatibility by choosing an appropriate side dish.

Whether you’re looking for contrasting flavors or complementary textures, there are countless options available.

What to Serve with Welsh Rarebit? 8 BEST Side Dishes

As far as side dishes that complement Welsh rarebit, consider some of these options:

1 – Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a simple but tasty side dish.

The buttery, garlicky mixture brings out the flavor of Welsh rarebit and makes for a delicious treat when used as a dip in addition to being eaten alongside the main course.

You can take this a step further by cubing the garlic bread and then frying it.

The result is a crispy snack that’s perfect for snacking on while you wait for the main course at a party.

You can also choose to top your Welsh rarebit with slices of ham, bacon, or mushrooms before melting it in a broiler or oven.

This will add protein to your meal and complement its flavors nicely.

2 – Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Arugula, also known as rocket salad, is a leafy green vegetable that can create salads or serve alongside main courses.

This colorful leafy green has a peppery flavor that goes well with the smooth texture of shrimp stuffed with seafood stuffing.

The balsamic vinaigrette adds even more flavor to this dish while making it look very appetizing.

The dressing also helps to make the arugula leaves glisten, further enhancing its presentation value.

This salad is best enjoyed when served cool or at room temperature.

It is highly recommended to avoid serving this dish if it has been refrigerated, as the leaves will likely wilt and lose their flavor while cooling in the refrigerator.

3 – Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are an ideal accompaniment for Welsh rarebit and can even make a nice alternative to the toast or crackers used as a base for serving Welsh rarebit.

Dredging tomatoes, prepare the dish dipped in flour, cornmeal, and spices before frying them.

This leads to a crisp outer layer that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese mixture that forms the basis of Welsh rarebit.

This dish is best enjoyed when eaten warm.

4 – Chili con Queso

Chili con queso is a simple yet delicious Mexican dish that works well with Welsh rarebit.

Made by combining chili beans, tomatoes, and onions in a pool of melted cheese, this side dish adds spice and texture to the meal.

The cheese used is usually queso Chihuahua, which melts well and has a mild taste.

It is best to avoid using cheddar cheese or other cheeses that are too sharp in flavor as this might overwhelm the taste of Welsh rarebit.

Chili con Queso is delicious when served warm.

5 – Yummy Corn Chip Salad

This colorful side dish is a hit with party-goers of all ages.

The combination of crunchy corn chips, fresh bell pepper, and creamy dressing make for a simple yet appealing dish popular at potlucks.

The key to this recipe is allowing the vegetables to marinate in the salad dressing for at least an hour before serving; this allows the flavors to blend and creates a bright, refreshing taste.

This recipe goes well with breadsticks or crackers, making it perfect for serving alongside Welsh rarebit.

It is best enjoyed when served slightly chilled and eaten within one day of preparation.

6 – Bread & Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles work great as a side dish for Welsh rarebit.

These pickles are quick and easy to prepare, with most recipes requiring you to mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.

The pickle is usually cut into slices before being eaten, making it perfect as an accompaniment for Welsh rarebit or any other dish served on toast or crackers.

This dish is best served when fresh and should be stored in the refrigerator if not eaten within one day.

7 – Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant parmesan is a rich Italian dish that works well with many different types of cheese, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

This side dish has a crispy outer layer that pairs well with the creamy texture of Welsh rarebit.

This recipe is fairly easy to prepare, requiring you to cook your eggplant slices in a frying pan before layering them between layers of cheese and sauce.

The dish can be served either hot or cold, making it an ideal accompaniment for Welsh rarebit or any other dish is eaten cold or at room temperature.

This dish goes best with breadsticks or crackers.

8 – Crispy Hashbrowns

Crispy hashbrowns are an ideal side dish for Welsh rarebit, adding a crunchy texture to the otherwise silky feel of Welsh rarebit.

This is made by pan-frying the hashbrowns in butter before sprinkling them with salt and pepper.

The dish is usually made using frozen hashbrowns, but it can be made even better by frying fresh potatoes instead.

These go best when served hot alongside Welsh rarebit.

While not necessary, this dish goes well with either ketchup or sour cream.

Conclusion

Welsh rarebit is an easy dish to prepare and has become popular among many different cultures worldwide.

While several different side dishes can be used to serve this dish, the eight listed here provide some of the best accompaniments that will help to enhance both its flavor and appearance.

While Welsh rarebit is generally eaten hot or warm, it should not be served piping hot as this may cause the melted cheese to burn your mouth.

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