Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup gherkins (cornichons), finely chopped
To Serve
- 4 slices sourdough bread
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cheese: Add the butter to a saucepan over low heat and once melted, add in the milk and the shredded mozzarella. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Season Cheese Mixture: Stir in the white vinegar, yellow mustard, ground black pepper, and finely chopped gherkins into the melted cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly and then remove the pan from the heat.
- Cool the Mixture: Allow the cheese and gherkin mixture to cool for about ten minutes to slightly thicken, which will make it easier to spread.
- Toast the Bread: While the mixture is cooling, toast the slices of sourdough bread until they are golden and crisp.
- Assemble Rarebits: Transfer the toasted bread slices onto a baking sheet and evenly spread the gherkin cheese mixture over each slice.
- Broil to Finish: Place the baking sheet in the oven on the broil setting. Broil the bread with cheese mixture until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and just beginning to brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven, plate the rarebits, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and mustard to taste for more tanginess.
- Use fresh sourdough or rustic bread for better texture.
- Broiling times can vary by oven; keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Leftover cheese mixture can be refrigerated and gently reheated with milk to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: British