Welsh Rarebit is one of Britain's most beloved comfort foods — a gloriously rich, cheesy sauce poured over toast. At Funnel Mill, we've taken this timeless classic and elevated it with our signature rare coffees and teas, turning a humble dish into something truly memorable.
Why Coffee & Tea in Welsh Rarebit?
Traditional Welsh Rarebit uses ale or stout to add depth to the cheese sauce. We swap in a strong brew of our Earl Grey — the bergamot notes cut through the richness of aged cheddar in a way that's unexpected and utterly elegant. Then, as a finishing flourish, our Decaf Dark Chocolate Truffle and Decaf Vanilla Nut Cream coffees are blended into a "Funnel Mill Dust" and dusted over the top — adding a bittersweet, aromatic finish that lingers beautifully.
Ingredients
The Rarebit Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Funnel Mill Earl Grey, brewed double strength
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & white pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp aged cheddar, grated
- 1 egg yolk
The Funnel Mill Finishing Dust
- 1 tsp Decaf Dark Chocolate Truffle ground coffee
- ½ tsp Decaf Vanilla Nut Cream ground coffee
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
For Serving
- 4 thick slices sourdough or country bread, toasted
- Optional: sliced heirloom tomatoes, poached egg, or wilted greens
Method
- Brew the Earl Grey at double strength. Steep 5 minutes, strain, and set aside.
- Make the roux: Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in the Earl Grey brew and milk until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and white pepper.
- Melt the cheese: Remove from heat, fold in grated cheddar until silky, then stir in the egg yolk.
- Toast the bread until golden. Spread the rarebit sauce generously over each slice. Broil 2–3 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Finish with the Funnel Mill Dust: Blend the two ground coffees with cayenne and dust lightly over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately with a pot of freshly brewed Earl Grey. Top with a poached egg or heirloom tomatoes for a more substantial meal.
Tasting Notes
Earl Grey lends floral, citrusy complexity. Decaf Dark Chocolate Truffle dust adds roasted bitterness. Decaf Vanilla Nut Cream softens the edges with a whisper of sweetness — together transforming a pub staple into a Funnel Mill signature.
Try it. Share it. And as always — drink well, eat well.