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4.7 from 9 votes

William Randolph Hearst's Welsh Rarebit

Learn about the culinary history and food of Hearst Castle, the William Randolph Hearst estate. Includes Hearst's recipe for Welsh Rarebit.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 259 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 pound grated cheddar cheese (about 4 cups)
  • 2/3 cup beer that has been open for at least 30 minutes, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • Toast or crackers

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a chafing dish or large double boiler placed over simmering water, melt the butter.
  2. Add the grated cheese and stir until it begins to melt.
  3. Slowly add the beer, stirring. I used Sierra Nevada beer as a nod to George Hearst's gold and silver mining past, but you can use any beer you like.
  4. Whisk in the seasonings. Beat an egg in a small bowl, then very slowly drizzle the egg into the hot cheese, beating constantly with a whisk to temper the egg and keep it from scrambling. When egg is fully incorporated, continue to stir till the mixture is smooth and heated through.
  5. Serve cheese sauce immediately over crackers or toast. I used sourdough toast in honor of Hearst's San Francisco roots (crusty French bread would be lovely, too). I garnished the dish with some fresh chives, a tip I picked up from my friend The Pioneer Woman. The garnish is not in the original Hearst recipe, but it adds a nice flavor and color to the finished product.

Nutrition Information

Calories 259kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 86mg (29%) Sodium 369mg (15%) Potassium 75mg (2%) Vitamin A 680IU (14%) Calcium 412mg (41%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 259

% Daily Value*

Calories 259kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 86mg 29%
Sodium 369mg 15%
Potassium 75mg 2%
Vitamin A 680IU 14%
Calcium 412mg 41%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.