Welsh Rarebit on Beer Waffles with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe

By
María del Mar Cuadra
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María del Mar Cuadra is a food stylist, recipe developer, and art director. She has written three cookbooks and worked for America's Test Kitchen.
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Updated March 24, 2025
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Notes:

  • I have 2-waffle iron, with relatively deep grooves. I pour 1 heaping 1/4 cup of batter into each square. Recipe should yield 8 waffles.
  • Waffle recipe adapted from Bon Appétit Ham and Cheese Waffles.
  • Welsh rarebit must be served immediately as the sauce doesn't hold well.

Recipe Details

Welsh Rarebit on Beer Waffles with Bacon and Tomatoes Recipe

Prep 25 mins
Cook 45 mins
Active 60 mins
Total 70 mins
Makes 8 open-face sandwiches
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

For the Waffles

  • 1 3/4 cups (about 8 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 3 large eggs, separated

  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (6 ounces), melted

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 3/4 cup porter ale

  • Cooking spray

For the Sauce and Assembly

  • 16 strips thick cut bacon

  • 12 scallions, thinly sliced

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

  • 4 tablespoons all purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup porter ale

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese

  • Salt and pepper

  • 16 thick slices tomato from 4 large, ripe tomatoes

Directions

  1. For the Waffles: Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and preheat oven to 300°F. Place a baking sheet on lower-middle rack. Heat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.

  2. In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, melted butter, buttermilk, and ale.

  3. In clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until firm, but not dry, peaks form.

  4. Whisk beer mixture into flour mixture until incorporated. With rubber spatula, fold in egg whites.

  5. Lightly coat waffle iron with cooking spray. Cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions, until crisp and golden. With tongs, carefully transfer to baking sheet in oven and repeat procedure until you run out of batter (see notes).

  6. For the Sauce: Cook bacon in 2 to 3 batches in large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, 6 to 8 minutes per batch. Reserve 2 tablespoons fat, and discard any additional rendered fat accumulated between batches. With slotted spoon, transfer cooked bacon paper towel-lined plate. Alternatively, line dinner plate with 2 layers paper towels. Arrange 4 bacon slices on top, then cover with 2 more layers paper towels. Microwave 4 to 6 minutes until crisp. Repeat with remaining bacon and fresh paper towels.

  7. Cook scallions over medium heat in rendered bacon fat (if you microwaved the bacon, cook the scallions in 2 tablespoons butter) until softened, about 3 minutes. Reserve.

  8. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire, dry mustard, and cayenne and cook 30 seconds. In a slow, steady stream add cream and ale, whisking constantly and vigorously to avoid lumps. Whisk in egg yolks. Add cheese and cook, stirring, until completely melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  9. For the Assembly: Transfer waffles on tray to cooling rack and increase oven heat to broil. Break each bacon strip in half. Top each waffle with 4 pieces bacon and 2 slices tomato, then sprinkle with the cooked scallions. Spoon about 1/4 cup sauce over each and broil on top rack until bubbling and brown at the edges (time will vary according to oven). Serve immediately.

Special equipment

baking sheet, rubber spatula, waffle iron, whisk, electric mixer, tongs, large skillet or dinner plate and microwave oven, paper towels, large heavy-bottomed saucepan, cooling rack

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
5776Calories
407gFat
296gCarbs
204gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Calories5776
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 407g521%
Saturated Fat 220g1,102%
Cholesterol 2161mg720%
Sodium 10400mg452%
Total Carbohydrate 296g108%
Dietary Fiber 17g59%
Total Sugars 57g
Protein 204g
Vitamin C 84mg421%
Calcium 2997mg231%
Iron 26mg143%
Potassium 3806mg81%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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