The Unlikely Dishes for Melted Cheese to Stick To
Melted cheese, a beloved ingredient for dishes across the culinary world, usually peels off most surfaces effortlessly. However, despite this, certain dishes remain surprisingly stubborn when it comes to the adhesion of melted cheese. Among these, the most unlikely is the British delicacy, Welsh Rarebit.
Understanding Cheese Adhesion
When melted cheese comes into contact with a surface, it typically forms a thin layer that can be easily lifted or wiped off, even when it cools and hardens. This phenomenon can be attributed to the nature of the cheese itself and the surface it comes into contact with. Cheeses such as cheddar, which are high in fat and moisture, tend to have a more flexible structure, allowing them to more easily disengage from a surface as it cools.
Most surfaces, including glazed ceramic, metal, and even typical paper plates, are designed to remain dry and non-porous. When cheese comes into contact with these surfaces, it either forms a thin, non-sticky layer or absorbs into the surface, which can be easily wiped off once cooled. However, there are a few exceptions, particularly when it comes to the British dish, Welsh Rarebit.
The British Delicacy: Welsh Rarebit
Welsh Rarebit, a beloved dish in the UK, is essentially cheese sauce made from a mixture of cheese, ale mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and butter, all melted together and poured over toasted bread. Despite its creamy consistency and high moisture content, Welsh Rarebit is the most unlikely dish for melted cheese to stick to.
Known affectionately as Welsh Rabbit, it is mistakenly believed to contain rabbit meat. However, this is just a local expression as the dish does not contain any rabbit. Many confuse it with cheese on toast, but it is so much more – a rich, flavorful blend of ingredients that create a complex and delicious sauce.
The Scientific Behind It
The reason Welsh Rarebit remains so resistant to adhesion lies in its composition. The combination of cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and butter creates a sauce that is highly cohesive and unbreakable. When poured over toasted bread, the sauce forms a thin, uniform layer that spreads easily and does not become stuck to the surface. This is due to the emulsifying properties of the butter and the binding effect of the Worcestershire sauce, which help the cheese to stick to the bread rather than the plate.
Welsh Rarebit: A Recipe Highlight
While Welsh Rarebit does not stick to plates, it is worth noting that the type of cheese used can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. A good mature cheddar, or even better, some Cheshire or Caerphilly, will improve the dish significantly. A combination of these cheeses creates a rich, creamy sauce that is perfect for drizzling over hot, toasted bread.
Conclusion
Understanding the behavior of melted cheese on different surfaces can help in enhancing the enjoyment of various culinary creations. While Welsh Rarebit may appear to be an unlikely candidate for a cheese dish that doesn’t stick, its unique combination of ingredients makes it an exceptional and delicious treat. Whether you are enjoying it at home or seeking to impress your guests, Welsh Rarebit stands out as a memorable and delectable British delight.