Cheddar

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Spreading a little mayonnaise over the outside of the bread before grilling adds golden color and delicious crunch.

Most of the assembly for this layered bread-and-egg dish can be done one day ahead. Serve it hot or warm.

This southern-style omelet would go nicely with sautéed plum tomatoes and warm corn bread. Dessert can be butter pecan ice cream drizzled with bourbon.

These cheese straws may be assembled and frozen ahead of time and then baked at the last minute, as described in the procedure. Alternatively, they can be put together and baked the day before serving and kept in an airtight container, though they will not be as crisp as just-baked cheese straws. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This quick Southwestern cheese dip benefits from a bit of brew in the mix — as it would from a cold Mexican beer enjoyed alongside.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

This dip requires only three basic ingredients. If you're bringing it to a party, you can assemble it ahead of time in a disposable aluminum pan and throw it in the oven when you arrive. I got this recipe from Lisa Lombardo, a friend of mine who brought it all the way from Albany, New York, to my housewarming party in Brooklyn. Even after the long haul it still tasted great!

This classic combination of melted cheese and toasted bread is also called Welsh rarebit — an attempt to dignify the original (and slightly silly) name. For best visual appeal, use an aged yellow Cheddar for the sauce.

If mention of "pinto" brings to mind pink beans, think again this time: The following "pinto" bread pudding contains none of those beans beloved of chili fans but is named for the distinctive calico splotches that pattern the West's pinto pony.