You're not going to get a great cheese pull without it! ), Best I have ever made. There, Chef Hemings trained under famous caterers, chefs at Chateau de Chantilly, and in the household of the Prince of Cond serving royalty well-created feasts. Bahama Breeze Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe is a Straight-From-the-Restaurant Recipe. I accidentally used to much cream cheese lol, but it still came out good, just a little more sticky then it should had been. Readers have put together this baked mac and cheese the day before, baking it the day of, with no problem. 2. You'll never go back to those microwave cups of mac again. This may be the ultimate "fix it and forget it" dish. Half and half is a light cream. Your email address will not be published. Hi Jen, It's a dump and bake, super easy recipe. We want good flavor, add in the garlic powder. Were all your cheeses pre-shredded ? To get more browning, put it under a high broiler for no more than a minute or two! You will then add American, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses to the pan. Ingredients for Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese, How to Make Soul Food Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, Southern Banana Pudding with Vanilla Meringue, Lemon Brown Butter Sheet Pan Salmon with Herby Potatoes and Asparagus, 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 8 oz (225 g) colby jack cheese, shredded, 8 oz (225 g) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded, 4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, cubed and room temperature, Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. Id like to make everything, refrigerate, add the topping in the morning and then broil, but not sure that it would work? Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese, President Reagan's Favorite Macaroni and Cheese. Do not over-bake or the macaroni pasta will become mushy and the cheese mixture will become dry. Mac and cheese becomes a wholesome meal with the kid-friendly additions of ham and green peas. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? I'm making ahead of time and freezing for 4 days. If you dont want the cheese browned, or notice it getting too browned too quickly, cover it with foil while baking. I'll be using your recipe to impress my new Haitian "friend" . Just shred your cheese, or even use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe, stir it with your half and half and milks and creams, season to taste (yes, taste the cheese mixture because you'll end up with bland mac otherwise), add your eggs, stir it all together with the macaroni, and bake in the oven. Can I make this in advance and keep it in the fridge overnight? Bon appetit, ya'll! This is not her. Total Time 10 mins. The key ingredient is chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, which can be found in the Hispanic section of most grocery stores. Country Living. American cheese melts beautifully, it doesnt get stringy, and oils do not separate out of the cheese. This was better. Their macaroni and cheese has the homemade taste you crave, so put down those waffle fries and try their classic macaroni and cheese recipe. Why you're going to love my soul food southern baked mac n cheese recipe. Oh my goodness!! It ads a bit of sharp flavor you cant get from just cheese. Tommy Bahama Mac And Cheese Recipe. WebEasy Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese Watch on You Will Need 1 pound dried pasta like elbow macaroni, shells or penne 5 tablespoons (70 grams) unsalted butter 5 tablespoons (45 grams) all-purpose flour 5 cups (1180 ml) milk, warmed, whole or 2% reduced fat preferred 1 pound white cheddar cheese, shredded 4 ounces cream cheese, optional I thought just the kids would like it but someone who said they dont like mac and cheese actually ate and took some home. Thats what I did and the deli block was just right! Yes you can! As far as I can put together it might be better to whisk the eggs into your milk products before adding any cheese. Possibly exiled from all cookouts, depending on how bad you've disrespected the mac and cheese. Y'all have made it time and time again, with thousands of rave reviews. Tommy Bahama Rye Whisky. At last! Serve with a side of celery sticks to complete the meal. Ingredients meat 6 chicken breast, skinless boneless organic halves produce 6 tbsp chipotle pepper 8 oz chives 6 oz coriander 1/2 lime, squeezed 1/2 purple onion baking & spices 2 ranch dressing mix packet oils & vinegars 1 olive oil, extra virgin 1 1/2 cups olive oil, extra virgin. I have no doubt this will taste great! Be sure to use a high powered blender to ensure a velvety sauce. You should read the entire recipe card.Lot of lazy readers out there, Poor Eden answering questions whose answers have already been noted in recipe.Dont just 'jump to recipe".Read the suggestions When I say this mac and cheese is life changing, I mean it! Mix well with a rubber spatula. Make sure to always taste for seasoning before moving on to adding the eggs! I have no idea. I use pre-shredded cheeses in this recipe since we aren't making a cheese sauce. Garlic Powder. Which do you recommend at a gathering ? You can also freeze leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to three months. We'll be making this again! instead. Which is every holiday: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, birthdays, marriages, births, funerals. Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous; Accueil; A propos de nous; Nos produits; Contactez-nous Strain No. That's a good mac and cheese. Once just under al dente, drain the pasta. Fill a large stockpot or dutch oven halfway with chicken broth (or water if you don't have broth), and bring to a boil. Delish. The CopyKat Analysis of Chick-Fil-As Recipe. Go any deli that cheese and will cut for you. This mac and cheese recipe is amazing. My wifes missing her mom and gram (and their holiday mac and cheese!). All measurements are in both imperial and metric systems. And cream cheese'cause my mama uses it. This is now a family favorite! You can find American cheese in the deli section of your grocery store. I will be adding this recipe to my recipe Rolodex!!! Chick Fil A Recipes, mac & cheese, mac and cheese, Fill a large pot 2/3 full of water. I grew up in the south but not with this kind of Mac and cheese. Do you always use the chives cream cheese or do use plain cream cheese sometimes? Bahama Breeze Mac And Cheese Recipe Bahama Breeze Bowtie Mac And Cheese Recipe What Is The Best Macaroni For Mac And Cheese Best Macaroni For Not a Velveeta fan, so I used a pack of Kraft deli deluxe slices for the American cheese, and it worked great. Velveeta has gelatin in the recipe and melts into a liquid state easily. Pour the cooked pasta into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. It is the only recipe we will ever use again. Could I substitute one of the cheeses for pepper jack cheese ? 3. I have a quick question, I want to bake this in my smoker to instill a subtle smokey flavor to this, how long would you recommend to bake this for if the smoker was at 225? I've looked at every grocery store in my area. I've subbed a bit of cheese (I live in the U.K. so had to make do with cheddar and red Leicester), never used cream cheese in a Mac before and have to say it's life changing! Romano and Parmesan can cut through American cheese to give you a better flavor, and a more interesting texture. Stirring until cheese and macaroni becomes incorporated. Jefferson had a macaroni extruder smuggled into the country just for Chef Hemings to be able to make this specific dish. Social Media pages may include recipes from other sites owned by us and others. Bahama Breeze Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe. Pour melted cheeses over the pasta. Webtommy bahama mac and cheese recipe. Season & stir in evaporated milk. Please note, no restaurant recipes are actually used, these recipes have been inspired by the restaurant originals. Wow, this is the best mac & cheese I ever had. . Add the cheeses in three batches, whisking until each addition is completely melted before adding more. A staple in soul food and southern cooking, this classic mac and cheese goes back generations and is saved for special occasions. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together eggs, cayenne, evaporated milk, and salt. I just came across your recipe and its exactly the M&C dish I want to make for thanksgiving! You know, the one with all the memes about how only specific people in the family (usually an Auntie or Grandma) are allowed to make it. WebHow To Make traditional bahamian mac and cheese. The more you know! 39 Best Tommy Bahama Recipes Images Food And Drink. I'm so happy that my mac and cheese was a part of your holidays. The pre shedded is covered in Cellulose which can stop the cheese from melting smoothly. Put the mac in airtight containers or keep in the baking dish wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They sell it sliced but you can get it in a block. American cheese is a good base for mac and cheese, you can always add additional cheese for more flavor. This macaroni is packed with flavor thanks to three types of cheese cheddar, Monterey jack, and gorgonzola along with shredded chicken and a hefty drizzling of hot sauce. Click to share on twitter (opens in new window) click to share on facebook (opens in new window) related. Elbow Pasta. Add 1/2 of the cheese & stir over low heat until melted. Thank you! 2023 Warner Bros. Absolutely! If you want breadcrumbs (and honestly, I've made great mac topped with crispy panko!) Add shredded Colby Jack cheese to the top of the pasta. Which is correct? It only takes a minute and they will love you for it! Thank you for the history behind Juneteenth. This recipe is a tweak on my mama's mac, who got hers from my grandma's southern mac, and so on. I think it also helps to account for the indistinct cheeses they mention in their original recipe. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese on top. Perfectly creamy and delicious! I've never made Mac n cheese I know it's pretty simple. See also provident living food storage order form. Delicious ! Hi, because you covered the pasta, they will not be dried out. I would not prep the macaroni noodles beforehand, simply because cooked pasta doesnt bode well by itself (without a sauce or in a casserole). Gonna have to give this a try. xo, Eden, When the recipe says American cheese is that from the deli or that box cheese Velveeta, I get mine from the deli at my local grocery store. Add butter and stir in macaroni until butter melts. Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a flavorful accompaniment to chicken and fresh fish dishes. If you bring any type of mac and cheese recipes made from a box or in a store, you will be roasted, ragged on, and not allowed to bring food again. Using the pre-shredded did not affect the texture, which I was worried about. You can also use a part of a block of Velveeta, which can be found at Walmart, Costco, etc. I will never search for another Mac and cheese recipe ever!!! Place the baking dish under the broiler and cook for just long enough that the cheese begins to brown. Sorry for the weird questions. But once again, I've got a reason for the eggs! I dont believe it is made with a dry mix or powder, because the flavor is too good. What makes 'black folk' or southern baked macaroni and cheese different? Your email address will not be published. This is the real deal. It's the ultimate creamy soul food macaroni and cheese. Click to share on twitter (opens in new window) click to share on facebook (opens in new window) related. I'm always in search of a yummy mac and cheese recipe. Cant wait to try this! I am having a brain fart on how Im incorporating the egg and what they are really for. I'm so happy you found my site! Love how rich and flavorsome this mac n cheese look! The sour cream and chives flavor is not strong enough to change the overall flavor of the mac and cheese. This is what I have been looking for. I wish I had a bite of those crispy browned cheese edges right now. When the water comes to a boil add the pasta. Disregard my last question its in the recipe. This was delicious but just seemed to lack a sharpness that Chick fil A has. Its still the same amount. It adds more moisture and creaminess to the mac and there are all kinds of flavors you can use. You can stir to coat the macaroni with the cheese sauce. AKA: The black folk mac and cheese. Butternut squash doesn't just add a nice hint of sweetness to the macaroni and cheese, it also creates a bold orange color. Made this tonight and we loved it. Required fields are marked *. You can also use sour cream or mascarpone cheese, which is like a lighter Italian cream cheese. It isn't made with a cheese sauce so you would be waiting for the cheese to melt as well so it may take at least an hour. Hi! It was delish!!! The flavor is amazing, the crust is crispy, & the consistency is solid. We really loved this recipe! My family has varying levels off pickiness, so I wasn't sure what to expect from them. Thank you so much, it's life changing delicious. Those recipes may have slightly been altered by the tastes of their traffickers or through that regional game of telephone, but at the end of the day, Black cooks kept the recipes for our own families once Emancipated. 1. This goes on my permanent rotation list. Or is there a substitute I could use? I was wondering if you could make this mac and cheese the night before? xo, Eden. I used Brie cheese instead of American and doubled the cream cheese. Store, covered, in the refrigerator, until ready to serve. After dinner we kept picking at the leftovers. I'll show you how. You'll find tons of seasonal recipes, multicultural comfort foods, a little history, and a whole lot of deliciousness all inspired by the people I love. "This is a completely unpretentious, down-home macaroni and cheese recipe just like my grandma and mom always made," says recipe creator Collette Duck. Thanks. I will say that it can be optional, but for the most authentic experience you'll want to use them. Make this Straight-From-the-Restaurant Bahama Breeze Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe at home. Your email address will not be published. I just wanted to get to the recipe but the recipe doesnt explain all that well about the eggs. No Velveeta, no pre-mixed seasoning salt, no boxed stuff. Bahama Breeze Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Thank you so much! Other than buttering your baking dish, not at all. Can you please let us know? So check out these 10 copycat recipes for mac and cheese inspired by the famously delicious dishes from some popular chains, and prepare to be delighted. Can this recipe be made ahead and cooked the following day? Serve hot so the cheese is nice and creamy. Due to a time element, I could not make this at the last moment boiled pasta, and rinsed very well under cold water to remove starch and stop the cooking process. No roux, no bechamel, no fancy stuff, no stoves, no add-ins. Thank you!! Does this recipe call for whole eggs or egg yolks? I cooked the noodles, ran them under cool water, mixed them into the cold cheese mixture, topped with cheese, and have it sitting in my fridge. It sat overnight. It was on point! I was sent here by sassyspoon on IG! September 18, 2022 by Stephanie Manley, Last Updated December 15, 2022 54 Comments. Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Add the onion, green pepper and celery to the cooked macaroni; stir. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Boil until tender. I made this recipe fora cookout but actually tripled it. Do you know many slices of american cheese should be used if one can't find it cubed? Place in oven to bake for Add the onion, green pepper and celery to the cooked macaroni; stir. A good quality American cheese has good flavor and is one of the best melting profiles of any cheese. DAMN. A classically trained chef, Eden has inspired home cooks into the kitchen with cultural comfort foods, easy family-friendly eats and sweets, and glorious spreads for date night and entertaining since 2015. But this is a very delicious recipe..will be saving this one! The mac that has been in my family for generations, the authentic Southern baked macaroni and cheese made by yours truly, the Southern Queen of Mac and Cheese. Bow tie mac n cheese menu bahama breeze restaurant one pot mac cheese easy peasy meals how to make This mac n cheese is excellent. Add goat cheese and cook for 90 seconds on each side. 2019 Ted Fund Donors I love how you explained the purpose of each cheese! This has been a hit with family & friends everywhere we go. Tag me @sweet_tea_thyme onInstagramto share your remakes with me, I love looking through your photos! Yes, Chick-fil-A has the quintessential comfort food now, you can get creamy macaroni and cheese as a new side option. Made this for Christmas lunch with the family. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for an enjoyable, educational blog post! This made my day! Thank you , Awesome! I'm southern, but we rarely had macaroni and cheese growing up, because my grandfather was a potato guy (blasphemy!). Creamy, rich, ooey-gooey, super cheesy, with those crispy browned cheese edgesno one can resist perfectly baked mac and cheese. 2. for family weeknight ideas, the best weekend baking projects, and plenty of happy hour plans! Serve with a side of celery sticks to complete the meal. Let's move on. THANK U for this recipe. Thank you! The video shows the American cheese is sliced American cheese put together and cubed. Boil elbow macaroni for about 5 minutes, or until al dente. He says this is right up there with his mom's recipe, and that is saying a lot! Is there anything I can do to fix my blunder? Cook pasta according to package al dente directions. The aluminum pan works fine. As an adult, I've been looking for the perfect southern-style mac like the ones I had at homestyle restaurants growing up. This is my first attempt EVER at homeade Mac n cheese! Quick question, could I add Havarti cheese or gouda cheese? You can find smoked paprika in any grocery store and its flavor is such a great, smoky addition to the mac and cheese. When you really want rich, homey, comforting, creamy southern flavor at your sunday dinners, this is the perfect macaroni and cheese to serve. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I been looking for it long time & cant wait to try it ! Rich, creamy, and buttery, macaroni and cheese is hard to beat when it comes to comfort food. I am sorry to hear it was too salty for you! Thank you! From your kids saying it's 'bussin!' Before this recipe, I never did find *the* recipe! Leave a comment and a star rating in the recipe card and be sure to tag any photos with #SWEETTEAANDTHYME. This recipe is very straightforward. Unless otherwise noted, all recipes have been created by copykat.com. There's nothing I love more than my recipes becoming part of family traditions. Now the bad thing is, my roommate, who is totally cheese-obsessed, does not like macaroni and cheese (how?! Prep Time 10 mins. It was hit with kids and adults. It uses real ingredients. Eggs can freeze in general, so there shouldnt be a problem. Half and Half. Both of your questions are answered in the post. Let rest a few minutes. The heavy cream acts as the 'butter' in the dish without making it really greasy so it isn't needed within the macaroni and cheese. Thank you for the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had. Spoon into well-greased 8x8x2" baking pan & sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over top. You can get it from your local deli, just request it in a block form instead of in slices so you can cube it yourself. What an awesome recipe! First of all its Southern and I heard great things about southern cooking and second 5 cheeses! Stir in the Panko and Parmesan until evenly moistened, then sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese. Hello! This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for the best mac & cheese recipe I have ever made! Just mix it. My family loved it! Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. If you're not serving to staunch believers in classic southern baked mac, I would definitely add in some crumbled bacon. The quote is: And cream cheese'cause my mama uses it. I made this tonight, for my sons birthday. Let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for about 10 minutes or until just cool enough to serve. I'm a mom, a wife, a classically trained chef, a believer, and lover of good butter living in the Virginia Countryside with my family. This looks so easy. Taste. The egg whites keep structure so you don't end up with a soupy, stringy, cheesy mess on the inside, while the fats (it's all about the fats y'all!) Should I have let it get to room temp prior to baking? I really appreciate the detailed explanations and your "telling the story" which make it almost as fun to read as to eat. If you pay much attention, you will notice the restaurant version has the browning as well. It was amazing! (I once added some nice spicy crawfish tails leftover after a boil. Clarification in the just the recipe could be helpful. Whats the only drawback? do, Eden. When you say "American cheese", are we talking about chunks from the deli, velvetta, something else? I'm even more obsessed with southern dishes since I grew up eating them. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Cant wait to try this for thanksgiving! It is entirely up to you. And loved your story . This is totally it! If you're serving heat sensitive guests, keep the hot sauce out of the recipe and have a bottle on the side while serving. Thanks again! Almost too much cheese. This brought me so much joy! Through word of mouth, Black chefs taught each other how to make baked mac and cheese in the plantation kitchens they worked in, as the dish became a symbol of prestige due. Oh my god,this was amazing!! You can, just make sure youre also using American cheese, egg and heavy cream. Mine is very similar except Ive never done the cream cheese and I always use evaporated milk. I used to have a co-worker who brought her soul-food mac and cheese to every potluck, and everyone absolutely loved it. I've never made this mac and cheese in the smoker so I don't know how love it'll take to bake. Amazingly addictive and comforting. Youll find it made by Kraft in your store. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you! Spoon into Many readers have commented theyve made this Mac and cheese ahead of time. I thought in your Tik Tok video you made a rue first or am I mistaken. Try looking for Velveeta or Kraft American singles. Perfect!!! I honestly can tell you this is the best macaroni and cheese you will ever make in your life. Turned out great! Creamy baked macaroni is contrasted with tangy and crunchy pickle relish to create an extra unique dish. I cant wait to try this! 2 Tablespoons Butter Preparation 1. All photos, unless otherwise noted, are by Mark Hester and are free to use under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License. Please use the Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Email Buttons below to. My question is should I cook it before I freeze it. Butter an 8 by 11 or 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside. First, thank you for making my recipe! Just a tip for those asking about the american cheese. It brings out that 'cheese' flavor, it intensifies that tangy cheddar flavor. This helps us keep bringing this site and our recipes to you for free. When we went around the table and said what our favorite dish was, a full 85% said the mac 'n cheese. Thanks so much! Whip up a batch of this for your next fall potluck, and it's sure to be a winner. Remove from heat and serve immediately. I live in Canada and I don't think we have that here. Ive never actually had Chik Fil As mac n cheese, so I cant speak to just how it compares to the actual thing, but its to die for. We had large crowd for Christmas this year and I wanted to make a special mac 'n cheese as part of dinner. Hi, the answer to your question is in both the post and the recipe card. The recipe is written to be as simple as possible, boo. Thanks a lot!!! Bring water to a boil and add uncooked macaroni. Thank you!! Same as the garlic. Thanks so much Eden for sharing your experience. my teenaged son found this and loves to make it. Recipe creator S. Michael says, "The smoked gouda gives this dish its smoky rich flavor. Thank you for trying the recipe. Using the Instant Pot turns this into a one-dish dinner, perfect for quickly feeding the whole family. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. It was a smashing hit and everyone loved it so much!! You only need five ingredients to make this extra decadent mac and cheese recipe. Yum! Stir in the half-and-half, Velveeta, and eggs; season with salt and pepper. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Up to 2% cash back place clarified butter in large saut pan. How will that effect this recipe? THIS RECIPE IS IT. It's a gourmet grown-up version of the kiddie classic.". Question how were you able to get krafts American singles to blend when you mixed cheeses?? The fats, y'all. Cuisine: American. They added one of the first permanent side addition in a long time. ), so I'm going to be responsible for eating this whole thing. Alton has spent hours tracking down these recipes. Web2 oz. In a large saucepan, you will make the sauce. Hi there what temperature do I cook the mac n cheese? Mild cheddar just doesn't have the flavor we're looking for in a cheese sauce, so use that sharp cheddar! ground red pepper until smooth. In a large saucepan, you will make the sauce. Made this with some ribs we smoked on the PK yesterday. Use blocks of cheese for the creamiest baked macaroni and cheese, the cellulose coating on pre-shredded can make your mac more clumpy. xo, Eden, You had me at "there's no weird scrambled egg-looking, broken, greasy cheese nonsense going on here!". It's not just a favorite side dishit's THE favorite side dish. Highly recommend! I have everybody asking me for the recipe its so delicious! Second, you should be just fine. Is it okay to make this up the night before, put it in the fridge, and then do the actual baking the next day? 3+ cheeses is a must! It means that the cheese has been processed with emulsifiers and fats, which is a good thing in this recipe since those emulsifiers and fats help bind the harder, sharper natural cheeses in the mac and keep them from breaking, getting oily, or drying out. MSN. Made this for Thanksgiving and it was a HIT!!!! Stack the remaining tortillas on top and flip to cook other. Why is Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Important to Black Culture? Omg I should have read the comments before I prepped. While the pasta boils, use a wooden spoon to mix the half and half, heavy cream. thank you for this GEM! Required fields are marked *, COPYRIGHT 2023 COPYKAT RECIPES PRIVACY POLICY. My church celebrate Juneteenth every year but it never occurred to me we were celebrating emancipation. Yes, yes, yes and yes, loved this post and especially the recipe. I'm so glad you shared this very special recipe with us! Everyone knows nobody cooks better than church ladies and Eden. I will definitely be making this again. I accidentally added the eggs. Is using the flavored one kid friendly? My Hot Southern Mess. Hi! Ask for the THICKEST CUT, then cube it yourself when ready to prep! My husband grew up with his mom making amazing baked mac and cheese. It went perfectly with brisket, baked beans, and cornbread and was the star of the show!! For extra creaminess, use 8 ounces of cream cheese. Its a dump and bake kind of dish , Haha.Good one!! My ever so picky son even liked it! We are proud that we can help the restaurants share these recipes with our fans. Black people hold macaroni and cheese in high regard, it's the pinnacle of black culinary accolades. Pro Tip: We keep our house pretty cool so I put the cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it looser and warmer, which helps it mix evenly into the mac and cheese during the colder months. WebKarimpuzha The Handloom Village fuddruckers hot dog buns; arabic slang urban dictionary; hockey coaching job openings Monterey jack also works; we want a really melty, ooey-gooey cheese and colby/monterey jack is the one for this recipe.