Bushra Griffith
Cheez Whiz, a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread, was first sold in 1952 and continues to be in production today. It is used as a topping for various foods, including tortilla chips, Philly cheesesteaks, and hot dogs. While the jarred variety is convenient and well-known, making homemade Cheez Whiz is surprisingly easy and customizable. This paragraph will discuss the process of making homemade Cheez Whiz, including the ingredients and steps required to create this popular cheese sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kraft Foods |
| Type of Food | Processed cheese sauce and spread |
| Year Introduced | 1952 |
| Colour | Orangish-yellow |
| Container | Glass jar |
| Uses | Topping for corn chips, hot dogs, and Philadelphia-style cheesesteak |
| Market Availability | Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, and Venezuela |
| Ingredients | Cheese, water, milk, cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt |
| Recipe | Combine ingredients and heat until melted and smooth; serve warm or refrigerate for later use |
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History of Cheese Whiz
Cheese Whiz, the gooey, yellowish-orange cheese-like substance, was first introduced in Britain in 1952. It was developed by Canadian-born James L. Kraft, along with a team of food scientists led by Edwin Traisman, following the success of Kraft Singles in the US. Kraft directed their efforts towards the British market to create a cheese product for Welsh rarebit, a dish that consists of melted cheddar cheese on toast. The process of melting the cheese to make the dish was labor-intensive and time-consuming, so Kraft wanted to create a faster alternative. After a year and a half of experimentation with various ingredients, including different types of cheese, emulsifiers, salts, and artificial coloring, the team came up with a concoction that tasted similar to Welsh rarebit. Cheese Whiz was then introduced to the American market in 1953, and it quickly became a staple in college dorms and at Super Bowl parties. It was advertised as a convenient and versatile product with a long shelf life.
Over the years, the recipe for Cheese Whiz has undergone changes due to modifications in dairy sourcing and regulatory environments, resulting in a reduction of cheese content. While it initially contained a significant amount of real cheese, the modern-day ingredient list no longer explicitly mentions cheese. Instead, it includes various parts of cheese, such as cheese culture and milk, along with other components like whey, corn syrup, and milk protein concentrate. These changes have been attributed to marketing and profit considerations, as using cheese alternatives can reduce storage costs and increase profitability.
Despite its popularity, Cheese Whiz has faced criticism for its highly processed nature and the perceived decline in taste over the years. Some people, including those involved in its original development, have expressed disappointment with the new formula, describing it as tasting "like axle grease." Nevertheless, Cheese Whiz continues to hold a place in American popular culture, with appearances in movies and songs. It remains a beloved topping for snacks like crackers and celery sticks and is considered a classic addition to dishes like Philly cheesesteaks.
In conclusion, Cheese Whiz has a complex history that reflects the trends and transformations within the global food industry. Its evolution from a British-focused product to an American staple showcases the changing landscape of convenience foods and the ongoing quest for innovation and profitability. While the product has faced scrutiny for its processed nature and evolving ingredient list, it remains an iconic symbol of American food culture, loved by many for its gooey texture and versatility.
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Ingredients
Cheez Whiz is a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread produced by Kraft Foods. It was first sold in 1952 and continues to be in production today. A 1953 ad listed the product's original ingredients as: "American Cheese, Water, Nonfat Dry Milk Solids, Condensed Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Cream, Worcestershire Sauce, Lactic Acid, Mustard, Salt".
Today, the ingredients of Cheez Whiz Original Cheese Dip 15 oz include: "Whey (from Milk), Canola Oil, Milk Protein Concentrate, Maltodextrin, Milk, Sodium Phosphate, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Lactic Acid, Sodium Alginate, Mustard Flour, Worcestershire Sauce (Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices [Contains Celery], Tamarind, Natural Flavor), Sorbic Acid as a Preservative, Milkfat, Oleoresin Paprika (Color), Cheese Culture, Natural Flavor, Enzymes, Annatto (Color)".
Cheez Whiz can also be made at home, with recipes including ingredients such as evaporated milk, and American, cheddar, and cream cheeses. It is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and mustard. Other recipes include vegetable oil, mushroom soup, sour cream, and heavy cream.
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Preparation method
Cheez Whiz is a popular processed cheese sauce that has been a staple in American households for decades. It is known for its creamy texture and cheesy flavour. It is usually used as a dipping sauce for snacks like chips, pretzels, or vegetables, and as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, and Philly cheesesteaks.
Ingredients:
- Evaporated milk or skim milk
- American cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dry mustard
- Paprika
- Cornstarch
- Granulated sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Flour
Method:
- In a small saucepan, add the evaporated milk and heat until it starts to steam.
- Whisk in the shredded American cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Keep whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is well combined. Do not let it boil.
- Add in the Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and paprika to taste.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture into the bowl while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously, until a thick roux forms.
- Slowly add the cheese mixture to the roux, whisking continuously, until you achieve the desired consistency.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavour.
Storage:
- If you have any Cheez Whiz left over, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda, provolone, or gruyère, and add spices and seasonings to suit your taste!
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Storage
Once you've made your Cheese Whiz, it's important to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your homemade Cheese Whiz:
Storing Homemade Cheese Whiz:
- Allow it to cool completely: Before storing, make sure your Cheese Whiz has cooled to room temperature. Do not rush this process by placing it in the refrigerator while it is still warm, as this can affect its texture and quality.
- Use an airtight container: Transfer the Cheese Whiz to an airtight container. This helps prevent spoilage and maintains freshness by limiting exposure to air and potential contaminants.
- Refrigerate: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Cheese Whiz should always be stored in a cool, controlled temperature environment.
- Consume within a week: Homemade Cheese Whiz has a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought varieties. It is recommended to consume it within a week of preparation.
- Reheat gently: When ready to serve, you can reheat the Cheese Whiz. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and gently reheat it to your desired temperature. You can also reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop.
- Storage duration: The storage duration for homemade Cheese Whiz varies depending on the ingredients used and storage conditions. On average, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if properly stored in an airtight container.
- Freezing: If you want to extend the storage duration, you can freeze your Cheese Whiz. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or until completely defrosted.
- Food safety: Always use clean utensils when handling Cheese Whiz, and do not leave it at room temperature for extended periods. Discard it if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an unusual smell, texture, or mould.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade Cheese Whiz safely and maintain its optimal freshness and quality.
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Health and nutrition
Cheez Whiz is a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread produced by Kraft Foods. It is marketed in Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, and Venezuela. It is often used as a topping for various foods, including corn chips, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks.
As a processed food, Cheez Whiz has been associated with negative health effects. Processed foods are typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, which can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, the high sodium content in Cheez Whiz can also be problematic for individuals with high blood pressure or those at risk for cardiovascular disease.
While the exact nutritional profile of Cheez Whiz may vary depending on the specific product and region, a serving size of 2 tablespoons (30g) of the original flavour is generally believed to contain:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
It is worth noting that the nutritional content can vary depending on the type of milk and cheese used in the recipe. For example, using skim milk and reduced-fat cheese can lower the fat content, while adding additional spices or seasonings can change the sodium and carbohydrate content.
When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, Cheez Whiz may not significantly impact an individual's health. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption of processed foods. To make a healthier version of Cheez Whiz at home, one can consider using low-fat dairy options and reducing the amount of salt and sodium-containing seasonings added to the recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese Whiz is a brand of processed cheese sauce and spread produced by Kraft Foods. It is orangish-yellow in colour and usually comes in a glass jar.
Cheese Whiz is made from a variety of cheeses, including American cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and Velveeta. It also contains other ingredients such as evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and paprika.
To make Cheese Whiz, the cheeses are melted and combined with the other ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. The mixture is stirred until smooth and then served warm or allowed to cool and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can make Cheese Whiz at home by following a similar process to the one described above. Some people use raw or pasteurized milk as a base and add in various cheeses and seasonings to taste.
Homemade Cheese Whiz can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
