Patrick Oconnell
Cheese Whiz is a popular processed cheese sauce used in many dishes, including Philly cheesesteaks, nachos, and cheese fries. It can be easily made at home with a variety of ingredients, such as milk, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. The key to achieving the right consistency is using emulsifiers like sodium citrate or sodium phosphate. For those who cannot access Cheese Whiz in their area, making it at home is a great option, as it allows for customization and control over ingredients. Whether store-bought or homemade, Cheese Whiz is a versatile sauce that can be used in a range of dishes to add a creamy, cheesy flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Evaporated milk, American cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mustard powder, salt, butter |
| Additional ingredients | Provolone, gouda, gruyère, parmesan, pecorino, cayenne pepper |
| Preparation | Whisk milk and spices, simmer, add cheese, stir until melted, serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week |
| Uses | Philly cheesesteaks, nachos, cheese fries, tater tots, dipping sauce |
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What You'll Learn
How to make homemade Cheese Whiz
Ingredients
To make your own Cheese Whiz, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cheese ?(American, mild cheddar, double Gloucester, Colby, Velveeta, or another cheese of your choice)
- Milk (skim, whole, raw, or pasteurized)
- Butter
- Flour
- Egg yolks
- Citric acid or white vinegar
You can also add:
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cayenne pepper
- Diced jalapenos
- Hot sauce
Method
- Combine butter and cheese in a double boiler over simmering water. You can also use a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Add flour and egg yolks, stirring constantly until incorporated.
- Slowly add milk and continue stirring.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add some milk to the mixture.
- For extra flavour, add a teaspoon of mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate.
- Your homemade Cheese Whiz will harden into a spreadable cheese as it cools.
Tips
- If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half as a substitute.
- The egg yolks help to thicken the sauce, but they can be omitted for a thinner sauce.
- To make the sauce spicier, add cayenne pepper, diced jalapenos, or hot sauce.
- To make a healthier version, use low-fat cheese and milk.
- You can also reduce the amount of cheese and increase the flour to thicken the sauce, but this will affect the flavour and texture.
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Cheese Whiz for nachos
Cheese Whiz is a popular topping for nachos, and it can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. While the exact recipe may vary, the key ingredients in Cheese Whiz are cheese, milk, and various seasonings.
To make Cheese Whiz for nachos, start by whisking together dry ingredients like cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, turmeric, and granulated sugar. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to taste, and feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like cayenne pepper or paprika.
In a separate saucepan, combine milk and cream cheese. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the cream cheese has dissolved into the milk. Then, whisk in the dry spice blend and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Finally, turn off the heat and gently stir in shredded cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses like American, cheddar, gouda, provolone, or gruyère. Keep folding the cheese into the liquid until it's completely melted and incorporated.
Serve your homemade Cheese Whiz warm over nachos, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl when you're ready for another round of nachos.
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Cheese Whiz for cheesesteaks
Cheese Whiz is a popular topping for cheesesteaks, and it is now almost considered a sin to get a cheesesteak without it. The original cheesesteak, created by Pat Olivieri around 1930, did not include cheese. When cheese was finally introduced to the sandwich, it was provolone, not Cheese Whiz. It wasn't until the 1950s, when Cheese Whiz was introduced to the United States, that people began adding it to their cheesesteaks, preferring its gooey texture over its competitors.
Cheese Whiz was chosen for cheesesteaks because of its ease of application. Its liquid texture made it ideal for slathering onto a sandwich, and it melted quickly, speeding up production. The fact that people enjoyed the taste of the drippy, salty cheese was just a happy coincidence.
If you want to make a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz at home, you can either buy a jar of Cheese Whiz or make it yourself. To make it yourself, heat evaporated milk in a deep pan until it simmers, then add in cream cheese and whisk until combined. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: Worcestershire, paprika, mustard, and any other seasonings of your choice. Add this mixture to the milk and cream cheese, whisking constantly. Finally, add in the cheese and let it melt. You can use a combination of American, cheddar, and cream cheeses, or substitute other good melting cheeses like gouda, provolone, or gruyère.
Once your Cheese Whiz is ready, cook your steak and any desired toppings, such as onions and peppers. Separate the steak into two portions and add cheese sauce, saving some to add directly to the sandwich. Transfer the steak to sliced hoagie rolls and drizzle with the remaining cheese sauce. Wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment paper to let the juices soak into the bread, then enjoy!
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Cheese Whiz for cheese fries
Cheese Whiz is a popular topping for cheese fries, and it can be made at home without adding preservatives. Here is a recipe for Cheese Whiz for cheese fries:
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mustard powder
- Turmeric
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, American, gouda, provolone, gruyère, or a mix)
Instructions:
- Whisk the cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, turmeric, and granulated sugar together in a small bowl.
- Add milk and cream cheese to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the cream cheese dissolves into the milk.
- Whisk the spice blend into the simmering liquid and continue cooking for another minute until it thickens.
- Turn off the heat and gently stir in the shredded cheese, mixing until it is completely melted and combined.
- Prepare a batch of your favourite French fries according to the package directions.
- Pour the Cheese Whiz over the hot, freshly cooked fries and serve immediately.
You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your Cheese Whiz, such as grated parmesan or pecorino, or mixing in seasoned fried onions.
For a cheesier experience, you can also try using Velveeta, a processed cheese product that melts smoothly, or a combination of melted butter, milk, and shredded cheddar.
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How to store Cheese Whiz
Storing Cheese Whiz correctly is important to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store Cheese Whiz:
Before Opening:
Before opening a new jar of Cheese Whiz, you can store it at room temperature if it was not refrigerated at the store or supermarket. Simply keep it in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Check the packaging for specific storage instructions, as some varieties may have different requirements.
After Opening:
Once the jar of Cheese Whiz is opened, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent deterioration. Make sure to tightly seal the lid after each use and keep the product away from heat and direct sunlight. Place the jar towards the back of the refrigerator to ensure you follow the first-in, first-out principle, reducing food waste.
Additionally, it is a good practice to note the date of opening on the jar, helping you keep track of how long it has been stored. This way, you can ensure you consume it within a reasonable timeframe and avoid using it past its prime.
Freezing Cheese Whiz:
While Cheese Whiz is typically stored in the refrigerator after opening, some people also experiment with freezing it to extend its shelf life. If you wish to try this, transfer the Cheese Whiz to a suitable freezer-safe container and label it with the date. However, note that freezing may affect the texture and consistency of the product.
Remember to check the product packaging for specific storage instructions, as different varieties of Cheese Whiz may have varying storage requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese Whiz is a spreadable, processed cheese product that can be used as a topping or dip.
Cheese Whiz is a versatile product that can be used on a variety of foods, including nachos, cheese fries, tater tots, and Philly cheesesteaks.
To make homemade Cheese Whiz, you will need milk, cheese, and various seasonings. The milk is heated and thickened, then combined with shredded cheese and seasonings to create a smooth, spreadable cheese sauce.
American cheese and cheddar cheese are commonly used in Cheese Whiz. However, you can experiment with other cheeses such as gouda, gruyère, or provolone to add sharpness and saltiness.
Homemade Cheese Whiz should be refrigerated and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
