Frederic Melton
Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese spread that was first developed in the 1950s. It is known for its smooth, creamy texture and distinctive flavour. While it is often criticized for being overly processed, it is also versatile and convenient, and can be used in various dishes. Cheese fries, or cheesy chips, are a dish consisting of French fries covered in cheese, with the possible addition of various other toppings. Cheese Whiz is commonly used as a topping for cheese fries, especially in Philadelphia, where it is a tradition to pour it over hot French fries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Cheese Whiz | A processed cheese spread known for its gooey, smooth and creamy texture. |
| History | It was first developed in the 1950s by Kraft food scientist Edwin Traisman and his team. |
| Use cases | Cheese Whiz is commonly melted and used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, French fries, nachos, and veggies. It can also be added to dishes like macaroni and cheese, shepherd's pie, or mixed into a warm cheese dip. |
| Cheese fries | Cheese fries are French fries covered in cheese, with the possible addition of various other toppings. Cheese Whiz is one of the cheese sauces used for cheese fries. |
| Other cheese sauces used for cheese fries | Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, or American. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese spread
Cheese Whiz is often criticised for being overly processed and lacking the qualities of artisanal or natural cheese. However, it is appreciated for its convenience, versatility, and ability to evoke nostalgia. It can be used in various dishes, such as dips, toppings for nachos, sandwiches, burgers, and veggies. It is also commonly melted and used as a topping for French fries, also known as cheese fries.
Cheese fries are a popular dish consisting of French fries covered in cheese, with the possible addition of various other toppings. They are generally served as a lunch or dinner dish and can be found in fast-food locations, diners, and grills, mainly in English-speaking countries. Cheese Whiz is a common topping for cheese fries, especially in Philadelphia, where it is a tradition to melt and pour it over French fries. When used on cheese fries, Cheese Whiz forms a shellac-like coating as it cools, making it easier to grab a bunch of fries.
Cheese Whiz can be purchased pre-made in jars, but it can also be made at home. A homemade version can be made in 15 minutes using cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, turmeric, granulated sugar, milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. The spices are whisked together and added to a saucepan with milk and cream cheese, which is then cooked over medium-low heat until thickened. Shredded cheese is then stirred in until melted, and the mixture is served immediately.
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Cheese Whiz is used as a topping for cheese fries
Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese spread that was first developed in the 1950s by Kraft food scientist Edwin Traisman and his team. It is made from a blend of cheese, milk solids, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and other additives. While it is criticized for being overly processed, it is also beloved by many for its convenience, versatility, and ability to evoke nostalgia.
Cheese Whiz is indeed used as a topping for cheese fries. Cheese fries are a popular dish consisting of French fries covered in cheese, often served with various additional toppings. They are found in fast-food locations, diners, and grills, mainly in English-speaking countries. The origin of the dish is unknown, but it is said to have grown in popularity in the United States after canned cheese products such as Cheese Whiz were introduced in 1952.
Cheese Whiz is a common topping for cheese fries, especially in Philadelphia, where it is a tradition to melt and pour it over French fries. It is also used in other parts of the United States, such as Texas, where Don A. Jenkins invented the chili cheese fry variation at the age of 16. In New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey, cheese fries are typically covered with melted American, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese, while in Cincinnati, Ohio, they use their own Cincinnati chili.
Cheese Whiz is a versatile product and can be used in various dishes beyond cheese fries. It is commonly melted and used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, nachos, and vegetables. It can also be added to dishes like macaroni and cheese, shepherd's pie, or mixed into a warm cheese dip.
While Cheese Whiz is a convenient and tasty option for cheese fries, some people prefer to make their own cheese sauce from scratch using ingredients like butter, milk, and shredded cheese. This allows for more control over the flavour and texture of the sauce.
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Cheese Whiz is high in sodium and saturated fats
Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese spread or dip known for its smooth, creamy texture and distinctive flavour. It is often used as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, French fries, nachos, and veggies. It can also be added to dishes like macaroni and cheese, shepherd's pie, or mixed into a warm cheese dip.
While Cheese Whiz does provide a good source of calcium, it is important to consider its nutritional profile, particularly its high sodium and saturated fat content. With 1638 mg of sodium per 100 g, Cheese Whiz contains 71% of the daily recommended value. This is significantly higher than the Institute of Medicine's recommended daily sodium intake, of which it makes up 29%. High sodium intake is a leading cause of hypertension, which can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke.
Cheese Whiz also contains a high level of saturated fats, with 13 grams of saturated fat per 21 grams of total fat. Saturated fats have been linked to increased LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels are another risk factor for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
The combination of high sodium and saturated fat content makes Cheese Whiz unsuitable for those who need a balanced and nutrient-dense diet, such as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for those on low-fat or low-sodium diets, as it fails to meet the criteria for these specific dietary restrictions.
While Cheese Whiz may be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it is considered an indulgent, highly processed food with minimal nutritional value and potential health risks. For those seeking the health benefits of cheese, traditional varieties such as Gouda, Cheddar, or Mozzarella provide better nutritional value with fewer negative factors.
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Cheese Whiz was first developed in the 1950s
Cheese Whiz, the processed cheese spread with a distinctive flavour and gooey, smooth, and creamy texture, was first developed in the 1950s. It was created by Kraft food scientist Edwin Traisman and his team of food scientists, including Dean Southworth. Traisman would later develop the method for McDonald's to flash-freeze its French fries.
Despite its all-American image, Cheese Whiz was actually inspired by European culinary traditions. It was initially conceived as a mild-tasting cheese sauce for the British dish Welsh rarebit, which consists of savory melted cheese sauce on dense toast. Kraft began developing the product in 1950, aiming to replicate the qualities of the cheese used in Welsh rarebit. In 1952, Kraft introduced Cheese Whiz in Britain, where it became a hit. The product was launched in the United States in July 1953, and its popularity soared.
Cheese Whiz was seen as novel, convenient, and futuristic food item, and its ""cool"" factor contributed to its success. It became a staple in many American households and was used in various dishes, including dips, toppings for nachos and French fries, and sandwiches like cheesesteaks. The product's long history has made it an iconic part of food culture, especially in North America, evoking fond childhood memories for many consumers.
Over the years, Kraft has altered the Cheese Whiz recipe due to changes in dairy sourcing and regulatory environments, resulting in a reduction of cheese content. The formula has been criticised for being overly processed and high in sodium, saturated fats, and calories. However, Cheese Whiz remains popular for its convenience, versatility, and ability to evoke nostalgia. It holds a unique place in the hearts of those who grew up with it, even if it is no longer a regular part of their diet.
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Cheese fries can be made with other cheeses, like cheddar
Cheese Whiz, a processed cheese spread, is often used as a topping for cheese fries. It is well-loved for its smooth, creamy texture and convenience. However, cheese fries can be made with a variety of other cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or American cheese.
Cheddar cheese, in particular, is a popular choice for cheese fries. It offers a classic, familiar flavour that many people enjoy. When making cheese fries with cheddar, you can use shredded or grated cheddar cheese. You can also make a cheddar cheese sauce by melting butter and adding milk, and then shredding cheddar cheese into the mixture. This sauce can be seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning to add extra flavour.
In Ireland, for example, a variation called "taco fries" consists of fresh-cut fries covered in ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and seasonings. This is then topped with shredded cheddar cheese and taco sauce. In the United Kingdom, "cheesy chips" are often served in pubs, where cheddar cheese sauce is poured over chips, or shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top before grilling.
Using cheddar cheese instead of Cheese Whiz allows for a more natural, less processed cheese experience. While Cheese Whiz has its fans, some people prefer the taste and texture of real cheese, like cheddar, on their cheese fries.
Additionally, cheddar cheese provides a good base for adding other ingredients. For instance, in the Southwestern US, loaded fries are often covered in melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, jalapeño slices, and chives. The cheddar cheese pairs well with these toppings, creating a delicious and hearty dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cheese Whiz is commonly used on cheese fries. Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese spread known for its gooey, smooth and creamy texture. It is often melted and poured over French fries, especially in Philadelphia.
Cheese fries can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, and American.
In addition to cheese, cheese fries are often topped with bacon, jalapeños, green onions, garlic sauce, and chili or curry sauce.
