Kamil Perry
Cheez Whiz, the fluorescent orange cheese spread, has been a pantry staple for nearly 70 years. It is a highly processed food with artificial ingredients and stabilizers that help maintain its soft shape. While it is often considered an overly processed, nutritional nightmare, it has its place in the kitchen. Cheez Whiz can be melted and used as a topping for steak sandwiches, burgers, French fries, nachos, and baked potatoes. The best way to melt Cheez Whiz is to use low heat and avoid overheating. It can be heated on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a pourable consistency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best way to melt cheese whiz | Use a microwave or stovetop |
| Heat on low to avoid overcooking | |
| Grate the cheese to speed up melting | |
| Add milk, butter, and shredded cheese for a queso dip | |
| Use as a topping for steak sandwiches, burgers, French fries, and nachos |
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What You'll Learn
Melting Cheese Whiz in the microwave
Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese product with a soft, spreadable texture. It was first released in 1953 as a time-saving alternative to Welsh rarebit and has since become a nostalgic staple for many in North America. Heating up Cheez Whiz is a straightforward process and can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Melting Cheese Whiz in the Microwave
To melt Cheese Whiz in the microwave, start by scooping the desired amount of sauce out of the jar and into a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and cover it with a paper towel to prevent splattering. Heat the Cheese Whiz on high power for 30 seconds.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the sauce to ensure even heating. Place the bowl back in the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process of heating and stirring until the Cheese Whiz reaches your desired temperature and consistency. Depending on the amount of Cheese Whiz and your microwave's power, this should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
Once melted, the Cheese Whiz can be poured over nachos, steamed vegetables, or used as a filling for baked potatoes or Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. It can also be spread on toasted white bread for a simple, nostalgic snack.
Remember to handle the hot bowl with care and enjoy your melted Cheese Whiz!
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Melting on the stovetop
To melt Cheese Whiz on a stovetop, you'll need a saucepan or pot, a whisk or spatula, and a source of heat. Start by placing the desired amount of Cheese Whiz in your saucepan. If you're melting a large quantity, you may want to add a small amount of milk or water to the saucepan as well; this will help the Cheese Whiz melt more easily and result in a smoother, less thick consistency.
Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. You don't want the heat too high, as this can cause the Cheese Whiz to burn or scorch. Keep the heat gentle and steady. As the Cheese Whiz begins to warm, use your whisk or spatula to stir it constantly. Stirring will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the Cheese Whiz from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Continue heating and stirring until the Cheese Whiz has melted to your desired consistency. If you're adding milk or water, keep in mind that the mixture will thicken as it heats, so you may need to add small additional amounts of liquid to get the consistency you want. Once your Cheese Whiz is melted, remove it from the heat. You can now serve it immediately, or if you're using it for a recipe, proceed with your recipe instructions.
Remember to clean your tools promptly after melting Cheese Whiz, as the product can become sticky and difficult to clean if left to harden on surfaces or utensils. Overall, melting Cheese Whiz on a stovetop is a simple and effective method that gives you a good deal of control over the consistency and temperature of the final product.
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Using Cheese Whiz on cheesesteaks
Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce, which makes melting it relatively straightforward. The best way to melt it is to use low heat, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Melting it slowly and steadily will help to avoid overcooking.
To melt Cheez Whiz in the microwave, scoop the sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a paper towel to prevent splatter. Heat the cheese on high for 30 seconds, then stir and repeat until it reaches your desired temperature. It should be pourable after 2-3 minutes of heating.
To melt Cheez Whiz on the stovetop, transfer the sauce from the jar to a saucepan and heat it over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature.
Once melted, Cheez Whiz can be used as a topping for Philly cheesesteaks. The cheesesteak is a cultural icon in Philadelphia, and the classic sandwich typically consists of thinly sliced pan-fried beef and melted cheese on a long, crusty roll. The beef is usually boneless ribeye or sirloin, cut very thin to ensure quick cooking. Some people like to boil the beef with spices and salt before pan-frying to ensure tenderness. The cheese of choice for an authentic Philly cheesesteak is usually Cheez Whiz, but mild or sharp Provolone and American cheese are also common substitutions. Basic toppings include caramelized onions and/or hot peppers, and the sandwich can be customized with additional toppings and condiments.
Cheez Whiz is a popular topping for Philly cheesesteaks due to its gooey, salty texture and flavour. It is said to perfectly smother the thin slices of beef, fried onions, and sautéed peppers that are typical of the sandwich. While some may prefer other cheeses, Cheez Whiz holds a special place in the hearts of many Philadelphians and is considered by some to be the "champion of the cheesesteak."
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Adding Cheese Whiz to baked potatoes
One option for adding Cheese Whiz to a baked potato is to make scalloped potatoes. To make this dish, first, peel and slice potatoes and arrange them in a pan. Slice an onion and sprinkle it on top of the potatoes, along with salt and pepper. Add butter and milk, and bake at 350°F for 2 hours. Fifteen minutes before the potatoes are done, mix together mushroom soup and Cheese Whiz. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and finish baking.
Another option is to make a loaded baked potato with Cheese Whiz. First, bake a potato until it is cooked through. Then, add toppings such as steamed broccoli, onions, bacon bits, and sour cream. Finally, top it all off with warm, melted Cheese Whiz. This option is reminiscent of a dish served at Wendy's fast-food restaurants in the early 1980s.
Cheese Whiz can also be added to baked potatoes in the same way one would add butter or sour cream. Simply bake a potato and then top it with warm, melted Cheese Whiz. This can be done by heating the Cheese Whiz in the microwave or on the stovetop. When melted, the Cheese Whiz will fill every nook and cranny of the potato.
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Homemade Cheese Whiz
Cheese Whiz is a nostalgic comfort food for many, and it's easy to make at home. The homemade version is also much more customisable and can be made in about 15 minutes. It's a great dip for impromptu parties or after-school snacks with tortilla chips and fresh vegetables for dipping.
Ingredients
- Evaporated milk
- American cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dry mustard
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Method
Add the evaporated milk to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until steaming. Then, whisk in the cheddar cheese, American cheese, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and paprika. Keep whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is well combined. Do not let it boil.
Serve the homemade Cheese Whiz warm, or let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for at least a week.
Tips for Melting Cheese
Use low heat and a double boiler to avoid overcooking the cheese. Grate the cheese before melting to speed up the process and ensure even melting.
Variations
You can replace the cheddar cheese with other good melting cheeses like gouda, provolone, or gruyère. For extra tang and saltiness, add some extra cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese Whiz is a versatile sauce that can be used in many dishes. Try it on Philly cheesesteaks, nachos, cheese fries, or as a dip for vegetables. It can also be used as a filling for soft pretzels or poured over tortilla chips, tater tots, or macaroni and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to melt Cheese Whiz, including stovetop and microwave. For stovetop, transfer the Cheese Whiz from the jar to a saucepan and heat until pourable. For microwave, scoop the Cheese Whiz into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a paper towel, and heat for 30 seconds. Repeat the heating process until it reaches the desired temperature.
Cheese Whiz is a versatile sauce that can be used in many dishes. It can be drizzled over French fries, poured over steamed cauliflower or broccoli, or used as a filling for baked potatoes. It can also be used as a dip for veggies or as a spread on sandwiches, especially Philly cheesesteaks.
Yes, it is possible to make a homemade version of Cheese Whiz. A simple recipe involves simmering milk and cream cheese in a saucepan, whisking in spices, and then stirring in shredded cheese until melted. This homemade version can be a great way to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.
