Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese sauce product that was first developed in the early 1950s. It is made and distributed by Kraft Foods. Cheez Whiz has a smooth, thick consistency and comes in a distinctive yellow color. It is packaged in a jar or can and is often used as a topping or dip. But what foods is Cheez Whiz actually good with? Here is an in-depth look at the best uses for Cheez Whiz.
Using Cheez Whiz as a Cheese Dip
One of the most popular ways to enjoy Cheez Whiz is as a cheese dip for various snacks and finger foods. Here are some of the best options for dishes to pair with Cheez Whiz cheese dip:
Crackers
Cheez Whiz makes an excellent dip for crackers of all kinds. The thick, ultra-cheesy consistency of the sauce clings nicely to the crackers. Good cracker choices include Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Ritz Crackers, Club Crackers, or any plain saltine crackers. The crunchy and salty crackers pair perfectly with the rich, tangy cheese dip.
Vegetables
Cheez Whiz also works well as a dip for fresh raw vegetables. Try dipping baby carrots, celery sticks, broccoli florets, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices into the decadent cheese sauce. The veggies provide a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy, smooth Cheez Whiz.
Pretzels
For another salty and crunchy pairing, use Cheez Whiz as a dip for hard pretzels. The pretzels can handle being dunked into the thick sauce. The combo of the crispy pretzels with the gooey cheese dip is delightful.
Potato chips
What could be better than potato chips and cheese? Cheez Whiz makes the perfect dipping companion for classic potato chips. Try regular ridged potato chips, wavy chips, or kettle cooked chips. Sturdy tortilla chips also pair nicely when dipped into Cheez Whiz.
Breadsticks and pretzel sticks
For a quick and easy appetizer, provide breadsticks or pretzel sticks for dipping into that irresistible Cheez Whiz. This cheesy snack will disappear in a hurry!
Using Cheez Whiz on Sandwiches
Slathering Cheez Whiz on sandwiches is another excellent way to enjoy this iconic cheese product. Here are some great sandwich options:
Burgers
A few tablespoons of Cheez Whiz can really take a hamburger to the next level. Spread some on top of the burger patty shortly before serving, so the heat from the patty melts the cheese into a nice gooey layer.
Hot dogs
Who doesn’t love hot dogs with cheese? Squirt some Cheez Whiz down the length of a hot dog before nestling the wiener into the bun. Some crispy fried onions are also a tasty addition.
Grilled cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect canvas for showing off Cheez Whiz. Use it instead of regular sliced cheese to add more intense, tangy cheese flavor.
Breakfast sandwiches
Wake up to a delicious Cheez Whiz breakfast sandwich on an English muffin, bagel, or biscuit. The possibilities are endless. Try cheese whiz with egg and bacon, sausage and egg, or ham and egg for a protein-packed start to the day.
Sloppy joes
Make your sloppy joes extra sloppy and cheesy. Simply mix a few big spoonfuls of Cheez Whiz into the meaty joe mixture before serving on buns.
Cooking with Cheez Whiz
Don’t limit cheese whiz just to cold applications – it can also be used to prepare hot dishes. Here are some ideas:
Quesadillas
Use Cheez Whiz instead of shredded cheese to load up quesadillas. Spread a layer over a flour tortilla, top with other fillings like salsa, veggies or cooked meat, then fold over and grill to melty perfection.
Nachos
No need to grate cheese by hand for nachos – just whip open the Cheez Whiz! Load up a plate of tortilla chips with ample amounts of this smooth, liquid cheese. Add peppers, onions, olives, beans or other toppings.
Baked potatoes
A baked potato isn’t complete without a glop of cheese. Skip the shredded cheddar and go for Cheez Whiz instead. The potatoes will soak up all that delicious cheesy goodness.
Mac and cheese
You can incorporate Cheez Whiz into homemade macaroni and cheese. Use it solo or combine it with other melted cheeses. Stir the creamy, melty sauce into the cooked pasta for instant cheesy satisfaction.
Pizza
Why not liven up a homemade pizza with Cheez Whiz? Use it in place of regular pizza cheese. The thick, rich consistency provides excellent coverage over the sauce and toppings.
Snacking with Cheez Whiz
Cheez Whiz also makes a fun and portable high-protein snack on its own. Here are some easy snack ideas:
Spoonfuls
For super quick and effortless snacking, simply eat Cheez Whiz right out of the jar with a spoon. Each creamy, cheesy bite will satisfy your cravings.
On crackers
Top your favorite crackers with a dollop of Cheez Whiz. The combo makes an easy snack you can take on the go.
With celery
For a more balanced snack, stuff Cheez Whiz into celery sticks. You get the fresh crunch of celery paired with the rich creaminess of the cheese.
With apple slices
Here’s an unexpected pairing that works surprisingly well – apple slices dunked into Cheez Whiz. The sweetness of the apple balances the salty cheese in an addictive way.
With pretzel crisps
Pretzel crisps provide the perfect crunchy, sturdy base for a hit of Cheez Whiz. This snack hits the spot when you crave something salty.
Creative Uses for Cheez Whiz
Don’t limit yourself – Cheez Whiz can also be used in many creative and unconventional ways. Try these outside-the-box ideas:
Season vegetables
Pump up the flavor of steamed or roasted broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or asparagus with a drizzle of Cheez Whiz.
Nacho cheese sauce
Use Cheez Whiz as the base for a quick nacho cheese sauce for parties. Thin it with a bit of milk and stir in taco seasoning.
Flavor popcorn
Drizzle Cheez Whiz over freshly popped popcorn and toss to coat. The cheese coats each kernel for a decadent popcorn snack.
Cheese sauce for fries
Fries need cheese! Use warmed up Cheez Whiz as an instant sauce for french fries, tater tots or hash browns.
Macaroni salad
Stir Cheez Whiz into macaroni salad for a creamy, cheesy addition to this classic side dish.
Top mashed potatoes
Add extra richness to mashed potatoes by swirling in Cheez Whiz after mashing. Top with crispy fried onions for the full effect.
Queso dip
Jazz up canned chili or queso dip with a few big spoonfuls of Cheez Whiz stirred in. The ultimate chip dip!
Pimento cheese spread
Mix Cheez Whiz with diced pimentos, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper for a quick pimento cheese spread.
Stuffed mushrooms
Really pack a flavor punch by filling mushroom caps with a mixture of Cheez Whiz, bread crumbs, garlic and spices before baking.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrition Facts | Per 2 Tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
Cheez Whiz is high in calories, fat and sodium, which is not surprising given the ultra-processed nature of the product. The ingredients list contains cheese culture, whey, milk, canola oil, sodium phosphate, salt, and other natural flavorings and preservatives.
While Cheez Whiz can be enjoyed on occasion as part of an overall balanced diet, it is best consumed in moderation due to the high levels of fat, sodium and preservatives. For a healthier alternative, choose real cheese made from wholesome ingredients whenever possible.
Conclusion
Cheez Whiz is the go-to product for creating rich, delicious cheese flavor in a hurry. It can be used in so many ways – as a dip, a sandwich topping, an addition to cooked dishes, or a straight-from-the-jar snack. Just about anything is better with Cheez Whiz! While it may not be the healthiest choice, this iconic and versatile cheese sauce product is here to stay as a guilty pleasure. So embrace Cheez Whiz and get creative with all the zany ways to incorporate it into snacks, apps and meals. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation as more of an occasional indulgence.