This stuff was very popular when I was a teenager. We would warm it up in a small pot of simmering water on the stove, then dip corn chips into its cheesy goodness, dripping it all over our shirts. Today, it's still on the market. Like other processed cheeses, Cheez Whiz has waned in popularity among younger consumers, who seem more drawn to the "real cheeses" found on Charcuterie plates. Still, I have to give a nod to this 1960s favorite.
There was nothing healthy about Cheez Whiz, nor was there intended to be. But when it came to whipping up a quick and over-the-top cheese-tasting dish, this was it! And it made things much faster, too. I made my very first macaroni and cheese casserole with it. It was cut up, fried up hot dogs, boiled (somewhat over-boiled, actually) elbows, and a jar of cheese whiz. I stuck it all in a buttered casserole, crunched cracker crumbs (Ritz if I recall) over the top, and placed pats of butter all around with a light dusting of paprika.
Mom would've turned her nose up, and Dad would have likely said it was good. The children at the Banks' home loved it, though. I experimented on those poor kids, but they really seemed to like it, so all was well as far as I was concerned! But the 60s and early 70s were a time for experimentation and convenience, and when you put the two together, you get Cheeze Whiz!
This is a small collection of the more popular Cheez Whiz recipes I found lying around.
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BASIC FONDUE RECIPE
- 16-oz. jar Cheez Whiz
- 1/2 cup Parkay Margarine
- French bread chunks
- Heat Cheez Whiz and margarine in a fondue pot or saucepan, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with bread.
Makes 2 cups.
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CHICKEN N’ RICE BAKE
- 1-1/2 cups cooked rice
- 8-oz. jar Garlic-Onion Cheez Whiz Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (or use regular and add in some garlic and onion)
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 10-oz. pkg. frozen peas cooked, drained
- 3-1/2 oz. can French fried onions
- Heat oven to 350°.
- Combine rice and Cheez Whiz, mixing until well blended.
- Stir in chicken and peas.
- Pour into 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°, 15 minutes. Top with onions; continue baking 5 to 10 minutes or until hot.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
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EASY POTATOES AU GRATIN
- 3-1/2 cups potato slices
- 8-oz. jar Cheez Whiz Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- Place potatoes in a 1-quart casserole.
- Heat Cheez Whiz over low heat; pour over potatoes.
- Cover casserole with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°, for 45 minutes; uncover and continue baking for 15 minutes.
6 servings.