Skip to Content

Homemade Cheez Whiz Recipe

Try this easy homemade Cheez Whiz recipe for a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or adding to your favorite recipes! Made with real cheese and simple ingredients, it’s a delicious way to elevate your snacks and meals.

person holding Philly cheesesteak quesadilla with homemade Cheez Whiz
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe in your inbox?

Enter your email below & we'll send it directly to you! Plus you’ll get new recipes, tips, and tricks from us every week!

Cheez Whiz is a popular processed cheese sauce that has been a staple in American households for decades. It’s known for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It’s usually used for a dipping sauce for things like chips, pretzels, or vegetables. It’s also used as a sandwich spread for Philly Cheesesteaks and burgers.

It’s made from cheddar cheese and few other types of cheese. Since it’s processed food, the ingredients also include emulsifiers and stabilizers to help maintain the smooth texture of the cheese sauce and prevent separation. It’s also filled with preservatives to extend shelf life.

This is why I wanted to make a version of my own using everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.

flour, butter, and milk in separate glass bowls

Key Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Grated Cheese
grated white cheddar cheese in separate glass bowls

What Type of Cheese to Use

  • White Cheddar has a rich and creamy flavor with nutty undertones.
  • Provolone works great if you are using the recipe for a cheesesteak.
  • Sharp Cheddar provides a bold flavor and orange color.
  • Mild Cheddar fffers a milder flavor compared to sharp cheddar, but still melts well
  • Colby is similar to cheddar but with a milder flavor, it melts well and adds a creamy texture.
  • Monterey Jack melts smoothly and has a mild flavor.
  • Gouda adds a unique flavor to the cheese sauce and melts smoothly.
  • Fontina is creamy and melts well, adding richness to the sauce.
  • Mozzarella gives the sauce a stretchy, gooey texture when melted. This is great if you are looking for a cheese pull.
melted butter in a skillet
melted butter and flour in a skillet
homemade Cheez Whiz in a skillet
a cheese pull of homemade Cheez Whiz in a skillet

How to Prevent homemade it From Separating or Drying Out

The Cheez Whiz will thicken as it stands. It’s best to serve it immediately. Cheese contains moisture, and prolonged exposure to air will cause moisture loss. This can result in a dip that becomes thicker and less creamy, as the cheese dries out. Add in a little more milk and stir if this happens.

Store-bought Cheez Whiz often contains emulsifiers and stabilizers, such as sodium citrate or sodium alginate, which help maintain its creamy texture and prevent separation. These additives also help retain moisture in the cheese sauce over time. Since we are making our own without the preservatives, be mindful of the tips.

homemade Cheez Whiz in a white bowl

How to Reheat

Heat the sauce in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity, stirring halfway through. Be sure to cover it.

You can also reheat it on the stove eat the Cheez Whiz over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning or sticking.

a spoonful of homemade Cheez Whiz in a white bowl

How to Store

You can store leftover sauce tightly covered and sealed in the fridge.

How Long it Will Last

It will last up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing. It will alter the texture.

Philadelphia cheesesteak on a flat surface with chips
a spoonful of homemade Cheez Whiz in a white bowl
Print Pin
No ratings yet

Homemade Cheez Whiz

Try this easy homemade Cheez Whiz recipe for a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce that's perfect for dipping, spreading, or adding to your favorite recipes! Made with real cheese and simple ingredients, it's a delicious way to elevate your snacks and meals.
Save this recipe here.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword Cheez Whiz recipe, homemade Cheez Whiz
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 192kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups grated cheese I used provolone.
  • 1/2 teapoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated. This will create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  • Stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Notes

Feel free to add more or less milk to adjust the texture of the sauce to your liking.
The Cheez Whiz will thicken as it stands. It’s best to serve it immediately. Cheese contains moisture, and prolonged exposure to air will cause moisture loss. This can result in a dip that becomes thicker and less creamy, as the cheese dries out. Add in a little more milk and stir if this happens.
Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g
Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched! The recipe instructions noted here are the property of Stay Snatched and subject to copyright. Please do not screenshot and share this recipe on social.
Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelCheck out our YouTube Channel!
Join our Air Fryer and Instant Pot Facebook GroupClick here to join our Facebook Group!
Join our Keto Recipes Facebook GroupClick here to join our Facebook Group!
Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Recipe Rating