Cheese Powder Uses

Powdered cheese might seem like an odd ingredient, but it's actually extremely versatile in cooking.

While many associate it with boxed mac and cheese, powdered cheese can elevate flavors in a variety of dishes from appetizers to main courses.

With its concentrated cheesy flavor and ability to melt smoothly, powdered cheese adds a delicious punch to snacks, sides, sauces, and more.

Using Powdered Cheese in Cooking

Powdered cheese works well in cooking because:

It has an intensely concentrated, cheesy flavor. Just a bit of powder packs a ton of flavor.
It melts extremely smoothly for creamy textures.
It's versatile as both a topping and an ingredient. Use it dry as a topping or add it into recipes.
It lasts a very long time stored in the pantry. No need to worry about it spoiling.

When adding powdered cheese to recipes:

Use it in small amounts at first, adjusting to taste. A little powdered cheese goes a long way.
For sauces and dips, whisk the powder into milk or another hot liquid to melt it fully.
To use as a topping, sprinkle onto foods right before serving so it sticks and melts slightly.

Now that you know the basics, read on for 14 delicious ways to cook with powdered cheese!

1. Golden Cheese Bread

Bread and cheese make the ultimate flavor combination. For next-level cheese bread, use both shredded and powdered cheese mixed into the dough like in this Golden Cheese Bread recipe. Every bite of the pull-apart bread will be bursting with gooey, golden cheese. The powdered cheese evenly distributes throughout while the shredded cheese adds tasty morsels.

Key Takeaway: Mix powdered and shredded cheeses into bread dough for Golden Cheese Bread with cheese in every bite.

2. Homemade Doritos

Making your own version of popular snacks like Doritos is extremely satisfying. This Homemade Doritos recipe lets you control the ingredients while still getting that intensely cheesy, nacho flavor. Simply season store-bought tortilla chips with a mix of powdered cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. Bake until crispy and golden. For extra credit, fry your own tortilla chips from scratch.

Key Takeaway: Homemade Doritos with powdered cheese seasoning are fresher and healthier than store-bought chips.

3. Cheesy Bloody Marys

Bloody Mary cocktails are ripe for customization. For an extra indulgent brunch drink, rim your glasses with a mix of powdered cheese, salt, and pepper. Then garnish your Bloody Marys with a sprinkle of powdered cheese on top. The melted cheese clinging to the glass along with the punch of flavor on each sip takes this classic cocktail up a notch.

Key Takeaway: Rim your Bloody Mary glasses with powdered cheese and salt for a full cheese experience with each sip.

4. Eggs Benedict with Cheesy Hollandaise Sauce

Rich hollandaise sauce is what makes eggs Benedict next-level decadent. Adding powdered cheese amps up its luxuriousness even further. Follow this easy Eggs Benedict with Ham and Cheesy Hollandaise Sauce recipe. The powdered cheese blends smoothly into the lemony hollandaise, forming a thick, intensely cheesy sauce that perfectly blankets the Canadian bacon and poached eggs.

Key Takeaway: Blend powdered cheese into hollandaise sauce for the ultimate eggs Benedict experience.

5. Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower

Roasting cauliflower caramelizes it for a sweet, nutty flavor. Then tossing it with a ranch seasoning mixture makes this veggie side really shine. For even more oomph, use a ranch blend with powdered cheddar like in this Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower recipe. The melty cheddar coats each floret for a craveably cheesy, salty, herby flavor in each bite. Even veggie skeptics will devour this.

Key Takeaway: Toss roasted cauliflower in a ranch and powdered cheddar seasoning for next-level flavor.

6. Nacho Cheese Turkey Taco Shells

These unique Nacho Cheese Turkey Taco Shells make for a fun, low-carb taco night. Ground turkey gets the starring role here, forming the actual taco holder itself. Baking thin patties of turkey yields tender shells ready to fill. Then brushing the turkey with a spice and powdered cheese mixture gives them an irresistible nacho cheese flavor.

Key Takeaway: Make exciting turkey taco shells brushed with nacho powdered cheese for a healthy, gluten-free taco option.

7. Walnut-Covered Cheese Ball

Whipped cheese balls covered in nuts make popular party snacks. Adding both shredded and powdered cheese to the cream cheese base maximizes its cheesy decadence. Follow this Walnut-Covered Cheese Ball recipe for a smooth, ultra-flavorful cheese ball that guests can spread onto crackers at your next get-together. Its nutty, crumbly exterior encases seriously creamy insides.

Key Takeaway: Load up your cheese ball with a mix of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and powdered cheese for maximum cheesy richness.

8. Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzels

Buttery, salty pretzels get kicked up a notch when coated in cheese and spice. For these Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzels, first brush soft pretzels with butter. Next, sprinkle them with a mixture of powdered cheddar, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. One bite has that sledgable pretzel flavor followed by melty cheese, jalapeño zing, and a medley of spices.

Key Takeaway: Instantly make gourmet spicy, cheesy pretzels by coating store-bought pretzels in a powdered cheddar and jalapeño seasoning.

9. Homemade Goldfish Crackers

Recreating the beloved American snack goldfish crackers at home puts you in control of the ingredients. Making bite-sized cheese crackers takes just minutes with some simple tools. This Homemade Goldfish Crackers recipe uses flour, butter, powdered cheddar, paprika, salt, and pepper baked in a cutter mold. Kids and adults alike devour these crispy, subtly spiced, cheesy fishies by the handful.

Key Takeaway: Easy homemade goldfish crackers with powdered cheese rival the store-bought favorites.

10. Cheesy Popcorn

Popcorn may seem perfect on its own, but a dusting of powdered cheese unlocks its snack potential. The cheese clings to the hot popcorn for next-level flavor, transforming ordinary popcorn into craveable cheesy popcorn with almost no effort. Cheddar, nacho cheese, and white cheddar powdered cheeses all make mouthwatering options. Kick it up further with a Chili Cheese Popcorn blend.

Popcorn Topping Combos
Powdered Nacho Cheese
Powdered White Cheddar
Parmesan Cheese
Chili Powder and Powdered Cheddar
Ranch Powder and Bacon Bits

Key Takeaway: Instantly make gourmet cheesy popcorn by topping hot popcorn with powdered cheese.

11. Doritos-Crusted Chicken Fingers

Breadcrumbs and panko make way for Doritos when coating crispy chicken tenders. Simply pulse Doritos in a food processor into fine crumbs. Then dip chicken strips into eggs and milk seasoned with powdered cheddar and spices. Coat them in the Dorito mixture and pan fry until golden brown. The result? Crazy crispy, boldly spiced, neon orange Doritos-Crusted Chicken Fingers. Kids and adults go nuts over them!

Key Takeaway: Blend Doritos and coat chicken fingers for quirky yet delicious Doritos-crusted chicken with help from powdered cheddar cheese.

12. Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

There's no dish easier to make than scrambled eggs. With just eggs and cheese as the base ingredients, it's primed for customization. Add onions, veggies, meat or whatever you like. For extra rich and creamy eggs, whisk a spoonful of powdered cheese into the raw eggs before scrambling. It seamlessly blends into Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with smooth, velvety texture and indulgent flavor. Cheddar, white cheddar or nacho cheese powder all make mouthwatering options.

Key Takeaway: Blend powdered cheese into raw eggs for rich, creamy scrambled eggs with ease.

13. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

The ultimate comfort food, scalloped potatoes bake up crispy on top with a decadently creamy potato filling underneath a blanket of cheese. Mixing shredded cheddar with powdered cheese makes these spuds over-the-top indulgent. The powdered cheese melts especially smooth for next-level creaminess. Piled high and bubbling with cheese, this classic Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe hits the spot.

Key Takeaway: Mixing shredded and powdered cheddar cheeses gives these creamy, crispy scalloped potatoes maximum cheesiness.

14. Quick and Easy Chip Dip

Whipping up a tasty chip dip couldn't get much simpler. Just combine sour cream with powdered cheese...that's literally it! The creamy, tangy base paired with intense cheesy flavor from the powder makes a seriously addicting dip perfect for snacking. Play around with different powdered cheese flavors like cheddar and nacho or spice it up by adding chili powder, onions and garlic.

Key Takeaway: A chip dip as simple as sour cream and powdered cheese yields huge flavor that everyone devours.

More Cheesy Ideas

Powdered cheese works wonders in all kinds of recipes:

Cheese powder-rimmed Caesar salad
Cheesy potato skins
Cheesy pasta bakes like ziti
Cheesy dips for veggies and chips
Cheesy cracker and pretzel mixes
Cheesy roasted veggies like broccoli
Cheesy chili or potato soup

Tips for Cooking With Powdered Cheese

Keep these tips in mind:

Look for powdered cheese without many additives and made primarily from actual cheese. Quality counts when cooking!
Store powdered cheese in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It lasts much longer than other dairy products.
Use sparingly at first then adjust to taste. Powdered cheese packs strong flavor.
For smooth sauces, first whisk the powder into hot milk, stock or other liquids before adding.
Use dry to sprinkle on finished dishes right before serving so the cheese sticks.
Play around with flavors! Nacho cheese powder rocks on popcorn while cheddar cheese powder makes killer mac and cheese.

FAQs

Is powdered cheese healthy?

When made primarily from actual cheese, powdered cheese provides nutritional benefits like protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B12, K2, and D. Opt for natural versions without many additives. Enjoy powdered cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet, just like regular cheese.

How long does powdered cheese last compared to shredded cheese?

Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, powdered cheese lasts up to a year while shredded cheese lasts around three months in the fridge. Powdered cheese is much more shelf-stable.

What's the best way to melt powdered cheese smoothly?

For dips, sauces, cheese spreads, etc., first whisk powdered cheese into hot milk, broth or water. Keep warm while stirring periodically until smooth and fully incorporated. The hot liquid melts the powder perfectly.

What dishes use powdered cheese best?

Powdered cheese shines in appetizers dips, snacks like popcorn, baked dishes like mac and cheese, eggs dishes, doughy breads, and anywhere you want extra cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Home cooks often overlook powdered cheese, instead reaching for blocks of real cheese out of habit.

But powdered cheese adds incredible depth, creaminess, and cheesy intensity to all kinds of everyday cooking