Kamil Perry
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic, made with ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh veggies packed into a soft hero roll. It originated in bodegas in Harlem, New York City, and has since spread to other parts of the city and beyond. With its indulgent mix of cheese, meat, and veggies, people are curious about how many calories it contains. So, how many calories are in a chopped cheese sandwich?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Between 731 and 1000 |
| Protein | 40.5 grams |
| Fat | 59.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5.5 grams |
| Origin | New York City, specifically East Harlem's Blue Sky Deli |
| Ingredients | Beef, cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, mustard, ketchup, cherry peppers, butter, salt, pepper |
| Storage | Filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days |
| Nutritional Information | Available on apps and websites like Nutracheck and Simply Recipes |
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What You'll Learn
Chopped cheese calories: 800-1000 per sandwich
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic, originating from bodegas in East Harlem. It is made by cooking ground beef with seasonings and onions on a griddle and then "chopping" it with the side of a large spatula. Cheese is added on top until it melts, and then the mixture is transferred to a sturdy bun with veggie toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise.
While the exact number of calories in a chopped cheese sandwich can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portions used, a typical sandwich can contain anywhere between 800 to 1000 calories. This estimate is based on the calorie content of the individual ingredients that make up the sandwich.
For example, one cup of chopped cheese, which is a combination of ground beef and cheese, contains approximately 731 calories, 40.5 grams of protein, 59.5 grams of fat, and 5.5 grams of carbohydrates. When this filling is placed between a bun and topped with veggies and condiments, the calorie count can easily reach the higher end of the range.
It's important to note that the calorie count can also vary depending on the size of the sandwich and the specific ingredients used. For instance, the type of cheese, the amount of ground beef, and the choice of toppings can all influence the overall calorie content. Additionally, if you're making the sandwich at home, the cooking method and the brand or quality of ingredients can also make a difference.
If you're watching your calorie intake, there are ways to make a chopped cheese sandwich a little healthier. You can add more vegetables, opt for leaner proteins, or use whole grain bread instead of a traditional bun. You can also control portion sizes by making the sandwich at home and adjusting the amount of filling, cheese, and toppings to suit your dietary needs.
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Originated in NYC bodegas
The chopped cheese sandwich, also known as the chop cheese, is a New York City specialty. It originated in the bodegas of East Harlem, specifically Blue Sky Deli (formerly known as Hajji's Deli), and has since spread to other boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. It is now considered a cultural symbol of New York's diverse and dynamic food scene.
The exact origins of the sandwich are debated, but most fingers point to the late Carlos Soto, who worked at Blue Sky Deli for over two decades. One story goes that Soto wanted to make a cheeseburger but didn't have any round buns, so he chopped the meat to fit a hero roll. Another version claims that Soto wanted to make a burger that was easier to chew due to his dental issues. However, the most intriguing theory suggests that Soto was inspired by his Yemeni coworkers, reflecting the sandwich's diverse cultural influences.
The Yemeni community has had a significant impact on New York City's bodega culture, and their cooking techniques may have influenced the creation of the chopped cheese. The act of "chopping" ingredients as they cook to mix them is a technique familiar to Yemeni immigrants who run many bodegas in the city. Additionally, the sandwich's similarity to an Arabic dish called "dagha yamneeya" or "daghá yamniya," which consists of cooked chopped meat and vegetables served with Yemeni bread, further supports the idea of Yemeni influence.
The chopped cheese sandwich is typically made with ground beef, onions, adobo or other seasonings, and cheese. These ingredients are chopped and cooked together on a griddle or grill until the cheese melts. It is then served on a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and other condiments. The sandwich is known for its affordability, typically costing around $4 to $5 in bodegas, and has become a staple in working-class and lower-income neighborhoods.
In recent years, the chopped cheese sandwich has gained national recognition through its presence in pop culture and hip-hop music. Local icons like Cam'ron and media personalities like Desus Nice and The Kid Mero have spread their love for chopped cheese across the internet, introducing it to a wider audience. However, the sandwich's growing popularity has also led to concerns about cultural appropriation, as some upscale restaurants began serving it at significantly higher prices, sparking accusations of elitism and appropriating a dish born from disenfranchised communities.
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Made with beef, cheese, veggies
A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic that combines ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh veggies, all packed into a soft hero roll. It is said to be a cross between a cheeseburger and a Philly cheesesteak. While the calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients and serving size, estimates range from 566 calories to 731 calories for a cup of chopped cheese.
The beef in a chopped cheese sandwich is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Some recipes call for Dominican adobo seasoning, chicken bouillon granules, or seasoned salt. The beef is cooked and chopped into small pieces, giving the sandwich its name.
The cheese in a chopped cheese sandwich is typically American cheese, but other options include mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and provolone. The cheese is added on top of the beef and allowed to melt before being chopped and mixed together.
The veggies in a chopped cheese sandwich typically include lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Some recipes also include bell peppers. These veggies are typically fresh, adding a touch of crispness and flavour to the sandwich.
To make a chopped cheese sandwich, you'll need to cook the seasoned beef and onions in a skillet or on a griddle. Once the beef is cooked through, add the cheese and allow it to melt. Use a spatula to chop and mix the beef and cheese together. Finally, scoop the mixture onto a toasted roll and add your desired veggies.
While a chopped cheese sandwich is indulgent, it can be customised to be healthier. You can add more veggies or opt for leaner beef and cheese options to reduce the calorie count.
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Cooked on a griddle
A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic that combines ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh veggies, all packed into a soft hero roll. It is said to have originated from bodegas in East Harlem, specifically the Blue Sky Deli. The sandwich is cooked on a griddle and then chopped with the side of a large spatula as it cooks.
The calorie count of a chopped cheese sandwich cooked on a griddle will depend on the ingredients used and the preparation method. A chopped cheese sandwich typically consists of ground beef, cheese, vegetables, and a roll. The beef is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and cooked on a griddle until well-done. The cheese is then added on top and allowed to melt before being chopped into the beef mixture. The roll is also toasted on the griddle and may be spread with mayonnaise and ketchup.
The calories in the ground beef will depend on the fat content and the amount used. For example, an 80/20 mix of ground beef will have more calories than a leaner blend. The cheese will also contribute a significant amount of calories, with American cheese slices being the most common choice. The vegetables in the sandwich, such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce, will add some calories but are mostly low-calorie ingredients.
To estimate the calorie count of a chopped cheese sandwich cooked on a griddle, we can look at the nutritional information for each ingredient. According to one source, a cup of chopped cheese, which is approximately 238.1 grams, contains around 731 calories. However, this may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
It is worth noting that while the grilled cheese sandwich has a similar composition to the chopped cheese sandwich, it may have slightly fewer calories due to the absence of beef. A grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American cheese has approximately 378 calories. Using whole wheat bread instead lowers the calorie count to 377, while providing more protein and fiber.
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Customisable
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic, with its origins in the bodegas of Harlem and East Harlem. It is a highly customisable sandwich, and its affordability, appeal, and ready availability have made it a popular food item in New York City.
The core of a chopped cheese sandwich is a mixture of ground beef, seasonings, and onions, cooked on a griddle and then “chopped” with the side of a large spatula as it cooks. Cheese is added on top and left to melt, after which the mixture is transferred to a sturdy bun with veggie toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers.
The customisability of the sandwich comes in the form of the various seasoning options for the beef, which can range from seasoned salt to Dominican adobo seasoning to chicken bouillon granules, or anything else that is readily available and convenient. The type of bun or roll can also be changed, with options including a sturdy bun, a hoagie roll, or a hero roll.
The chopped cheese sandwich can also be made healthier by customising it with more greens or leaner proteins. This can help reduce the calorie count, which is estimated to be somewhere between 731 and 1000 calories for a single sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
A cup of chopped cheese filling contains approximately 731 calories. A chopped cheese sandwich will likely fall somewhere between 800 and 1000 calories.
A chopped cheese sandwich is made with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onions. The beef is cooked and chopped on a griddle, then placed on a bun with cheese and toppings.
The chopped cheese sandwich is said to have originated in New York City, particularly in the bodegas of Harlem or East Harlem.
To make a chopped cheese sandwich, cook ground beef on a griddle or in a skillet, chopping it as it cooks. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, or adobo. When the beef is cooked, add cheese and let it melt. Place the beef and cheese on a hero roll or hoagie bun with mustard, ketchup, or mayo, and top with veggies.
Yes, you can add more vegetables or opt for leaner proteins to make a healthier version of the chopped cheese sandwich.
