Randy Chandler
Chopped cheese, also known as chop cheese, is a type of sandwich that originated in New York City. It is made with ground beef, onions, adobo or other seasonings, and cheese. The type of cheese used in a chopped cheese sandwich is typically American cheese, but other options include mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and provolone. The Cheese Chopper, a product designed for slicing and shredding cheese, can be used to prepare cheese for chopped cheese sandwiches. It offers a safe and convenient alternative to a cheese knife, allowing users to slice cheese effortlessly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Options | American cheese, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone |
| Meat Options | Beef, Ground chicken, Ground turkey, Vegan meat |
| Bread Options | Hoagie roll, Hero roll, Kaiser roll, Baguette, Crisped-up hot dog buns, Sub rolls |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, Ketchup |
| Toppings | Lettuce, Tomatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Chopped cheese sandwich
The chopped cheese sandwich, also known as the chop cheese, is a New York City staple. It is believed to have originated in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli. The sandwich is made on a grill with ground beef, onions, adobo or other seasonings, and cheese, which are all chopped together as the meat and onions cook and the cheese melts. It is then served with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments on a hero roll.
The type of cheese used for a chopped cheese sandwich can vary depending on the region and establishment. However, American cheese is the most commonly used variety, as it is easy to melt and chop into the meat mixture. That being said, some people prefer to use cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone cheese for more flavour.
To make a chopped cheese sandwich, start by sauteing the beef with onions and a pinch of salt. When the meat is cooked, add slices of cheese and mix until melted. Then, spread mayonnaise and ketchup on a roll, add the meat and cheese mixture, and top with lettuce and tomato slices.
The chopped cheese sandwich gained popularity outside of New York City through its mentions in hip hop culture and by celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain. However, when upscale restaurants and groceries began serving the sandwich, they faced accusations of cultural appropriation and gouging since the price of their sandwiches was often two to three times that of the bodegas.
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Ground beef
When making a Chopped Cheese sandwich, it is important to use the right type of ground beef. Lean or standard ground beef is recommended, with an 85/15 or 90/10 ratio. Extra-lean ground beef should be avoided, as it tends to be dry and lacking in flavour. An 80/20 mix is also suggested, to ensure enough fat in the filling.
To cook the ground beef for the sandwich, a large, dry pot or skillet over medium-low heat is ideal. The beef should be slowly cooked, stirring regularly and breaking it up as it cooks, until it is crumbly but not fully cooked. This allows the fat to render out, creating a juicy and flavourful filling.
Once the beef is browned and most of the fat has rendered out, the heat can be increased to medium, and onions and garlic can be added. The beef filling can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a savoury and delicious base for the sandwich.
The ground beef and onion mixture is then ready to be combined with the cheese. American cheese is the traditional choice, but other options such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone can also be used, depending on personal preference and regional variations. The cheese is melted into the beef mixture, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.
Overall, the ground beef in a Chopped Cheese sandwich should be well-seasoned, cooked to perfection, and combined with melted cheese to create a hearty and satisfying sandwich that has become a beloved part of New York City's culinary landscape.
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American cheese
Chopped cheese is a type of sandwich that originated in New York City. It is made with ground beef, onions, and cheese, all of which are chopped and cooked together on a grill until the cheese melts. It is then placed on a hero roll or hoagie roll and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise.
Traditional chopped cheese sandwiches typically use American cheese, but other types of cheese can also be used, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone. In different parts of New York City, you may find different types of cheese used for chopped cheese sandwiches, adding to the richness and diversity of this culinary experience.
When making a chopped cheese sandwich with American cheese, the ground beef is cooked with onions and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The American cheese is then added and mixed until melted. The roll is spread with mayonnaise and ketchup, and the meat and cheese mixture is added along with shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
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Hoagie roll
The hoagie roll is a popular choice for containing the deliciousness of Chopped Cheese. This New York City staple is a type of sandwich that originated in the bodegas and delis of the city. It is typically made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes. The roll is an important part of the sandwich, as it needs to be able to contain all the ingredients without falling apart.
The hoagie roll, also known as a hero roll, is a type of soft bread roll that is often used for sandwiches. It is typically longer and narrower than a standard bread roll, with a crispy crust and a soft interior. The roll is sliced lengthwise and filled with the desired ingredients. For Chopped Cheese, the roll is usually smeared with mayonnaise and ketchup before adding the meat and cheese mixture.
The hoagie roll is a popular choice for Chopped Cheese because of its size and shape. It is long enough to fit the generous portions of meat and cheese that are typical of the sandwich. The roll is also sturdy enough to hold the weight of the ingredients without falling apart. In addition, the soft interior of the roll soaks up the juices from the meat and toppings, adding to the flavour of the sandwich.
While the hoagie roll is a popular choice, there are also other bread options that can be used for Chopped Cheese. Some people prefer to use a kaiser roll, which is a type of round bread roll with a hard crust. Others may use a baguette, hot dog buns, or sub rolls. Ultimately, the choice of bread comes down to personal preference and what is available.
The hoagie roll has become synonymous with Chopped Cheese, and it is a key part of what makes this sandwich so appealing. The roll is functional, providing a vessel for the generous portions of meat and cheese, but it also adds to the flavour and texture of the sandwich. This is why the hoagie roll is a popular choice for containing this New York City classic.
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Origins
Chopped cheese, also known as chop cheese, is a type of sandwich that originated in New York City. It is made with ground beef, onions, and cheese, all of which are chopped and grilled together. The sandwich is then served with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments on a hero roll.
The exact origins of the chopped cheese sandwich are debated, but most agree that it was created in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli or Harlem Taste. The sandwich is said to have been invented by a former worker, Carlos Soto, in the 1990s. It is speculated that the sandwich was inspired by an Arab specialty called dagha yamneeya, which consists of cooked chopped meat and vegetables served with Yemeni bread.
Over time, the chopped cheese sandwich has become a staple in New York City's bodegas and delis, and it has gained significant media attention. It has also made its way into hip-hop culture, with mentions in songs and music videos. The sandwich has a devoted following, with many considering it to be New York's finest bodega sandwich.
While American cheese is said to be the authentic choice for a chopped cheese sandwich, other types of cheese are commonly used as well. These include cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and Pepper Jack. The type of cheese used can vary depending on the establishment and region, adding to the richness and diversity of the chopped cheese sandwich.
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