The Chopped Cheese: Secret Ingredients Revealed

The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, with its roots in Harlem and the Bronx. It is made with ground beef, American cheese, and toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and onions. The beef is cooked on a griddle and then chopped with a spatula, and the sandwich is typically served on a hero roll or hoagie roll. The chopped part of the name refers to the action of chopping the ingredients as they cook, and the sandwich is often wrapped in deli paper or foil to contain the messy ingredients.

Ground beef

The ground beef in a chopped cheese sandwich is typically cooked on a griddle or in a skillet. It's important to use a fatty blend of ground beef, like an 80/20 or 85/15 mix, to ensure the sandwich is juicy and flavourful. Leaner blends can be used, but oil may need to be added to the pan to compensate for the lower fat content.

When cooking the ground beef, it's best to start with pre-formed hamburger patties, which can be chopped up later. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder, Adobo seasoning, or chicken bouillon granules. Some recipes also call for mixing in sautéed onions and garlic.

Once the beef is cooked, it's time to add the cheese. American cheese is the classic choice, but other options like cheddar, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack can also be used. The cheese is melted into the beef, either chopped in or left to melt on top.

The beef and cheese mixture is then scooped into a soft hero roll or hoagie roll, and topped with ketchup, lettuce, and tomato. The roll can also be spread with mayonnaise and/or hot sauce for extra flavour.

And there you have it—a mouth-watering chopped cheese sandwich, made with ground beef, that's sure to satisfy any craving!

Cheese

The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, first introduced in Harlem and the Bronx and sold in local small grocery stores known as bodegas. The sandwich is made with ground beef, American cheese, and toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes. The "chopped" in the name refers to the hamburger meat being finely chopped before the cheese is added on top.

The traditional cheese used in a chopped cheese sandwich is American cheese. However, other options include:

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Pepper Jack
• Provolone
• Kraft Singles

The choice of cheese may depend on personal preference and availability. Some people prefer the meltability of American cheese, while others may opt for more flavourful options like medium or sharp cheddar.

Preparation

The cheese is typically added on top of the chopped beef and allowed to melt. However, some people prefer to chop the cheese into the beef mixture for a more integrated flavour. This step may be done to preference, as both ways are common.

Bread

The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, and the bread is an important part of the whole experience.

The chopped cheese is served on a hero roll, hoagie roll, or sub roll. These rolls are similar to a baguette, but softer. The roll is usually buttered and toasted before being filled. The roll is then smeared with mayonnaise and ketchup, before the hot beef and cheese mixture is added.

The hero roll is the traditional choice for chopped cheese, but it can be hard to find outside of the northeastern United States. Substitutes include a hoagie roll, sub roll, bolillo, or a French bread-style loaf.

The roll is important for the overall taste and texture of the sandwich. It should be sturdy enough to hold the beef and cheese mixture, as well as the toppings, without falling apart. The bread should also be soft enough to absorb the grease from the beef as it rests, creating a messy but delicious eating experience.

Wrapping the sandwich in foil or deli paper is also recommended to help contain the ingredients and shape the sandwich.

Seasoning

The type of salt used can vary, with one recipe specifying kosher salt, while another recommends seasoned salt.

Some recipes suggest that the beef can be seasoned with a blend of Adobo seasoning and garlic powder, while others mention Chipotle seasoning as a possible option.

Other seasonings that can be used include:

• Dominican adobo seasoning
• Chicken bouillon granules
• Cayenne
• Sazon seasoning

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavour profile for the chopped cheese sandwich.

Toppings

A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, and the toppings are as important as the beef and cheese. The sandwich is usually served on a hoagie roll, hero bun, or sub roll, and the toppings are added after the cheese has been added to the beef.

The most common toppings are shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes, with some recipes also adding sliced or diced onions. The lettuce is usually iceberg lettuce, but one source suggests using romaine lettuce instead for added nutrition.

Other toppings include condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce. Some recipes also include sliced jalapeños or diced serrano peppers for a spicier sandwich.

Frequently asked questions