The Chopped Cheese Sandwich: Ingredients And Secrets Revealed

The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City specialty, with its exact origins in the city up for debate. It's made on a grill with ground beef, onions, adobo or other seasonings, and cheese, all chopped together and served on a hero roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments. The sandwich has gained media attention and sparked accusations of cultural appropriation, with upscale restaurants and groceries selling it at two to three times the price of bodegas.

Ground beef

The type of ground beef used can vary, but it is recommended to go for something with a higher fat content to ensure the sandwich is not too dry. Options include 80/20, 85/15 or 90/10 blends.

When preparing the beef, it is important to season it well. This can be done with a variety of seasonings, such as adobo, sazón, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Some recipes also suggest adding in onions, which can be cooked with the beef or added raw to the sandwich.

Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, it is then chopped up into small pieces. This can be done with a spatula or the side of a metal spoon. The beef is then mixed with cheese, and this mixture is placed on a roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments.

The ground beef and cheese mixture is the star of the show in a chopped cheese sandwich, providing a delicious and hearty filling that is sure to satisfy any hunger.

Spices and seasoning

The chopped cheese sandwich is a blend of ground beef, cheese, and spices, cooked on a griddle and chopped with a spatula. The beef is typically seasoned with adobo, a Latin American spice blend that includes garlic, onion, and oregano. Adobo seasoning adds a unique flavour to the sandwich, giving it an authentic Latin American taste. It is also common to use sazón seasoning, another Latin American blend that shares similar ingredients with adobo. These spice blends amp up the flavour of the sandwich without adding too many separate spices.

In addition to adobo and sazón, other spices and seasonings can be used to enhance the flavour of the chopped cheese sandwich. Some recipes call for kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The beef is typically seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, while garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavour without the need for fresh garlic cloves.

For those who prefer a more intense garlic kick, fresh garlic cloves can be chopped and added to the beef mixture. Another option is to use Dominican adobo seasoning, which may include chicken bouillon granules for added savouriness. Worcestershire sauce is also a great addition to the chopped cheese sandwich, providing a savoury and slightly sweet flavour to the beef.

The beauty of the chopped cheese sandwich lies in its versatility and adaptability to personal preferences. While adobo and sazón are the most traditional choices, home cooks can experiment with various spice blends and seasonings to create their own unique version of this iconic sandwich.

Cheese

The cheese is added to the sandwich in slices, which are placed on top of the ground beef mixture. The heat from the beef and the griddle or skillet melts the cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy texture that is characteristic of the chopped cheese sandwich. The beef and cheese mixture is then scooped onto a soft hero roll or hoagie roll.

The amount of cheese used in the sandwich can be adjusted to suit personal preference. For a more indulgent and cheesy sandwich, extra slices of cheese can be added. On the other hand, for those who prefer a lighter sandwich, the amount of cheese can be reduced.

In addition to its role in the flavour and texture of the sandwich, the cheese also serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the other ingredients together. This is especially important considering the chopped nature of the sandwich filling, which can be messy to eat. The melted cheese acts as a glue, keeping the ground beef, onions, and seasonings together in one delicious package.

The combination of ground beef, seasonings, and cheese in the chopped cheese sandwich creates a unique and indulgent flavour profile that has gained a loyal following in New York City and beyond. The cheese plays a crucial role in this, adding a creamy texture and savoury taste that complements the beef and elevates the overall sandwich experience.

Bread

The chopped cheese sandwich is served on a hero roll, hoagie roll, or sub roll. The roll is usually soft, and about 6 to 8 inches in length.

The hero roll is a type of baguette bread, and is also known as a kaiser roll. The hoagie roll is a classic oblong supermarket roll, sometimes labelled a "sub roll" or "soft Italian roll".

The chopped cheese sandwich is also served on a variety of other bread types, including a baguette, hot dog bun, or bolillo.

Veggie toppings

A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City specialty, originating from either Harlem, Spanish Harlem, the Bronx, or Queens. It is a type of sandwich made on a grill with ground beef, onions, adobo or other seasonings, and cheese, all of which are chopped together on the grill as the meat and onions cook and the cheese melts. It is served with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments on a hero roll.

Lettuce

Choose iceberg lettuce for its crunch and ability to be thinly shredded. You can also use romaine lettuce if you don't have iceberg. Shred the lettuce into thin strips, creating what some like to call "shredduce." The lettuce adds a fresh and crispy texture to the sandwich.

Tomatoes

Go for thinner tomato slices to top your sandwich. Tomatoes bring a classic burger vibe to the sandwich and add a touch of freshness.

Condiments

Mayonnaise and ketchup are the classic choices for chopped cheese sandwiches. They add creaminess, a touch of sweetness, and balance the overall flavor of the sandwich.

Onions

Onions are a key ingredient in a chopped cheese sandwich, as they are cooked and chopped together with the ground beef. You can use thinly sliced raw onions or cook them with the beef for added flavor. If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, you can even add some raw onion slices to your sandwich.

Pickles

While not traditionally included in a chopped cheese sandwich, pickles can be a great addition. Thinly slice some dill pickles and add them to your sandwich for a tangy, briny flavor.

Peppers

For a spicy kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or other chili peppers to your sandwich. You can mix them in with the ground beef as it cooks, or add them fresh to your veggie toppings.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other veggie toppings of your choice! The beauty of the chopped cheese sandwich is that it is highly customizable, so you can make it your own.

Frequently asked questions