Andy Montoya
The chopped cheese sandwich, also known as the chop cheese, is a New York City staple, particularly in Harlem and the Bronx. It is made with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, and served on a hero roll. The sandwich has gained significant media attention and has been featured in hip-hop culture, but its origins and cultural significance have sparked debates about cultural appropriation and privilege.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Sandwich |
| Place of Origin | New York City |
| Meat | Ground beef |
| Meat Ratio | 80/20 |
| Meat Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, adobo, cumin, coriander, oregano, annatto, paprika, Worcestershire sauce |
| Meat Cooking Method | Griddle, skillet, Grill |
| Bread | Hoagie roll, hero roll, kaiser roll |
| Bread Spread | Mayonnaise, ketchup |
| Vegetables | Onions, lettuce, tomatoes |
| Cheese | American, cheddar |
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What You'll Learn
Ground beef
The beef is ideally browned, with some recipes recommending an 80/20 blend of ground beef to ensure there is enough fat in the mixture. This can be achieved by adding a drizzle of oil to the pot if a leaner blend is used. The beef is cooked until it is in crumbles but not fully cooked, with some recipes specifying that the meat should still be slightly pink.
The beef is then mixed with the onions and garlic, which are cooked in the rendered fat from the beef. This mixture is then chopped up with a spatula and placed on the roll or bun. The beef and onion mixture is then topped with cheese, which is melted and mixed throughout.
Some recipes call for the addition of other seasonings to the beef, such as adobo, cumin, coriander, oregano, annatto, garlic powder, and onion powder. The beef can also be seared and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a more savory flavor profile.
The ground beef in the chopped cheese sandwich is a key component, providing a hearty and savory base for the other ingredients. It is essential to the sandwich's unique flavor and texture, making it a beloved and iconic dish in New York City.
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Onions
To prepare the onions for the chopped cheese sandwich, they are typically sliced or chopped and then cooked in a skillet or on a griddle with the ground beef. The onions are cooked until they are slightly softened and fragrant, and then the beef is added and seasoned. Some recipes call for the addition of garlic to the onions, which adds even more flavour to the dish.
The type of onion used in the chopped cheese sandwich is not specified in most recipes, but yellow or white onions would be a common choice for cooking due to their strong flavour and versatility. Red onions could also be used, adding a slightly milder flavour and a pop of colour to the dish.
While the exact origin of the chopped cheese sandwich is debated, it is generally agreed that it originated in a bodega in Harlem or the Bronx, New York City. The sandwich has become a staple of New York City cuisine and is often mentioned in hip-hop culture, with several rappers featuring it in their lyrics.
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Cheese
The chopped cheese sandwich is made with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables. The beef is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and cooked with onions and garlic. The cheese used is usually American cheese, but medium or sharp cheddar can also be used for more flavour. The sandwich is then served on a hero roll, kaiser roll, or hoagie roll, with toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise.
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, found in bodegas throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. It is believed to have originated in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli, in the 1990s. The sandwich has since gained widespread popularity, with several upscale restaurants and groceries offering their own versions.
The process of making a chopped cheese sandwich involves cooking the ground beef with onions and seasonings on a grill or griddle. The beef is then chopped into fine pieces using a spatula. Cheese is added on top and allowed to melt, binding the beef and onion mixture together. The sandwich is then assembled by scooping the mixture into a soft hero roll or another type of bread, such as a kaiser roll or hoagie roll.
The roll can be lightly toasted and spread with mayonnaise, and the sandwich is often wrapped in aluminium foil to help it retain its shape and heat. The chopped cheese sandwich is a beloved and iconic part of New York City culture, with many considering it to be the city's finest sandwich. It has even made its way into hip-hop culture, being featured in songs and music videos.
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Seasoning
One popular seasoning blend used in chopped cheese is Adobo, which is a mixture of paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic, oregano, and annatto. Adobo adds a sweet, smoky, and savoury flavour to the sandwich. Another option is Sazón, which has a similar flavour profile to Adobo but with a more earthy and floral note. It is worth noting that these two blends are not interchangeable, as they have distinct flavours that will impact the overall taste of the sandwich.
In addition to the dry seasonings, some recipes call for the addition of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. This sauce adds a tangy, savoury flavour to the meat and can be used in combination with other seasonings or on its own.
When preparing the onions for the sandwich, some recipes suggest cooking them with a pinch of salt. This not only adds flavour to the onions but also helps to draw out their moisture and promote caramelisation, resulting in a sweeter, more complex flavour.
Lastly, while not technically a seasoning, the choice of cheese can also impact the overall flavour of the sandwich. American cheese is the most commonly used variety, but some recipes suggest using medium or sharp cheddar for added flavour.
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Bread
The chopped cheese sandwich is served on a hero roll, a hoagie roll, or a kaiser roll. The roll is warmed in a pan, but not toasted. Some recipes call for the roll to be spread with mayonnaise or ketchup.
The hero roll is a larger option, about twice the size of a standard roll. It is recommended for those who are very hungry or want leftovers. A standard roll is a better option for a quick bite or an on-the-go meal.
The chopped cheese sandwich is also sometimes served on a hamburger bun. The buns are halved and lightly toasted. One side of each bun is spread with mayonnaise.
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Frequently asked questions
Chopped cheese is a sandwich made with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables.
Chopped cheese is made with ground beef.
American cheese is the most common variety, but medium or sharp cheddar can also be used for more flavour.
Onions are the most common vegetable used in chopped cheese. Other vegetables include lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
Chopped cheese is usually served on a hero roll, hoagie roll, or kaiser roll.
