The Best Sauce To Elevate Your Chopped Cheese

The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, typically made with ground beef, American cheese, and a soft hero bun or hoagie roll. The sandwich is said to have originated in the 1950s or 1970s, with several theories surrounding its creation. One story goes that it was invented by a street vendor in the Bronx, while another credits Tony Abou-Ganim, owner of The Underground bar in the West Village. Regardless of its origins, the chopped cheese sandwich has become an iconic part of New York City cuisine, often compared to the Philly cheesesteak but with a unique twist.

Ketchup and mustard

While the combination of ketchup and mustard is not a common choice for chopped cheese sauce, it can be a great option for those who want a classic, tangy, and savoury flavour. Here's a detailed guide on using ketchup and mustard as the sauce for your chopped cheese sandwich:

The Sauce

Preparation

To prepare the sauce, simply combine equal parts ketchup and mustard in a small bowl and mix them together thoroughly. You can adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences. For a milder sauce, use more ketchup, and for a sharper flavour, add extra mustard. You can also experiment with different varieties of mustard, such as Dijon, yellow, or whole grain, to find the one that suits your taste best.

Application

Once you've prepared your sauce, it's time to assemble your chopped cheese sandwich. Start by toasting your hero roll, hoagie roll, or another type of bread of your choice. Spread a generous amount of the ketchup and mustard sauce on the cut side of the roll. You can also add a layer of mayonnaise, as some people prefer, to enhance the creaminess of the sauce.

Toppings

After applying the sauce, it's time to add the toppings. Start with shredded lettuce, which provides a crunchy texture and a fresh flavour. Then, add sliced tomatoes for a juicy and slightly acidic contrast to the sauce. You can also include other toppings such as caramelized onions, sliced pickles, or even sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

The Final Touches

Finally, it's time to add the star of the show—the chopped cheese. Prepare your chopped beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and mix it with the onions. You can either melt the cheese into the beef mixture or allow it to melt over the top. Place the cheesy beef mixture on top of the toppings and sauce, and your sandwich is ready to serve!

Remember, the beauty of a chopped cheese sandwich is its customizability, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your perfect sandwich. Enjoy your delicious creation, and don't be afraid to get messy!

Mayonnaise

Mayo is a key ingredient in the classic chopped cheese, and its role in the sandwich is twofold. Firstly, it provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the beef and cheese. Secondly, the mayonnaise helps to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. This is an important consideration, as chopped cheese sandwiches are often wrapped in foil or paper, which can cause condensation to form and make the bread damp. A thin layer of mayonnaise creates a barrier between the bread and the rest of the ingredients, keeping the sandwich nice and dry.

When assembling a chopped cheese, the mayonnaise is spread directly onto the bun. The amount of mayo used can vary according to taste, but it is typically spread thinly so as not to overwhelm the other flavours. After the mayo, ketchup is often drizzled onto the bun, followed by the beef and cheese mixture, and finally, shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

The combination of mayonnaise and ketchup is a classic pairing, and their flavours complement each other well. The tangy, creamy mayo helps to balance the sweetness of the ketchup, creating a harmonious flavour profile that enhances the overall taste experience of the sandwich.

In addition to its role in the classic chopped cheese, mayonnaise can also be used as a base for creating special sauces to accompany the sandwich. For example, chipotle aioli is a flavoured mayonnaise that can be spread onto the bun or used as a dip for the sandwich. The slight spiciness of the chipotle adds an extra dimension of flavour that can take the chopped cheese to the next level.

Spicy condiments

While the classic chopped cheese sandwich is not spicy, there are plenty of spicy condiments you can add to give it a kick. The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic, typically made with ground beef, American cheese, and vegetables like onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's similar to a Philly cheesesteak but with ground beef and the cheese mixed into the meat. Here are some ideas for spicy condiments to elevate your chopped cheese sandwich:

• Sriracha: A few dashes of Sriracha sauce can add a nice kick to your sandwich. It's a popular choice for those who like their food spicy, and it goes well with the other ingredients in the sandwich.
• Spicy Mustard: If you're a mustard fan, opt for a spicy variety. It will add a nice tang and some heat to your sandwich.
• Jalapeños: Pickled jalapeño slices will give your sandwich a crunchy texture and a spicy kick. They go well with the other flavours in the sandwich.
• Chipotle Aioli: Spread some chipotle aioli on your bun for a creamy, spicy kick. It will add a nice smokey flavour to your sandwich.
• Hot Sauce: Choose your favourite hot sauce to drizzle over the sandwich. There are many varieties to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste.
• Spicy Relish: A spicy relish, such as a jalapeno or chilli relish, can add a nice kick to your sandwich. It will also give a tangy flavour to the overall profile.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these condiments to find your perfect spicy chopped cheese sandwich!

Tomato sauce

A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City specialty, having originated in the city's bodegas. It is a sandwich made with ground beef, cheese, and various toppings and sauces. While the traditional cheese used in this sandwich is American cheese, some variations include the use of cheddar cheese. The choice of bread is also important to the overall taste, with a soft and fluffy hero bun or hoagie roll being the classic choice.

Now, let's talk about the star of this answer: tomato sauce. While the exact ingredients and preparation methods may vary, tomato sauce, in the form of ketchup, is a common addition to the chopped cheese sandwich. It adds a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the savoury beef and cheese. Some recipes also include sliced tomatoes, providing a fresh and juicy contrast to the melted cheese and toasted bun.

To make a chopped cheese sandwich with tomato sauce, here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by slicing and toasting your hero bun or hoagie roll. A light toasting will help prevent the bread from getting soggy when you add the toppings and sauces.
• Prepare the beef filling by sautéing diced onions until they are caramelized. Set them aside and cook the beef patties or ground beef, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
• Chop the beef into small pieces and add the cooked onions. Continue chopping and stirring to mix everything together evenly.
• Add the cheese. American cheese slices are the traditional choice, but you can also use cheddar or a combination of both.
• Turn off the heat and let the cheese melt into the beef mixture. You can cover the pan to help the cheese melt faster and incorporate it into the beef.
• Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the toasted bun. You can also add a drizzle of spicy mustard if you like.
• Generously pile on the beef and cheese mixture. The key here is to be generous!
• Now, it's time for the tomato sauce. Drizzle ketchup on top of the beef and cheese mixture. You can adjust the amount of ketchup to your taste preference.
• Add sliced tomatoes if you want a fresh and juicy bite.
• Top it off with shredded lettuce for a crunchy texture.
• Finally, place the top half of the bun on and wrap the sandwich in foil or paper. This will help keep the sandwich together and make it easier to eat.

There you have it! A mouth-watering chopped cheese sandwich with tomato sauce. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavours and textures that this iconic New York sandwich has to offer.

Worcestershire sauce

A chopped cheese sandwich is a type of sandwich that consists of a layer of chopped meat and cheese on a roll. The meat is typically beef, and the cheese is typically American. The sandwich was created in New York City and is popular across sections of the city's boroughs in bodegas and small shops, each putting its own twist on the recipe.

The amount of Worcestershire sauce used in a chopped cheese sandwich can vary depending on personal preference. Some recipes call for just a splash of the sauce, while others use up to a tablespoon. It's important to taste the beef filling as you're making it to ensure you don't overpower the other flavours.

In addition to its role in flavouring the sandwich, Worcestershire sauce also has some functional benefits in the cooking process. When added to the beef filling, it can help to keep the mixture moist and prevent it from drying out. This is especially important when using leaner ground beef, as the sauce adds moisture and flavour to the meat.

Frequently asked questions