Bushra Griffith
The chopped cheese sandwich, also known as the chop cheese, is a New York City staple. It is made with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, and served on a hero roll. The sandwich is believed to have originated in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli. The chopped in its name refers to the action of chopping the ingredients as they cook, a technique familiar to Yemeni immigrants who run many bodegas in New York. While the true creator of the sandwich is debated, it has become a beloved part of New York City's food culture, even making its way into hip-hop music and documentaries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of Origin | New York City |
| Type | Sandwich |
| Ingredients | Ground beef, onions, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, condiments, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mayonnaise, ketchup, adobo or other seasonings |
| Preparation | Meat is pressed and flattened, and chopped with a spatula or similar tool, then topped with cheese |
| Cooking Method | Grilled or cooked on a griddle |
| Serving Style | Served on a hero roll or hoagie roll, wrapped in deli paper |
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What You'll Learn
Chopped cheese sandwich
The chopped cheese sandwich, also known as the chop cheese, is a type of sandwich that originated in New York City. It is commonly found in bodegas throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. The sandwich is made on a grill with ground beef (typically pre-formed ground beef patties), onions, seasonings, and cheese, all chopped together on the grill as the meat cooks and the cheese melts. It 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 first created in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli. Some speculate that the sandwich is an adaptation of an Arab specialty called dagha yamneeya, which consists of cooked chopped meat and vegetables served with Yemeni bread. Hajji's Deli claims that a former worker invented the sandwich for himself in the 1990s, and the concept spread to other bodegas.
The "chopped" part of the name refers to the process of finely chopping the hamburger meat before adding the cheese on top. The sandwich has become a staple in New York City bodegas and small shops, with each location putting its own twist and variation on the sandwich. It has also made its way into hip-hop culture, being featured in songs and music videos by artists like Harlem rapper Cam'ron.
To make a chopped cheese sandwich at home, you can follow these steps:
- Start by dividing the buns and lightly toasting them. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bun.
- In a pan, add butter and cook until melted. Add onions and cook until fragrant. Push the onions to the side.
- Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other desired seasonings. Sear the beef for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Slowly break apart the beef and mix it with the onions. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked.
- Divide the meat into four equal portions and add cheese on top. Cook until the cheese is melted, then use a spatula to chop the cheese into the meat mixture.
- Transfer the meat and cheese mixture to the buns and add toppings such as shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
The chopped cheese sandwich is a unique and beloved creation that has become a staple in New York City cuisine and culture. It is a testament to the blending of immigrant stories and working-class neighborhoods, offering an affordable, appealing, and customizable meal.
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Ground beef, onions, and seasoning
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, with a particular emphasis on the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. Its exact origins are disputed, but it is generally agreed that it was first created in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli.
The sandwich is made with ground beef, onions, and seasoning, cooked on a griddle, and then chopped with a spatula. The beef is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some recipes also suggest adding seasoned salt, Dominican adobo seasoning, or chicken bouillon granules. The beef is cooked with onions, and the two are chopped together.
The chopped beef and onion mixture is then placed on a roll, with cheese added on top. The cheese is typically American, but other variations include Edamer or yellow cheese. The sandwich is then finished with toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce.
The "chopped" part of the name refers to the action of chopping the ingredients as they cook, a technique familiar to Yemeni immigrants, who run many bodegas in New York. The sandwich is often served wrapped in deli paper, and has become a symbol of New York's bodegas and corner shops, with each having its own variation.
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American cheese
Chopped cheese, also known as chop cheese, is a type of sandwich that originated in New York City. It is made with ground beef, cheese, and various toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments, served on a hero roll or hoagie roll. The sandwich is believed to have originated in a Spanish Harlem bodega called Hajji's Deli, or Blue Sky Deli, in the 1990s.
The "chopped" in the name refers to the process of finely chopping the hamburger meat and mixing it with the cheese on the grill as it cooks. The beef is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or adobo.
Now, when it comes to the cheese used in a chop cheese sandwich, American cheese is the traditional choice. Slices of American cheese are placed on top of the cooked ground beef, and as the cheese melts, it is chopped into the meat mixture using a spatula. This creates a creamy and gooey texture that blends well with the beef.
While American cheese is the classic option, some variations and substitutions can be made. For example, some people might use Cheez Whiz, which is commonly found on Philly cheesesteaks, or other types of cheese such as Pepper Jack or mozzarella. Ultimately, any cheese you have on hand can work, allowing for customization to suit individual tastes and preferences.
So, to answer your question directly, American cheese is the variety that is most commonly used and recommended for a classic chop cheese sandwich. Its melting properties and mild flavour complement the seasoned beef and toppings, contributing to the overall appeal of this beloved New York City sandwich.
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Hoagie roll
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, with its origins in the bodegas of Harlem and the Bronx. It is made with ground beef, onions, cheese, and various toppings, all served on a hero roll. The hero roll, also known as a hoagie roll, is an essential part of the chopped cheese sandwich.
The hoagie roll is a long, fluffy roll that serves as the foundation for the hearty chopped cheese filling. It is typically cut in half lengthwise and toasted on a griddle or skillet before being assembled into the sandwich. Some recipes call for buttering the hoagie roll before toasting, adding a rich, buttery flavour to the sandwich.
The choice of hoagie roll for the chopped cheese sandwich is not arbitrary. The long shape of the roll is well-suited to accommodate the sandwich's distinctive filling. The ground beef, onions, and cheese are chopped and mixed together on a griddle, resulting in a loose, almost crumbly texture. The elongated hoagie roll can contain this unique filling more effectively than a traditional round bun.
Additionally, the hoagie roll contributes to the overall taste and texture profile of the sandwich. Its fluffy texture provides a soft contrast to the crispy, browned exterior of the beef. The roll's light, airy consistency also helps to balance the hearty, savoury filling, creating a more satisfying eating experience.
The hoagie roll, with its practical and sensory contributions, is an integral part of the chopped cheese sandwich's identity. It is a key component in the sandwich's construction, enhancing both its visual appeal and its flavour profile. The hoagie roll is a testament to the ingenuity and practicality that characterise New York City's culinary landscape.
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Toppings
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, and its toppings are as varied as the neighbourhoods in which it is served. The classic chopped cheese sandwich is made with seasoned ground beef, American cheese, and toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes, all served on a hero roll. However, the beauty of the chopped cheese sandwich is that it is highly customisable, and different neighbourhoods and bodegas have put their own spin on the sandwich.
The chopped cheese sandwich has its roots in Harlem, specifically in a bodega called Hajji's Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli. It is said that the sandwich was invented by a former worker at the deli, who made it for himself sometime in the 1990s. The sandwich then spread to other bodegas in the area, and eventually to other parts of New York City.
While the core ingredients of ground beef, cheese, and bread have remained the same, the toppings have evolved to include a variety of options. Some popular toppings include shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce. The sandwich can also be customised with different types of cheese, such as American cheese, Edamer, or yellow American cheese.
In addition to the toppings, the seasoning of the beef is also an important component of the chopped cheese sandwich. The beef can be seasoned with a variety of spices and seasonings, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, Adobo seasoning, or chicken bouillon granules. The versatility of the sandwich is part of its appeal, and it has become a beloved comfort food for many New Yorkers.
The chopped cheese sandwich has even made its way into popular culture, with appearances in songs, music videos, and food blogs. Despite its humble beginnings, the sandwich has sparked discussions about race, class, and cultural appropriation. It has become a symbol of New York City's diverse and vibrant food culture, and its impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the city.
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Frequently asked questions
A chop cheese, also known as a chopped cheese, is a sandwich made with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables. It is a staple in New York City bodegas, particularly in Harlem.
Ground beef is used in a chop cheese sandwich. The beef is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and sometimes other seasonings like Adobo or Worcestershire sauce.
American cheese is the classic choice for a chop cheese, but other types of cheese like Edamer can also be used.
Chop cheese sandwiches are typically topped with lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Other toppings like hot sauce and jalapenos can also be added.
Chop cheese sandwiches are commonly found in bodegas in New York City, particularly in Harlem and the Bronx. However, they have also started appearing on restaurant menus and can be made at home.
