The Perfect Seasoning Blend For Chopped Cheese

The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, particularly associated with Harlem and the Bronx. The sandwich is thought to have been invented in the 1980s or 1990s by Hajji's, also known as Blue Sky Deli. While the exact seasoning used in the original recipe is a closely guarded secret, there are several variations that are commonly used. These include seasoned salt, Dominican adobo seasoning, chicken bouillon granules, Goya sazon packets, and Goya adobo seasoning. The choice of seasoning is a hotly contested topic among chopped cheese enthusiasts, with no clear consensus on the right answer.

Adobo seasoning

When making a chopped cheese sandwich, the beef is typically seasoned with adobo and sometimes other spices like garlic powder. The beef is then cooked on a griddle or skillet and chopped up with a spatula. This chopping technique is what gives the sandwich its name.

In addition to the beef, a chopped cheese sandwich usually includes American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and a soft hero roll or hoagie bun. The sandwich is often served wrapped in deli paper or foil, which helps to contain the mess and allows the flavours to meld together.

The exact origin of the chopped cheese sandwich is debated, but it is believed to have originated in New York City, specifically in bodegas in Harlem or Spanish Harlem. The sandwich has become a beloved staple in the city and is now gaining popularity beyond its original neighbourhoods.

While there are many variations and opinions on the "correct" way to make a chopped cheese, adobo seasoning is a key ingredient that adds a unique flavour to this iconic sandwich.

Salt and pepper

Chopped cheese is a New York City staple, frequently compared to Philadelphia's cheesesteak but with a unique place in food culture. It is a simple sandwich, made with ground beef, onions, and melted cheese, served on a hero roll. The versatility of the sandwich lies in its adaptability to various tastes and dietary preferences. While the traditional sandwich uses ground beef, American cheese, and a hero roll, there are plenty of ways to customise your chopped cheese experience. For instance, you could add different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, or swap out the hero roll for a crusty baguette or a soft ciabatta.

The chopped cheese sandwich is thought to have originated in Harlem, New York City, in the 1980s or 1990s. It is usually credited to Hajji's, also known as Blue Sky Deli, located on East 110th Street and First Avenue in Harlem. This simple sandwich used to be a neighbourhood favourite and a well-kept secret, but it has now grown in popularity and come to represent the rich culinary tradition of New York City's bodegas.

The preparation style of chopping the beef on a griddle and its association with NYC's bodegas gives the chopped cheese sandwich a unique identity. It is a staple in certain neighbourhoods, particularly Harlem, and is considered a comfort food by many locals.

The total cooking time for a chopped cheese sandwich is probably less than 15 minutes. To make it, heat a large skillet or cast-iron frying pan to medium-high heat. Add some olive oil to the pan and, when it heats up, put in your ground beef. Season the meat with salt and pepper, and perhaps some garlic powder. The meat will start to sear after about 3-4 minutes, at which point you can break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Move the meat to the side of the pan and add the onions. When the onions start to cook, mix them with the chopped meat. Now divide the meat and onions into equal portions in the pan and turn the heat down to medium-low. Carefully place slices of cheese on top of the beef and let it melt.

To assemble the sandwich, split your rolls open and slather them with butter, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Then stuff the rolls with the meat and melted cheese mixture, along with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles.

Garlic powder

The chopped cheese sandwich is a simple yet mouth-watering creation. The ground beef is cooked and "chopped" on a griddle or skillet, often with diced onions, and then mixed with melted cheese. This mixture is then scooped into a soft roll and topped with veggies, such as lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

The beauty of this sandwich lies in its adaptability. While garlic powder is a popular choice, some people might opt for other seasonings like Adobo, seasoned salt, or chicken bouillon granules. The type of cheese can also be varied, with options like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, adding a spicy twist.

The chopped cheese sandwich is a beloved creation, with a rich history rooted in New York City's bodegas. It has gained a unique reputation and is considered a comfort food by many locals. The use of garlic powder as a seasoning only adds to its allure, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.

So, if you're looking to recreate this iconic sandwich, don't forget to add a sprinkle of garlic powder to your ground beef for that extra punch of flavour. It's a simple ingredient that makes a big difference!

Worcestershire sauce

A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City specialty, and the exact seasoning used is a hotly contested topic. While some recipes call for seasoned salt, Dominican adobo seasoning, or chicken bouillon granules, others suggest a blend of adobo and garlic powder, or even chipotle seasoning.

One recipe for chopped cheese includes Worcestershire sauce in the seasoning blend. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the ingredients and steps:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (either pre-formed patties or 80/20 ground beef)
• White onion, chopped
• Garlic, chopped
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hoagie or bolillo rolls
• American cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Lettuce
• Tomato

Steps:

• Cook the ground beef in a large, dry pot or skillet over medium-low heat. Stir regularly, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until it is in crumbles but not fully cooked.
• Add the onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened.
• Slice the rolls in half and toast them in batches over a griddle or skillet until browned.
• Spread mayonnaise on the rolls.
• Add a portion of the beef mixture to each roll and top with two slices of American cheese.
• Once the cheese has melted, add shredded lettuce and sliced tomato to each sandwich.
• Serve immediately.

Chicken bouillon granules

When using chicken bouillon granules, it is important to consider the sodium content, as they can be high in sodium due to the added salt. It is advisable to use them in moderation, especially for those watching their sodium intake. Additionally, while chicken bouillon granules are primarily made from chicken, there are also vegetarian options available, such as vegetable bouillon granules.

Frequently asked questions