Patrick Oconnell
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City staple, born out of the city's bodega culture. It is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that can be made with a variety of toppings and cheeses. The classic chopped cheese sandwich is made with chopped beef burgers, melted cheese, caramelized onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a variety of condiments, all stuffed inside a toasted hero roll or hoagie roll. The sandwich is a twist on the traditional cheeseburger and cheesesteak sandwiches, offering a cheaper alternative to the Philly cheesesteak. With its combination of flavors and textures, the chopped cheese sandwich has become a beloved comfort food for many in New York and beyond.
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What You'll Learn
Cheese: American, mozzarella, or provolone
Chopped cheese is a beloved sandwich that is a unique creation. It is a mixture of beef, seasonings, and onions, cooked on a griddle and then “chopped” with the side of a large spatula as it griddles. Cheese is added on top until it melts, and then it’s all placed on a sturdy bun with veggie toppings like tomatoes and lettuce.
American Cheese
Traditional chopped cheese sandwiches use American cheese. It is usually sliced and added on top of the ground beef. The beef is cooked and chopped with a spatula, and then the cheese is added and chopped into the beef mixture. The sandwich is then assembled with toppings and served on a hoagie roll.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a suitable substitute for American cheese in a chopped cheese sandwich. It is a gooey cheese that can add a creamy texture to the sandwich. Mozzarella is also a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, so it can help elevate the chopped cheese sandwich to a more “grown-up” level.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, pasta bakes, and fritters. It has a smoky and salty flavor that can enhance the taste of the chopped cheese sandwich. Provolone cheese also melts well, so it can add a creamy texture to the sandwich.
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Bread: hero bun, hoagie roll, or baguette
When it comes to bread, there are a few options to choose from when making a chopped cheese sandwich. The traditional choice is a hero bun, which is soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crusty exterior. Toasting the bun is a recommended step to prevent it from becoming soggy from the sandwich's moist ingredients. To achieve this, you can pop the sliced bun in a toaster or place the sliced faces down onto a skillet. Spreading butter or mayonnaise on the bun is also an option to add flavor and moisture.
Another popular option is a hoagie roll, which is often used in New York-style chopped cheese sandwiches. Hoagie rolls are typically soft and fluffy, providing a textural contrast to the sandwich's hearty filling. Toasting the hoagie roll is also recommended to prevent sogginess and enhance its flavor. Similar to the hero bun, you can spread butter or mayonnaise on the hoagie roll to add richness to the sandwich.
If you're looking for a different option, a baguette can also be used for a chopped cheese sandwich. A baguette provides a chewier texture and a more substantial base for the sandwich. Toasting the baguette is not commonly mentioned but could be considered for a similar reason as the previous options – to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
While these are the most popular choices, other bread options such as crisped-up hot dog buns or sub rolls can also be used for a chopped cheese sandwich. The key consideration is to choose a bread that can hold the filling and provide a textural contrast to the sandwich's overall experience.
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Meat: ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken
Chopped cheese is a popular American loose meat sandwich that can be made with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. The meat is cooked with seasonings and vegetables, "chopped" with a spatula, and then combined with melted cheese. Here are some detailed instructions for preparing chopped cheese with these different types of meat:
Ground Beef
For a classic chopped cheese sandwich, you can use either lean or standard ground beef, with a mix of 80% beef and 20% fat recommended for optimal flavour and texture. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. You can also add butter, onion, and bell pepper to enhance the flavour.
Cook the ground beef in a skillet or pot over medium to medium-high heat, stirring regularly until the beef is browned. Then, add the onions and garlic, and continue cooking until the onions are softened. Finally, add the cheese, and use a spatula to "chop" it into the meat mixture as it melts.
Ground Turkey
Chopped cheese made with ground turkey is a leaner option that reduces fat, cholesterol, and calories compared to ground beef. Season the ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. You can also add butter, grated onion, and bell pepper to the mix.
Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, melting butter in the pan first if desired. Grated onion and bell pepper will practically melt into the ground turkey, adding flavour. Once the turkey is cooked through, add the cheese and use a spatula to chop it into the meat as it melts.
Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is another option for a chopped cheese sandwich, offering a similar preparation to ground beef or ground turkey. You can season and cook the ground chicken in a similar manner, although you may need to adjust cooking times and temperatures slightly depending on the specific type of ground chicken used. As with the other meats, add the cheese after the chicken is cooked through, and use a spatula to chop it into the meat as it melts.
Assembly
Regardless of the type of meat used, the assembly process for a chopped cheese sandwich is largely the same. Transfer the cooked meat and cheese mixture to a sturdy bun, such as a hoagie roll, baguette, or hamburger bun. You can spread mayonnaise on the bun before adding the meat for extra flavour and moisture. Top the sandwich with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and any other desired toppings or condiments.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, breads, and toppings to create your own unique version of the chopped cheese sandwich!
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Veggies: lettuce, tomatoes, or onions
When it comes to veggies, chopped cheese sandwiches typically include lettuce, tomatoes, and sometimes onions. If you want to stick to the classic, here's what you need to know:
Lettuce
Lettuce is a common addition to chopped cheese sandwiches. Most recipes call for iceberg lettuce, but you can also use romaine lettuce for a more nutritious option. Shred or chop the lettuce before adding it to your sandwich.
Tomatoes
Sliced tomatoes are another popular choice for chopped cheese sandwiches. Go for juicy, fresh tomatoes, and slice them thinly. You can also dice them if you prefer, but sliced tomatoes are more traditional.
Onions
Onions are not always included in chopped cheese sandwiches, but they are a popular option. Finely chop or dice the onions and sauté them before adding them to your sandwich. You can also caramelize the onions for added sweetness or pickle them for a tangy twist.
Other Veggie Options
While lettuce, tomatoes, and onions are the most traditional veggie toppings for a chopped cheese sandwich, you can also get creative and experiment with other options. For example, you could try adding sliced cucumbers, zucchini, or bell peppers. Broccoli is another option, but it's best to precook it slightly so it's not too crunchy.
Remember, the beauty of the chopped cheese sandwich is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different veggie combinations to find your perfect match!
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Condiments: mayo, ketchup, or mustard
Mayo, ketchup, and mustard are all popular condiments for chopped cheese sandwiches. Chopped cheese is a ubiquitous bodega sandwich that originated in the Bronx, New York City, and is considered a comfort food by many locals. It is made by chopping ground beef and cooking it on a griddle with cheese, then folding it into a sub roll stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments.
Mayonnaise is a common topping for chopped cheese sandwiches. It is spread on the bun and can be mixed with other ingredients, such as hot sauce or Sriracha aioli. Mayonnaise also helps the sandwich stay together and makes it less messy to eat.
Ketchup is another classic condiment for chopped cheese sandwiches. It is often paired with mayonnaise and spread on the bun. Some people also add ketchup to the meat mixture.
Mustard is a less common, but still valid, condiment choice for chopped cheese sandwiches. It can be added to the meat mixture or spread on the bun.
Ultimately, the choice of condiment comes down to individual preference, and chopped cheese sandwiches can be easily customized to suit different tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional chopped cheese uses American cheese, but any cheese will work. Other options include mozzarella, provolone, Pepper Jack, and Cheez Whiz.
Chopped cheese is usually served on a hero bun, hoagie roll, or baguette. The bread should be soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crusty exterior.
Popular toppings for chopped cheese include shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. You can also add hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Chopped cheese typically uses ground beef, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. The beef should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Start by toasting your bun and spreading mayonnaise on both sides. Next, add your cooked meat and cheese mixture, then top with your desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
