When it comes to iconic street food, few sandwiches hold the same allure as a Chopped Cheese. Rooted in the culture of New York City bodegas, this mouthwatering delight is a perfect marriage of simplicity and bold flavors. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this deliciously messy, cheesy, and satisfying sandwich at home, you’re in the right place. With an approachable recipe and some easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be crafting a chopped cheese that rivals the best in NYC.

What Is a Chopped Cheese?

A Chopped Cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s a slice of NYC culture. Originating in Harlem and the Bronx, this dish features ground beef, melted cheese, and classic sandwich toppings like lettuce and tomato, all served on a toasted hoagie roll. Often compared to a cheeseburger in flavor but unique in preparation, this humble creation has captured hearts and taste buds alike.

Ingredients for Chopped Cheese

Here’s everything you need to make an authentic Chopped Cheese at home:

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef (80/20 blend)	2 pounds
White onion, chopped	1
Garlic, chopped	4 cloves
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Hoagie or bolillo rolls	6
American cheese slices	12
Mayonnaise	6 tablespoons
Shredded iceberg lettuce	For serving
Tomato slices	For serving

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chopped Cheese

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by adding your ground beef to a large, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Allow the beef to slowly cook, letting the fat render out. Stir the meat regularly, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Don’t rush this step—some pink in the meat is okay at this stage.

Pro Tip: For a truly authentic texture, use the side of a metal spatula to “chop” the beef as it cooks. If you don’t have a spatula, a wooden spoon works just as well.

2. Add Onions, Garlic, and Seasoning

Once the beef begins to brown and most of the fat has rendered (about 7–8 minutes), turn the heat up to medium. Add the chopped onions and garlic, stirring everything together. Let this mixture cook for another 4–5 minutes until the onions soften. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.

3. Toast the Rolls

Slice your hoagie or bolillo rolls in half and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown. Toasting the rolls enhances their texture and ensures they hold up against the juicy filling.

4. Combine Cheese and Beef

For each sandwich, scoop out about 1/6 of the beef mixture and place it on the griddle over medium-low heat. Top the beef with two slices of American cheese and let it melt. Use your spatula to roughly chop the cheese into the beef, ensuring the gooey cheese is evenly distributed.

5. Assemble the Sandwich

Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the inside of one half of your toasted roll. Place it toasted side down over the cheesy beef mixture. Let the roll sit on the filling for about 30 seconds before flipping the entire sandwich with a spatula. Repeat this process for all six sandwiches.

6. Add Toppings and Serve

Once your sandwiches are assembled, open them up and layer on shredded iceberg lettuce and tomato slices. Cut each sandwich in half for easy handling and serve immediately.

Storage Tip: Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it on a griddle before assembling another sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to make this classic sandwich.
• Quick Preparation: With a little organization, you can whip up these sandwiches in under 30 minutes.
• Big Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings is unbeatable.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe scales easily, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.

FAQs About Chopped Cheese

1. What makes a Chopped Cheese different from a cheeseburger?

While both dishes feature ground beef and cheese, the key difference is in the preparation. In a Chopped Cheese, the beef and cheese are cooked together and chopped, creating a unique texture that’s integrated with the cheese.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese is traditional, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

3. Are there any substitutions for the rolls?

If you can’t find hoagie or bolillo rolls, try using baguettes or even brioche buns. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling.

4. Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.

5. Is Chopped Cheese only popular in NYC?

While it’s a staple in NYC bodegas, the Chopped Cheese has gained popularity nationwide thanks to its irresistible flavor and simplicity.

6. How do I keep my sandwiches warm if serving a group?

After assembling the sandwiches, wrap them in foil and place them in a warm oven (200°F) until you’re ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	620
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	30g
Sodium	890mg

Conclusion: Bring NYC Flavor to Your Kitchen

With this recipe, you’re not just making a sandwich; you’re recreating a piece of culinary history. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or indulging in a late-night craving, the Chopped Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and enjoy this NYC classic from the comfort of your home.

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