A chopped cheese is a popular New York City sandwich from bodegas, featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese (usually American) chopped together on a griddle and served on a hero roll with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and condiments. It's known for its savory, comforting flavor, often compared to a deconstructed cheeseburger, and is a staple of NYC street food culture.
Key Components
Meat: Ground beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, or adobo seasoning.
Cheese: Typically American cheese, melted into the meat mixture.
Vegetables: Sautéed onions are standard; lettuce and tomatoes are common additions.
Condiments: Mayonnaise and ketchup are popular choices, often spread on the roll.
Bread: A long hero roll or hoagie roll.
Preparation
Sauté chopped onions on a griddle or skillet.
Add ground beef patties, seasoning them as they cook.
Chop the meat and onions together as they cook, mixing thoroughly.
Add cheese slices and let them melt into the meat mixture.
Spread condiments on the roll, add the meat/cheese mixture, and top with lettuce and tomato.
Origin
The sandwich is widely believed to have originated in East Harlem, New York City, with many crediting Blue Sky Deli (also known as Hajji's) as the birthplace.
