A chopped cheese sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s an iconic New York City staple born in the bustling bodegas of the Bronx and Harlem. With juicy ground beef, melted American cheese, and fresh toppings, this hearty creation hits every comfort food craving.

The beauty of a chopped cheese lies in its simplicity: perfectly seasoned ground beef melds with gooey cheese, transforming into a savory filling that’s irresistibly delicious. Paired with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and toasted hoagie rolls, each bite is a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.

Replicating this beloved bodega classic at home brings an authentic taste of New York to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and bound to become a go-to favorite for a quick and flavorful meal.

Chopped Cheese Ingredients

Ground Beef (80/20 Blend): The foundation of chopped cheese, this perfectly balanced beef blend offers richness and tenderness, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
White Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and a satisfying crunch, bringing a depth of flavor to the beef as it cooks.
Garlic: Infuses the beef mixture with a subtle, aromatic warmth, enhancing the overall savoriness of the sandwich.
American Cheese: Melts into the beef to create a creamy, gooey texture that binds the ingredients and offers a classic, nostalgic taste.
Hoagie Rolls: Toasted to golden perfection, these sturdy rolls cradle the savory filling, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft interior.
Iceberg Lettuce & Tomato Slices: The crisp, refreshing layers bring balance to the rich filling, adding freshness and a touch of acidity.

Recipe Tips

Perfecting the Beef Texture: To get that signature chopped texture, cook the beef slowly over medium-low heat initially, allowing it to render its fat gently. Use the edge of a metal spatula to chop and fold the beef while cooking. This not only helps the meat cook evenly but also ensures the beef binds with the cheese seamlessly. For an authentic experience, chop the cheese into the beef while it melts, blending the flavors beautifully.
Choosing the Right Roll: For the best experience, go with a hoagie or bolillo roll that has a slightly crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Toasting the roll is key to maintaining structure and preventing sogginess. Place the roll, cut-side down, on a griddle until golden brown. This adds a slight crunch that complements the savory filling while holding up well to the juicy beef and melted cheese.
Customize Your Toppings: While shredded iceberg lettuce and sliced tomatoes are classic toppings, feel free to experiment! Try adding pickles for an acidic bite, sliced jalapeños for heat, or sautéed mushrooms for extra umami. For a sauce variation, add a dash of hot sauce or a drizzle of barbecue sauce to the mayo for an extra layer of flavor. Customizing toppings lets you tailor the sandwich to your taste.

What to Serve with Chopped Cheese

Crispy French Fries: A classic pairing, French fries add a crunchy texture to balance the sandwich’s juicy filling. Opt for thick-cut fries or steak fries, seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or go with sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet contrast.
Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chopped cheese. The cabbage’s crunch and the zesty dressing help cut through the savory beef and cheese, offering a light yet satisfying complement to the sandwich.
Pickle Spears: A chopped cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with the acidity of crisp pickle spears. The tanginess of pickles acts as a palate cleanser between bites, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor to the meal without overwhelming the main dish.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts perfectly into the beef, you can use cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it melts well for a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the beef filling as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on a griddle to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to reheat the sandwich?

For best results, reheat the filling separately on a skillet until warm, then add to a freshly toasted roll. This way, you avoid any sogginess and keep the sandwich tasting fresh.

Can I use a different bread if I don’t have hoagie rolls?

You can! Sub rolls, baguettes, or even brioche buns work well. Look for bread with a sturdy crust to handle the juicy filling while staying soft on the inside.

Chopped Cheese

Chopped cheese is a classic New York City sandwich, known for its seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings nestled within a toasted hoagie roll. This hearty handheld meal brings bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it a favorite across the city. Recreate the magic of a bodega-style chopped cheese at home and enjoy a comforting, savory experience.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

Ground beef 80/20 blend
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Worcestershire sauce
White onion finely chopped
Garlic cloves minced
Hoagie or bolillo rolls
American cheese slices
Mayonnaise
Shredded iceberg lettuce for garnish
Tomato slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or pot over medium-low heat, add the ground beef without oil, allowing it to cook slowly so that the fat renders naturally. Stir intermittently, breaking the meat into crumbles, but leave some pinkness in the center for now.
Add Aromatics and Seasoning:
Once the beef is browned and most of the fat has been rendered, increase the heat to medium and introduce the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften, and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat once everything is well combined.
Toast the Rolls:
Slice the hoagie or bolillo rolls in half. In batches, toast the rolls in a griddle or skillet over medium heat, with the cut sides facing down until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.
Melt Cheese into the Beef:
Divide the cooked beef mixture into six portions. For each portion, return it to the griddle or skillet on medium-low heat, then top with two slices of American cheese. Allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, and use a metal spatula to “chop” and mix the cheese into the beef, if desired.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread one tablespoon of mayonnaise on the cut side of each toasted roll. Place the roll, mayo-side down, onto the cheesy beef mixture, pressing slightly to adhere.
Final Touches and Serving:
After 30 seconds, flip the sandwich using a spatula to ensure the filling is well secured within the roll. Repeat as necessary to create all six sandwiches. Top each with shredded iceberg lettuce and tomato slices. Slice each sandwich in half, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
For storage, keep any remaining beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.