For an authentic chopped cheese sandwich, use the right style of bread. It’s typically made with an Italian hoagie roll that’s lightly crusty on the outside but soft on the inside. A New York bodega will usually only toast the inside of the roll, to keep the inside fluffy.
A traditional Bronx-style chopped cheese sandwich uses 80/20 ground beef and keeps the seasoning simple, as in this recipe. Salt and black pepper are all that’s needed, but some chefs will add garlic and onion powder too.
The defining element of the sandwich is the cheese. The classic variety to use is American cheese, that is layered on the beef, melted, and then “chopped” into the beef while cooking. This creates the sandwich’s signature gooey beef mixture.
What is Chopped Cheese?
A chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City classic that's typically associated with the Bronx. It is essentially a chopped cheeseburger served in a crusty, soft roll. One of New York’s most famous street sandwiches, it’s often compared to the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, though the meat and toppings tend to vary.
Once you’ve had your fill of this Bronx classic take a look at our article covering the must-try New York street food dishes, to sample authentic cuisine from this world-famous city.
Chopped Cheese History: The Bronx Original
The chopped cheese sandwich is a New York City bodega staple, traced back to the Bronx in the 1990s. It’s thought to have been popularized at a small, local bodega when a cook at the deli began chopping hamburger meat on the griddle instead of serving it in a patty. Mixed with melted American cheese in a hero roll, this inexpensive, filling sandwich quickly turned into a neighborhood classic.
Today it’s considered an iconic symbol of Bronx street food and one of New York’s most recognized sandwiches. You can even find gourmet versions of this humble recipe on restaurant menus, in part due to its appearance on the television series, Parts Unknown, hosted by the late chef Anthony Bourdain.
To make your own elevated version at home, take a look at our article on how to prepare gourmet sandwiches and discover more sandwich recipe inspiration with our infographic of the top 40 best sandwiches from around the world.
