The chopped cheese sandwich has been part of the New York City food scene for decades. While the exact origin of the sandwich is unknown, it’s believed to have first appeared in the Bronx and Harlem neighborhoods in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
The chopped cheese sandwich is a simple but tasty combination of ground beef, onions, and peppers cooked in a flat-top griddle, and then chopped together with melted American cheese and served on a toasted roll. The chopped cheese sandwich has been an iconic part of the NYC food scene for decades, and it’s still popular today.
If you’re not in New York, you can still enjoy this delicious sandwich at home. Here’s a simple recipe for making a chopped cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
Optional Garnishes:
• Pickles
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
Optional Spice:
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, for a spicy kick
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain the fat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes more.
- Add the butter and melt. Add the American cheese and stir until melted.
- Toast the hamburger buns.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spooning the beef and cheese mixture onto each bun.
- Serve with the optional garnishes, such as pickles, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
For an extra spicy kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef and cheese mixture. Enjoy!
By the time you finish this delightful sandwich you’re going to be hungry. Find a great bevvy.