Savory NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Welcome to Kelvin's Kitchen, where we're about to unveil the secret to crafting the iconic NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich. This flavorful delight is packed with savory, spicy, and hearty flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of New York City. Let's dive right into this delicious adventure!

Origin Story: A Hidden Gem of Harlem The Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a beloved New York City specialty that has a fascinating origin story. It was first created in the late 1990s by a bodega (small grocery store) in Harlem. It started as an off-menu item, a secret fusion of ground beef, cheese, and condiments, all chopped up and served in a sandwich. Over time, it gained popularity, especially in Harlem and the Bronx, and eventually became a symbol of New York City's diverse culinary culture.

A Local Favorite with Worldwide Influence While the NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich is deeply rooted in New York City, its influence has reached far beyond the city limits. This humble sandwich has gained international recognition, inspiring chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide to recreate and put their own spin on it. It's a testament to the power of local specialties to capture the imagination and taste buds of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

FAQs

**1. What is a Chopped Cheese Sandwich?**

- A Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a popular New York City street food consisting of ground beef cooked with onions, peppers, and seasonings, topped with melted cheese, and served in a roll. It's known for its savory and spicy flavors.

**2. What kind of bread is traditionally used for the sandwich?**

- Hoagie or sub rolls are traditionally used for the NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich. These rolls are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside when toasted.

**3. Can I use a different type of cheese?**

- While American cheese is the traditional choice for a Chopped Cheese Sandwich, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses to suit your taste. Provolone, cheddar, or Swiss cheese can be great alternatives.

**4. Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this sandwich?**

- Yes, you can create a vegetarian or vegan version of the Chopped Cheese Sandwich by using plant-based ground meat substitutes and vegan cheese. The seasonings and sautéed vegetables will provide the same savory flavors.

**5. What makes the sauce spicy in this recipe?**

- The spiciness in the sauce comes from the addition of sriracha, a popular hot sauce made from chili peppers. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to suit your preference.

**6. Can I make this sandwich in advance and reheat it?**

- It's best to enjoy the Chopped Cheese Sandwich fresh, as reheating may affect the texture of the bread and the overall quality of the sandwich. However, you can prepare the individual components in advance and assemble the sandwich just before serving for a quick meal.

**7. Are there any regional variations of the Chopped Cheese Sandwich?**

- While the classic Chopped Cheese Sandwich is most closely associated with Harlem and the Bronx in New York City, there may be regional variations or spin-offs in different parts of the city or even in other cities with diverse food scenes.

**8. What side dishes go well with the Chopped Cheese Sandwich?**

- Popular side dishes to pair with the Chopped Cheese Sandwich include potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with pickles or hot peppers for added flavor.

**9. Can I customize the ingredients to my liking?**

- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the Chopped Cheese Sandwich with your favorite toppings or condiments. Some people like to add lettuce, pickles, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

**10. Is the Chopped Cheese Sandwich spicy?**

- The spiciness of the Chopped Cheese Sandwich primarily comes from the seasoning and the optional addition of sriracha in the sauce. You can control the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of sriracha you use. If you prefer it less spicy, simply use less sriracha in the sauce.

Make it

Savory NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe

**Ingredients:**

*For the Chopped Cheese:*

- 1.5 pounds of ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon of chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

- 1 teaspoon of adobo seasoning

- Black pepper, to taste

- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil

*For the Sandwich:*

- 4 hoagie or sub rolls

- Slices of American cheese

- Sliced tomatoes

- 1/4 cup of ketchup

- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise

- A splash of sriracha

- 2 tablespoons of butter

- Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chopped Cheese:**

- Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

- Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

2. **Add Vegetables:**

- Toss in the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until they soften and become aromatic.

3. **Season the Mixture:**

- Season the beef mixture with minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, adobo seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another few minutes to blend the flavors.

4. **Melt the Cheese:**

- Place slices of American cheese on top of the cooked beef mixture. Allow it to melt and become gloriously gooey.

5. **Prepare the Sauce:**

- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and mayonnaise. Add a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick. Set aside.

6. **Assemble the Sandwich:**

- Split the hoagie or sub rolls and lightly toast them with a touch of butter for that authentic NYC flavor.

7. **Spread the Sauce:**

- Spread a generous amount of the prepared ketchup and mayo sauce on the bottom half of each roll.

8. **Add the Chopped Cheese:**

- Divide the flavorful chopped cheese mixture evenly among the rolls, spreading it generously over the sauce.

9. **Complete the Sandwich:**

- Top with the other half of the rolls and press gently. To intensify the flavors, wrap the sandwich in parchment paper or foil.

**Conclusion:**

And there you have it – your very own NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich! It's a taste of the Big Apple right in your own kitchen. This sandwich is not just food; it's a flavorful adventure that will have your taste buds dancing. Enjoy this iconic New York City treat, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. So go ahead, take a bite, and savor the essence of NYC.

Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and culinary adventures from Kelvin's Kitchen. Happy cooking!