Chopped Cheese

Chopped Cheese, also known as "a chop cheese", is a type of sandwich originating from New York City. Found in bodegas throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, it is made on a grill with ground beef, onions, and topped by melted cheese and served with lettuce and tomatoes on a hero roll.

History

The origins of the Chopped Cheese sandwich are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created in the 1980s or 1990s in the Harlem or the Bronx boroughs of New York City. The sandwich is often compared to the Philadelphia Cheesesteak due to its similar ingredients and preparation method.

Preparation

The Chopped Cheese sandwich begins with ground beef, which is chopped up on a grill with onions. The beef and onions are cooked together until the beef is browned and the onions are caramelized. The mixture is then topped with slices of cheese, typically American cheese or cheddar cheese, which are melted directly onto the meat. The sandwich is served on a hero roll and typically garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments such as mayonnaise and ketchup.

Cultural Significance

The Chopped Cheese sandwich is a staple of many bodegas in New York City, particularly in the boroughs of the Bronx and Harlem. It is often considered a symbol of the city's diverse culinary culture and working-class roots. The sandwich has also been the subject of several documentaries and news features, highlighting its role in New York City's food scene.

See Also

• List of sandwiches
• Cuisine of New York City
• Bodega