What is a NY Chopped Cheese Sandwich?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The best way to describe this Sandwich is it\u2019s kind of like a Cheeseburger but served in a roll instead of a Burger Bun. Each Deli \/ Bodega in NY will have their own version of this recipe, so there is not one \u2018true\u2019 Chopped Cheese recipe to go by, however there are some common ingredients that are consistent in this dish
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The primary ingredients are seasoned Ground Beef that is fried on the grill until charred and brown. The Beef is then topped with several pieces of classic American Cheese which slowly melts and oozes into the Beef
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Once it\u2019s begun to melt, the Cheese is then simply mixed through the Beef. The name Chopped Cheese comes from this step, where the Cheese is somewhat \u2018chopped up\u2019 by using a spatula as it\u2019s combined with the Ground Beef
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The Cheese and Beef combination is then transferred straight into a fresh bread roll which is filled with your typical salad ingredients (usually Lettuce, but also sometimes Tomatoes and Onions are included) along with a generous slathering of Mayonnaise
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![\"NY](\"https:\/\/dinnertimesomewhere.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NY-Chopped-Cheese-Sandwich-4-1024x1024.jpg\")
The Sandwich is then rolled right in baking paper or foil and cut in half before being served to the hungry customer. The flavors are reminiscent of a classic Cheeseburger, but the NY Chopped Cheese Sandwich does still stand out as its own unique dish
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How to make our version of a NY Chopped Cheese Sandwich<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We have kept our recipe quite traditional, with all the aforementioned ingredients and techniques adopted. However, when making this Sandwich we tried experimenting with a few different ingredients to find the best tasting Chopped Cheese that worked for us. We think our Sandwich is a fantastic rendition, and one that can easily be made at home
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For the Beef, you want some flavor there, so we recommend opting for an 80\/20 or 75\/25 Ground Beef. This is the percentage of Beef to Fat (so 80\/20 is 80% Beef, 20% Fat). The fattier the Beef, the more flavor
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Our twist to the dish is we begin the frying by grilling some finely diced Yellow Onions until they are caramelized, then press the Ground Beef down on top of them until that also chars. Grilled Onions add a beautiful sweetness which, just like Burgers, work\u2019s amazing in a Chopped Cheese Sandwich
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![\"Loaded](\"https:\/\/dinnertimesomewhere.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NY-Chopped-Cheese-Sandwich-6-1024x1024.jpg\")
Season your Beef a lot!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An authentic NY Chopped Cheese Sandwich is loaded with flavor, so aggressively season your Beef as it cooks. We use a classic combination of Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and a little Smoked Paprika. You can also add a bit of spice with Cayenne Pepper if you like
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Once the Beef has cooked through completely it\u2019s time to add the Cheese. There is of course, no substitute for classic American Cheese. The melting qualities of this Cheese are second to none, and is what gives a Chopped Cheese its signature flavor and texture
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For ratios, we went with 1 slice of Cheese for every 100g (3.5 oz.) of Beef. For 3 heaped sandwiches, 500g (17.5 oz.) will be enough Beef, so that means 5 slices of American Cheese are needed
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Lay the Cheese on top of the Beef and allow it to melt slightly. At this point, chop it all up with a spatula and really give the Cheese a good mix through. You want the Cheese to be as evenly dispersed through the Beef as possible. Taste it for seasoning and it\u2019s ready!
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![\"Sandwich](\"https:\/\/dinnertimesomewhere.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NY-Chopped-Cheese-Sandwich-5-1024x1024.jpg\")
Building the NY Chopped Cheese Sandwich<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now, bread is another important part of the Chopped Cheese. The good news is there is also no one style of Bread that is used. Each Bodega has their own style, and you can just as easily see a Hoagie Roll used as you will a round Kaiser Roll
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My recommendation, use whatever Roll you enjoy. The only caveat is I highly suggest using large rolls. This is a hearty Sandwich, and you can pack a lot of ingredients in there. We opted for a long roll as they\u2019re easy to pack in loads of ingredients and roll it up in bakers paper
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Start by slicing your bread open but just keeping the ends intact. Then, layer in your Sauce followed by Lettuce and finely diced Tomatoes. Mayonnaise is the classic Sauce, but our recommendation is to combine Mayo and Ketchup
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Then, load up the Sandwich with what seemingly is too much Beef. Press the beef down using the spatula and then close up the Sandwich. Roll it all up in foil or butchers paper and then cut right through the center. You\u2019re NY Chopped Cheese Sandwich is now ready to eat!
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![\"NY](\"https:\/\/dinnertimesomewhere.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NY-Chopped-Cheese-Sandwich-2-1024x1024.jpg\")
When in NYC, where is the best place to get an authentic Chopped Cheese?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to do some research then we definitely recommend you check out the Gotham Foodie Blog article on Chopped Cheese<\/a>. It\u2019ll go into detail on all the best Chopped Cheese in and around the city. In all honesty though, I recommend literally going to your closest bodega and trying one there! That\u2019s the beauty about the food in NYC, and especially Bodegas. Each one offers their own unique twist on classic NY dishes such as the Chopped Cheese, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese (BEC), and classics like Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches. Try a few of them and see which ones you like! They\u2019re such an affordable and delicious way to eat your way around the city, and it\u2019s an experience that is totally unique to NYC
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