Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Learn how to whip up a delicious Bodega-style Chopped Cheese Sandwich at home in under 10 minutes! The Chopped Cheese Sandwich first emerged in New York City, particularly in Harlem and the Bronx, where it was sold in local small grocery stores and tuckshops called bodegas. Its delicious simplicity quickly made it a favorite, leading to its widespread popularity beyond New York. We like to make it Colorado style by adding some chopped green chiles on top.
– 4 hoagie buns (or hot dog buns as a substitute)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 pound ground beef (lean or standard)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 slices American cheese
– 1 cup lettuce, chopped
– 1 large tomato, thinly sliced and chopped green chiles
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Buns:** Slice the buns in half and lightly toast them. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bun.
2. **Cook the Onions:** Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Push the onions to one side of the pan.
3. **Cook the Beef:** Add the ground beef to the pan. Do not break it apart initially. Season with salt and pepper. Sear for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** Once the beef is seared, break it apart and mix it with the onions. Cook until there’s no pink remaining in the beef. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
5. **Add Cheese:** Place 2 slices of American cheese on top of each portion of beef. Let it cook for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Transfer the beef and cheese mixture onto the toasted buns. Top each sandwich with chopped lettuce, sliced tomato and chopped green chiles.