A chopped cheese is a type of sandwich first created in New York City. Carlos Soto invented the sandwich while a longtime cook at the Blue Sky Deli—also known as Hajji’s—in Harlem. Inspired by an Arabic dish called dagha yamneeya, which consists of minced meat and sautéed onions, Soto decided to serve it as a sandwich with cheese. Chopped cheese sandwiches are now a New York City icon and remain the most popular item at Hajji’s.
Recipe Servings: 3
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup pickled peppers, chopped
- 6 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 (6-inch) hoagie rolls, warmed or toasted
- Mayonnaise, as needed for topping (optional)
- Ketchup, as need for topping (optional)
- Mustard, as needed for topping (optional)
- Lettuce, as needed for topping (optional)
- Tomato, as needed for topping (optional)
Directions
- Form ground beef into three patties the same size and shape of the hoagie rolls.
- Season patties generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set a large skillet over medium high heat and when hot, add oil, tilting the pan to coat it.
- Place the patties in the pan and cook about 3 minutes on each side or until well browned.
- Top the patties with onion and pickled peppers. Use a spatula to chop the onion and peppers several times into the patties while breaking up the meat.
- Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the patties, turn off heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and let rest until the cheese melts.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the three rolls and serve immediately with optional toppings such as mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, and tomato.
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.