Chopped Cheese Recipe (Bodega Style) (2024)

Learn how to make this chopped cheese recipe at home in less than 10 minutes. Easy to make and you can customize it as per your taste!

Are you a huge fan of New York City’s chopped cheese sandwich? I grew up eating this as a special weekend treat, and now, I can make it at home with it just as tasty as any Bodega or sandwich shop. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

What is chopped cheese?

The chopped cheese sandwich was first introduced in New York City and sold in local small grocery stores or tuckshops, known as bodegas. Thanks to its popularity, this simple and delicious sandwich soon became incredibly popular in other areas, too.

It’s a quick sandwich, basically a burger, with beef patties, American cheese slices, and toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes. The “chopped” part of it refers to the hamburger meat being chopped up finely before the cheese is added on top.

Here are some reasons why I LOVE this recipe.

• Quick. You can prepare it in less than 20 minutes, including the prep and cooking time.
• Easy to make. Instructions are easy to follow, ingredients are simple, and there the chopped meat can be prepped in advance.
• Authentic. Not only you’ll love making it, but it tastes EXACTLY like an authentic chopped cheese sandwich.
• Easy to customize. Like spicy food? Want more salad? This recipe is easy to customize; you can add spicy seasonings to the patty or some spicy condiments as toppings.

Ingredients needed

The beauty of this chopped cheese recipe is how simple the ingredient list is: no hard-to-find or odd ingredients. Everything can be found at your local grocery store. Here is what you’ll need:

• Bread. Hoagie buns, hero buns, or if you are stuck, even a hot dog roll. Regardless of what bread you use, ensure it is fluffy on the inside and with a crusty exterior.
• Butter.Do not use oil to fry the meat: it must be unsalted butter!
• Onion. Finely chopped to mix into the beef.
• Beef.Either lean or standard ground beef work (85/15 or 90/10). Do not use extra lean ground beef, as I’ve found it to be a little flavorless and also quite dry.
• Salt and pepper. To taste.
• Garlic powder. Adds some garlic flavor without needing actual garlic.
• American cheese.Traditional chopped cheese sandwiches use American cheese, but any you have on hand work.I’ve tried it with Pepper Jack cheese and gooey mozzarella cheese.
• Mayonnaise.To spread in the buns.
• Iceberg lettuce and tomatoes.Must have fresh salad ingredients.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make a chopped cheese

Simple is an understatement when it comes to this recipe. It’s a 4-step process that comes together in less than 10 minutes. Here’s to how to make it:

Step 1- Prepare the buns. Start by dividing the buns from the middle and toasting them. Spread some mayonnaise on both sides.

Step 2- cook the ground beef. Take a non-stick pan, add butter to saute onions, and push them to a side.Next, add the ground beef patty to the pan, and don’t break it. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat both sides for 2-4 minutes. Slowly break the patty, mix with sauteed onions, and cook until there is no pink beef in the middle.

Step 3- Chop the meat and add cheese. Now, divide the meat into four equal portions. Cover each portion with American cheese, and cook until the cheese melts.

Step 4- Assemble. Transfer each portion to toasted buns, top with tomatoes and shredded iceberg lettuce, and serve!

Make ahead and storage info

Chopped cheese tastes the best when made fresh, but you can make the meat filling in advance:

To Store: Use air-tight containers to store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:Place the filling in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to two months.

Frequently Asked Questions

More sandwiches to try

• Meatball sub– This is better than Subway!
• Torta– Mexican inspired sandwich that is full of flavor.
• Hot honey chicken sandwich– Crispy chicken with the most incredible fiery sauce.
• Italian beef sandwich– Chopped cheese is New York and Italian beef is Chicago!
• Sausage McMuffin– Breakfast sandwich inspired by McDonald’s!