Ever heard of a chopped cheese sandwich? This Harlem favorite is legendary. If you’re from outside the city, chances are you’ve never had one. Once you try this iconic meal from any one of Harlem’s beloved bodegas, it will be an instant favorite.
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Let’s explore what exactly goes into making a classic chopped cheese sandwich and find out why these sandwiches have held their own among locals for decades. From picking out your ingredients to mastering the perfect pan-fry technique that seals in all that deliciousness – we’ve got everything you need to make a chop cheese like they do at the bodega. But first…
What is a Bodega?
A New York City bodega is a small corner store and community institution that can be found on almost every street corner in urban areas. These iconic establishments are a quintessential part of the city’s culture and history, serving as a hub for the local community. The word “bodega” comes from the Spanish for “wine cellar,” as these shops originally sold mostly alcoholic beverages. However, modern-day bodegas offer a wide range of items, including snacks, beverages, cigarettes, toiletries, and household items. A bodega has woven itself into the culture of each neighborhood it occupies, becoming a community hub and lifeblood of the citizens it serves.
Despite their humble appearance, bodegas play a vital role in the daily lives of city residents. Many New Yorkers rely on these stores for their basic necessities, as they provide convenience and affordability in a city where both can be hard to come by. In fact, bodegas are so ubiquitous that they have become a cultural icon, appearing in TV shows, movies, and even rap songs.
In addition to their practical function, bodegas are also known for their unique style and charm. Many of these stores have been owned and operated by the same families for generations, and they often have a distinct personality and sense of community. The classic bodega cat, which can often be found lounging on a shelf or behind the counter, is a beloved symbol of these shops.
Overall, New York City bodegas are much more than just a place to buy groceries. They are a cultural touchstone and an integral part of the city’s identity. Whether you’re grabbing a chopped cheese sandwich or a pack of gum, stepping into a bodega is an essential experience for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the unique and vibrant culture of the Big Apple.
What is a Chopped Cheese Sandwich and Why is it so Popular in Harlem Bodegas?
It’s a savory and simple combination of seasoned chopped beef patties, American cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, and tomato, all served on a warm hero smeared in special sauce (mayo and ketchup). The seasoning blend for the beef is usually a proprietary secret but the most common ones used are Old Bay, Lawry’s, Sazon and Adobo.
The sandwich became popular due to its accessibility (everywhere and cheap). The modest ingredients keep the prices low. There are bougie variations in restaurants and food trucks with much higher prices than the OG version, leading to discontent amongst this sandwich’s original fans. In a city where eating out can be too expensive for some families, kids are growing up with this accessible treat from their local community hub.
Where to Get the Best Chopped Cheese Sandwiches in Harlem
Harlem has become well-known for its mouth-watering chopped cheese sandwiches. But where can you find the best ones? Look no further than the local delis and bodegas that dot the neighborhood. These are the places where you’ll find the most authentic chopped cheese sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. One popular spot is Hajji’s Deli, also known as Blue Sky Deli, which has been serving up delicious sandwiches for over 30 years.
How to Make a Chopped Cheese Sandwich at Home step-by-step
What can you do for a Chopped Cheese fix if you don’t live near a New York City Bodega? Make it at home.
The History of the Chopped Cheese Sandwich
The Chopped Cheese Sandwich has become a staple in New York City cuisine, but its origins are disputed amongst fans. Can it be traced back to the 1930s by Italian immigrants living in the Bronx? Is it an invention from a man named Carlos at Hajji’s Deli? Did a deli run out of hamburger buns and instead stuffed the ingredients into a hero? Let your voice be heard and leave a comment below.
Today, you can find the Chopped Cheese Sandwich in nearly every deli and bodega in New York City, and it has gained nationwide notoriety. From its humble beginnings, the Chopped Cheese Sandwich has become a symbol of New York City’s diverse culinary culture.
Chopped Cheese, the Ocky Way!
Even though todays recipe is the OG Bodega way, I would be negligent if I didn’t give a shout out to Rahim Mohamed, aka General Ock, the manager and owner of Red Hook Food, a Brooklyn Bodega. Ock is a term in Arabic meaning brother. A Chopped Cheese or any other deli creation at this particular location made the ‘Ocky way’ simply means made with love.
When ordering your next gastro adventure at General Ock’s deli, don’t forget the bev…neva neva neva!
You can learn more about this amazing human and his followers by checking out Priya Krishna’s New York Times Youtube video, How to Run a TikTok-famous Bodega.
In conclusion, the chopped cheese sandwich is a local favorite from Harlem bodegas. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and if you’re lucky enough to be in the neighborhood, you can grab one of the best ones in town. Cooked on a griddle (Aka flat-top) in classic ocky style and made with love, it’s no wonder these sandwiches are so popular! Though there is debate over who invented it or when they were first made, there is no denying that the Chopped Cheese Sandwich has tons of history and culture woven through every bite. If you have yet to try one for yourself, head out to Harlem and try one of the delicious treats. For more great stories and recipes subscribe to Fusion Craftiness Newsletter!
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Bodega Chopped Cheese
A New York deli spin on cheeseburger ingredients served on a hero. Make this Harlem cultural icon at home with simple ingredients and a lotta love.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs cooking oil
- 1/2 large onion, sliced, your choice of red, yellow, white
- 1.25 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbs Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, finely ground
- 8 slices American cheese
- chopped iceberg lettuce
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 4 long rolls (heros)
- 2 Tbs butter
Instructions
- On a flat top griddle or large skillet over medium high heat, add oil and onions, stir to coat the onions. Cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- While onions are cooking, butter both sides of heros, brown in skillet or under broiler, be careful not to burn them.
- In a large bowl add beef and Old Bay Seasoning. Mix with hands for about 2 minutes. Shape into four patties.
- Add beef patties along side onions. Sprinkle with and black pepper. Cook until browned on one side, flip and cook a few minutes more. Add 2 slices of cheese per patty.
- When patties are almost cooked through, chop the meat with a large spatula or bench scraper, mixing the cheese into the meat and continue cooking until there is no longer any pink meat.
- Smear heros with mayo and kechup, add lettuce, tomato and meat.
- Wrap sandwich in paper or foil tightly so as to form a tight cohesive sandwich that won't fall apart when eaten.
Notes
- Use a fairly fatty ground beef mixture. 80%-90% lean will work well.
- If you are going to have leftovers, simply store the chopped cheese mixture separate from veggies and sauce in the refridgerator.
- Don't sub the American cheeese, the texture won't be the same.
- A hero is a New York term for a long bun.
- You can bougie this recipe up but that's a discussion for another day.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 913Total Fat: 66gSaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 184mgSodium: 1758mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 49g
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chopped Cheese a Philly cheesesteak? – No, a chopped cheese is made with ground beef and with hamburger ingredients served on a hero. A Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced beef, onions and peppers served on a hoagie.
Is Chopped Cheese just a cheeseburger? – No but very similar. It has the same classic ingredients, except the bun, and it is prepared differently. The original and authentic chopped cheese uses American cheese only and cheeseburgers can use any type of cheese.
What is a Harlem style Chopped Cheese Sandwich? – The recipe above is a Harlem style sandwich, with the original simple cheese burger ingredients. It became popular due to the low price and availability in the Bodegas. The Harlem style uses American cheese which is not only inexpensive but due to the calcium citrate in it, yields a gooey, cheesy affect to the ground beef which gives it a signature texture. Other burroughs in New York City have developed their own style and some restaurants are using more expensive ingredients.