New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
This New York chopped cheese sandwich is quick, hearty, and tastes just like the ones from a Bronx bodega. It’s the ultimate comfort food, requiring only one pan and a few pantry staples.

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Sandwiches like the chopped cheese are so popular because they’re flavorful, filling, and come together fast.
In NYC bodegas, they’re made right on the griddle and served hot—a comfort food you’ll want to have again and again.
The good news is, they’re really easy to replicate at home. If you’ve got ground beef, cheese, and a roll, you’re already halfway there.
Thinking of revamping your brunch menu? You have to try a chopped cheese sandwich!
It works whether you’re cooking just for yourself or prepping a big batch for friends or family. Better than anything you’ll find at a drive-thru.
How to Make a New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich at Home
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 slices American cheese
- 1 large onion, diced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls or hero rolls
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Step 1: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the diced onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Season with salt and pepper.


Step 3: Once the beef is browned, continue chopping it with the spatula to create smaller pieces. Then, add the shredded cheese on top of the meat and let it melt, mixing it in thoroughly.

Step 4: While the cheese is melting, slice the hoagie rolls down the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through. Create a hinge. If you like, toast the rolls lightly on a griddle or in the oven until golden.
Step 5: Time to assemble the sandwich. Spoon the chopped beef and cheese mixture generously into each hoagie roll.

Step 6: Top with shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Feel free to add ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise or any of your favorite condiments.
Step 7: Serve the chopped cheese sandwich hot and fresh. Enjoy!

What to Serve with New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
This sandwich is already so delicious on its own, but adding a little something on the side makes it even better. You’ve got plenty of options!
- Crispy fries or potato wedges: You can’t go wrong with a side of hot, golden potatoes. Bake them, fry them, or even toss them in the air fryer—whatever works best for you.
- Iced tea or soda: A glass of iced lemon tea or your favorite soda is the perfect match for a cheesy sandwich.
- Simple green salad: A quick salad with lettuce, cucumber, and vinaigrette can help balance the sandwich’s savory goodness.
- Fruit on the side: Want something sweet? Try apple slices or grapes to freshen up your plate and add a bit of contrast.
Tips About Making a Tasty New York Chopped Cheese at Home
- Toast the rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls adds crunch and helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy. Just a few minutes in the oven or on the griddle will do the trick.
- Warm your condiments slightly: If you’re using mayo, ketchup, or mustard, take them out of the fridge a few minutes early so they’re not ice-cold against the warm sandwich. It helps everything blend better in each bite.
- Pre-chop your veggies: If you’re making this for brunch or feeding a crowd, prep your lettuce and tomato ahead of time. It makes assembly much faster and easier.

How to Store Bodega-Style Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Do you have leftovers? Store the cooked beef and cheese mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave before assembling a fresh sandwich.
For best results, reheat the filling in a skillet to get back that just-cooked texture. You can also microwave it, but stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.
Tools That Make Chopped Cheese Sandwiches Even Better
Stovetop Grill Pan
If you want those toasted, slightly crispy hoagie rolls without firing up a big grill, a stovetop grill pan is perfect. You can also use it to toast the sandwich once it’s assembled for that classic NYC bodega finish.
Burger Chopper
A burger chopper makes things quicker and less messy than using a regular spatula. It’s great for breaking up ground beef as it cooks.
Wax Paper Sandwich Wraps
Want to serve your sandwich like they do in NYC? Grab some wax paper wraps. They’re great for holding everything together while you eat, and they make cleanup easier.
FAQs about Homemade New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
What kind of cheese is good for chopped cheese?
American cheese is the most traditional choice for chopped cheese. It melts easily and adds that creamy, gooey texture that brings everything together.
What kind of bread is used for chopped cheese?
Chopped cheese is typically served on a hero roll or hoagie-style bun. You want something soft on the inside but sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart.

If you’re new to cooking or short on time, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s also customizable, so you can make it your own based on what you have in the fridge or pantry.
If you’re low on beef, you can stretch the filling with chopped mushrooms, peppers, or even some shredded carrots for a bit of texture and color.
You can also play around with spices—try garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, or whatever flavors you enjoy.
Looking for more recipes? These recipes are so easy, you can make them even if you’re a newbie cook:
- Strawberry Banana Toast
- Strawberry Ginger Snap Smoothie
- Black Bean Veggie Burgers
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Fluffy Pancakes

New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
This New York chopped cheese sandwich is quick, hearty, and tastes just like the ones from a Bronx bodega. It’s the ultimate comfort breakfast food, requiring only one pan and a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 slices American cheese
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls or hero rolls
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the diced onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the beef is browned, continue chopping it with the spatula to create smaller pieces. Then, add the shredded cheese on top of the meat and let it melt, mixing it in thoroughly.
- While the cheese is melting, slice the hoagie rolls down the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through—create a hinge. If you like, toast the rolls lightly on a griddle or in the oven until golden.
- Time to assemble the sandwich. Spoon the chopped beef and cheese mixture generously into each hoagie roll.
- Top with shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Feel free to add ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise or any of your favorite condiments.
- Serve the chopped cheese sandwich hot and fresh. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes