Delicious Vegan Chopped Cheese Sandwich: Your Plant-Based Guide to an Iconic NYC Staple
The chopped cheese sandwich is a quintessential New York City classic, a beloved street food that captures the vibrant spirit of the city. While traditionally made with ground beef, this incredible vegan chopped cheese recipe reimagines the legend, starting with savory plant-based ground “beef,” expertly smothered with perfectly melted vegan cheddar, and finished with all your favorite burger toppings. It’s an easy, satisfying, and utterly delicious plant-based dinner idea perfect for any night of the week!
When you think of iconic American sandwiches, the Philly cheesesteak often comes to mind, a regional delicacy now celebrated nationwide. But venture into the bustling streets of New York City, and you’ll discover another sandwich sensation that’s just beginning to capture broader attention: the chopped cheese. This humble yet irresistible creation is a true NYC staple, a culinary treasure often found in the city’s countless bodegas and delis. And if you ask us, its rising popularity beyond the five boroughs is entirely deserved, especially when it can be made so deliciously plant-based!
What Exactly Is a Chopped Cheese?
At its heart, a chopped cheese is a beloved New York City favorite featuring griddle-cooked ground beef, typically mixed with sautéed onions and generously melted American cheese, all served on a soft hoagie roll. Its flavor profile and core ingredients bear a strong resemblance to a classic cheeseburger. However, the crucial distinctions lie in its unique preparation and presentation: the meat is “chopped” and loose, rather than formed into a patty, and it’s nestled in an oblong hoagie roll instead of a round burger bun. This method allows the melted cheese to thoroughly coat every savory morsel of meat, creating an incredibly satisfying, gooey texture that’s distinctly chopped cheese.
The exact origins of the chopped cheese are a topic of friendly debate among New Yorkers, with many pointing to the Blue Sky Deli in Harlem as its birthplace. Regardless of its precise beginning, this delightful sandwich has transcended its potential modest roots to become a ubiquitous offering in bodegas and delis across the entire city. It represents a piece of New York’s everyday culinary culture, an accessible and hearty meal that embodies the city’s diverse and dynamic food scene. Now, with this vegan version, you can bring that authentic NYC bodega experience right into your own kitchen, without compromising on flavor or texture.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Vegan Chopped Cheese Recipe
This vegan chopped cheese isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a game-changer for plant-based eaters and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a firm favorite in your kitchen:
- Incredibly Quick and Easy to Prepare. Don’t let the “classic” status intimidate you! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal fuss and effort. The plant-based ground “beef” cooks up much faster than traditional beef patties, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Utterly Delicious and Satisfying. If you’re a fan of the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger, then you are guaranteed to fall in love with the chopped cheese. This vegan rendition captures all that familiar comfort, combining juicy, seasoned plant-based meat with gooey melted cheese and fresh toppings, all nestled in a soft bun. It’s truly comfort food at its finest.
- A Fantastic Vegan Alternative. While the vegan food scene in NYC has exploded with fantastic plant-based bodega options, those outside the city often don’t have such convenient access. This recipe empowers you to recreate that authentic experience at home, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or dietary choices, can enjoy this iconic sandwich in a compassionate and delicious way.
- Health-Conscious Comfort Food. Opting for a plant-based version often means a meal with less saturated fat and cholesterol, and more fiber, making it a smarter choice without sacrificing any of the indulgent satisfaction. You get all the flavor and none of the guilt!
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Chopped Cheese
Crafting the perfect vegan chopped cheese relies on a few key components. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes to ensure your sandwich is a resounding success.
For precise ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions, please scroll down to the full recipe card below.
- Hoagie Buns (or Sub Rolls): These long, soft rolls are fundamental to the chopped cheese experience, offering the perfect vessel for the generous filling. If hoagie buns are unavailable, you can absolutely use sub rolls or even large hot dog buns as a convenient alternative. The goal is a soft, slightly chewy bread that can hold up to the hearty ingredients.
- Vegan Butter: Essential for sautéing the onions and adding a rich, savory depth. You can use your favorite store-bought vegan butter brand or even try making your own homemade vegan butter for an extra personal touch.
- Ketchup: A classic burger condiment, it adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory “meat” and cheese.
- Vegan Mayonnaise: Just like ketchup, vegan mayo is a must for that creamy, slightly tangy base on the bun. It also acts as a crucial binder, helping to prevent your delicious filling from spilling out. Feel free to buy your preferred brand or whip up your own batch of vegan mayonnaise.
- Vegan Cheddar Cheese Slices: This is where the magic happens! The key is to select a vegan cheese that melts beautifully to achieve that iconic gooey, melty texture. Brands like Violife (which we used here), Chao, or Follow Your Heart slices are known for their excellent meltability. Slices work best for covering the chopped “meat” evenly.
- Onion: A small onion, thinly sliced, will be sautéed to sweet perfection, adding a foundational layer of flavor and aroma to your chopped cheese filling. Yellow or white onions work wonderfully here.
- Vegan Ground Beef: The star of our plant-based show! We recommend using a high-quality, realistic vegan ground “beef” product such as Beyond Meat (our choice for this recipe) or Impossible Foods. These brands mimic the texture and savory flavor of traditional ground beef remarkably well, making them ideal for this dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of your plant-based “meat” mixture. Adjust to your taste!
- Chopped Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crispness and a pop of color to the sandwich. To save on prep time, you can often find bags of pre-chopped lettuce at your grocery store, or simply grab some from the salad bar.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomato slices provide a burst of juicy acidity and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cheese and “meat.”
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Vegan Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Creating this delicious vegan chopped cheese sandwich is much simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bring this New York icon to life in your own kitchen:
- Prepare the Buns: Begin by slicing your hoagie buns in half lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through; you want them to remain hinged. Lightly toast the buns, either in a toaster oven or, for best results, briefly in a dry skillet. Once lightly warmed, spread approximately one tablespoon of ketchup evenly on one half of each bun and one tablespoon of vegan mayonnaise on the other half. This creates the essential flavor base and helps keep the filling in place.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the onion to soften and become slightly translucent, developing a sweet caramelization that adds depth to the sandwich. Once softened, transfer the cooked onion to a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Vegan Ground Beef: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the vegan ground beef. Cook it according to the package directions, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. The plant-based “meat” typically cooks faster than traditional ground beef, so keep an eye on it.
- Combine and Chop: Once the vegan ground beef is cooked through, return the sautéed onion to the skillet. Stir it in thoroughly with the beef. Using your wooden spoon or a spatula, continuously chop and break up any remaining clumps of “meat” and onion mixture into smaller, finer pieces directly in the pan. This “chopping” action is key to achieving the classic texture of the sandwich. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
- Melt the Cheese to Perfection: Lay the vegan cheddar cheese slices directly on top of the chopped “beef” and onion mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid, then immediately turn off the heat. Allow the residual heat and steam to work their magic for a few minutes. This creates a beautifully gooey, melted cheese layer that perfectly coats the “meat” mixture.
- Assemble Your Masterpiece: Carefully divide the cheesy “meat” mixture into four equal portions. Place one portion onto the mayonnaise-covered half of each prepared hoagie bun. On the other half of the bun, layer a generous amount of chopped lettuce and fresh tomato slices. Finally, press the two halves of the bun together to create your ultimate vegan chopped cheese sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy every savory bite!
Expert Tips for Chopped Cheese Perfection
Achieving the perfect vegan chopped cheese is simple with these additional hints and tips that will elevate your sandwich game:
- Toast Your Buns in the Skillet for Ideal Texture: While a toaster oven is convenient, for chopped cheese buns, you want the exterior to be lightly crisp while the interior remains soft and pliable. Toasting both sides too much can make them stiff and hard to eat. The best approach is to lightly toast the cut sides of the buns directly in a dry skillet before you begin cooking the filling. This achieves that perfect soft-but-toasted balance.
- Don’t Skip the Vegan Mayo: Beyond adding a creamy, tangy flavor, the vegan mayonnaise on the bun serves a crucial functional purpose. It creates a subtle barrier and provides lubrication, which significantly helps in keeping the delicious, loose chopped cheese filling from sliding out of the bun with every bite.
- Choose a Vegan Cheese that Melts Well: This is paramount for the authentic chopped cheese experience. Not all vegan cheeses are created equal when it comes to meltability. Opt for brands specifically known for their excellent melting properties, such as Violife, Chao, or Follow Your Heart. These will give you that irresistible, gooey, thoroughly integrated cheese layer that defines the sandwich.
- Master the “Chop”: The name says it all! As you cook the vegan ground beef, continuously break it down into very small pieces using a wooden spoon or a spatula. The finer the chop, the better the texture and the more evenly the cheese will distribute, creating that characteristic cohesive filling.
- Season Generously: Plant-based meats often benefit from a bit more seasoning. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to boost the savory notes.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Chopped Cheese
Just like a traditional burger, the beauty of a chopped cheese sandwich lies in its versatility. There are endless ways to personalize this recipe and make it truly your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat with a generous dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the “meat” filling, or top your sandwich with sliced pickled jalapeños for a tangy crunch and a spicy punch. A drizzle of sriracha mayo also works wonders!
- Boost the Veggies: For an extra dose of nutrients and flavor, sauté some thinly sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach along with the onions. This adds texture and expands the nutritional profile of your sandwich.
- Classic Burger Toppings: Elevate your chopped cheese with other beloved burger toppings. Think tangy dill pickles, sweet relish, a dollop of mustard, or even some caramelized onions (beyond the initial sautéed ones) for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Alternative Plant-Based Proteins: If you’re looking for a less-processed version or just want to try something different, swap the vegan ground “beef” with crumbled tempeh, seasoned lentils, or a homemade black bean crumble. Ensure they are well-seasoned and finely crumbled to mimic the classic texture.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of vegan cheese slices! Vegan provolone, smoked gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can offer unique flavor profiles and excellent melts.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
A hearty vegan chopped cheese sandwich is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Serve them warm and fresh for the best experience!
- Crispy Sides: The most natural companions are a generous side of potato chips or a pile of golden, crispy fries.
- Homemade Air Fryer Favorites: If you’re feeling a bit ambitious and want to make your own, try our recipes for Air Fryer Veggie Chips, perfectly seasoned Sweet Potato Fries, or super slender and addictive Air Fryer Shoestring Fries.
- Fresh Salad: For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
How to Store Leftovers
While best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely save any leftover chopped cheese filling for future meals. Simply transfer the cooled filling to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently warm the filling in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, then assemble fresh sandwiches with new buns and toppings.
Can Chopped Cheese Filling Be Frozen?
Yes, the chopped cheese filling freezes wonderfully! Allow the cooked and cooled filling to freeze in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it using the same instructions as for refrigerated leftovers (microwave or skillet), then assemble your sandwiches fresh.
More Incredible Vegan Sandwich Ideas to Explore
If you’re a fan of delicious plant-based sandwiches, you’ll love these other creative and satisfying recipes:
- The Ultimate Vegan BLT Sandwich
- Fresh Caprese Sandwich with Homemade Parsley Pesto
- Savory Vegan Pulled Mushroom Sandwiches
- Easy Smashed Chickpea Avocado Sandwich for Lunch Prep
- Hearty Vegan Quinoa Cauliflower Burgers
Enjoy this fantastic vegan chopped cheese sandwich, friends! It’s a taste of New York City’s vibrant food culture, made accessible and delicious for everyone. If you whip up this recipe, please share your creations! Snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. We’d also be thrilled if you would take a moment to leave a comment below and give the recipe a star rating! Your feedback helps us and other home cooks. Thanks so much for being here!
Chopped Cheese Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 4 hoagie buns
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, 30g
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 4 slices vegan cheddar cheese, sliced in half (used violife)
- 1 small onion, sliced, (4 oz/115g)
- 0.8 pound vegan ground beef, used beyond meat (350 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped lettuce, 75g
- 2 tomatoes, sliced (250g)
Instructions
- Cut the buns in half and toast lightly. Spread 1 tablespoon of ketchup on one half and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the other.
- Melt butter in a pan, add sliced onion and cook on medium, stirring a few times. Onion should get soft and caramelize slightly, this will take about 3 minutes. Remove it from the pan.
- In the same pan cook vegan beef according to the time stated on the package.
- When ready add onion back to the pan and break the beef with a spoon into small pieces. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Add sliced cheese on top, cover with a lid, turn off the heat and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- To assemble, place 1⁄4 of the meat and cheese on top of each bun half covered with mayonnaise.
- On the other half place chopped lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
- Combine two parts together and enjoy!
Notes
To freeze: Chopped cheese filling can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the instructions above.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.