The chopped cheese sandwich. A symphony of beef, cheese, bread, and fresh toppings. A culinary masterpiece wrapped in a tight, portable package. However, it has one flaw: its calorie count can be a bit of a bomb. How can we maintain the flavor explosion while making it healthier? This guide explores two distinct chopped cheese recipes: one indulgent, one lower-calorie, both packed with flavor. We’ll break down the core components of the chopped cheese, then dive into creating two versions with unique flavor profiles and calorie counts.
The foundation of a classic chopped cheese lies in a few key elements. A sturdy hoagie roll forms the base, usually lubricated with mayonnaise. Seasoned ground beef with onions is the heart of the sandwich, draped with melted American cheese. Finally, fresh shredded lettuce and thinly sliced tomatoes complete the ensemble.
The magic of the chopped cheese lies in its adaptability. Three areas offer opportunities for flavor experimentation: spices for the ground beef, diverse cheeses, and enhanced mayonnaise with spices or sauces. In this exploration, we’ll focus on adding spice and exploring different cheese combinations. Our first creation emphasizes the indulgent side of this iconic sandwich.
Alt: A delicious chopped cheese sandwich with melted provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese, topped with lettuce and tomato.
For this indulgent version, start with a 10-inch hoagie roll, sliced in half. Thinly shaved lettuce maximizes surface area for optimal flavor distribution. Thin, uniform tomato slices, seasoned with salt and fresh cracked black pepper, add a burst of freshness. Thinly sliced onions offer a subtle onion flavor when mixed with the ground beef.
The secret sauce? A blend of mayonnaise, Calabrian chilies in oil, and vinegar, creating a vibrant and spicy spread. This Calabrian chili mayo is so good, you’ll want to keep a batch in your fridge for all your sandwich needs! Cook 200 grams of 73/27 ground beef with salt (and optionally, MSG) over medium heat. Let the fat render, creating a flavorful base for the sandwich.
Add the sliced onions, allowing them to fry in the rendered fat for enhanced flavor and aroma. Once the beef is cooked, shape it into a roll and top with a mixture of sharp provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese. Slather the hoagie roll with the Calabrian chili mayo, then press it onto the cheesy beef, allowing the bun to steam and crisp. Finally, top with the shredded lettuce, an extra dollop of Calabrian chili mayo, and the seasoned tomatoes. Wrap tightly in foil to compress the sandwich, creating the authentic bodega experience.
This indulgent chopped cheese weighs in at approximately one pound, with a calorie count of 1265. Now, let’s explore a lighter, equally delicious alternative.
How do we lower the calorie count without sacrificing flavor and texture? There are many approaches, from portion control to carb reduction. However, we aim to maintain the original sandwich experience. Therefore, we’ll keep the same hoagie roll, lettuce, and tomatoes. This means focusing on the beef, cheese, and sauce.
For this lower-calorie version, we’ll use leaner ground beef (90/10), reducing the calories significantly. However, lean beef can be dry. To compensate, we’ll add pickled jalapeños and extra onions for moisture and a spicy kick.
Alt: A lower-calorie chopped cheese sandwich with lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, and a white sauce made with mayonnaise and low-fat sour cream.
The cheese selection shifts to low-fat American and shredded cheddar, lowering the calorie count further. A lighter white sauce, made with mayonnaise and low-fat sour cream, flavored with adobo seasoning and lime juice, replaces the Calabrian chili mayo.
Cook the lean ground beef with adobo seasoning, adding extra onions for volume and moisture. Incorporate chopped pickled jalapeños before melting the cheddar and low-fat American cheese. Assemble the sandwich as before, using the white sauce instead of the Calabrian chili mayo.
This lower-calorie chopped cheese weighs in at roughly the same size as the indulgent version, but with a significantly reduced calorie count of 831. Both versions offer delicious flavor profiles, demonstrating that a healthier chopped cheese can still be a culinary delight.
