Chopped Cheese Heroes with Jalapeños
The chopped cheese sandwich started as a New York City bodega staple, built on the griddle for busy folks on the go. Its reputation has spread far beyond the boroughs, becoming a symbol of bold, no-nonsense flavor. At its heart, chopped cheese is about taking humble ingredients and transforming them into something unforgettable: juicy ground beef, griddled vegetables, melted American cheese, and a toasted hero roll stacked with fresh toppings. Our version leans into the sizzle of the griddle, where sweet onions and fiery jalapeños get folded right into the beef before being hit with the bold seasoning of Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub. The aroma alone will have you leaning over the griddle waiting for the cheese to melt into every chopped bite. Once it’s wrapped tight in parchment and paired with a pile of fries, you’ve got a sandwich that feels every bit as classic as it does new. This is street food flavor with backyard soul, and it’s ready to claim a spot in your weeknight rotation.
Chopped Cheese on a Hero Roll with Jalapeños
4
10 minutes
20 minutes
810
American
Main Dish
What makes chopped cheese such a standout is the way it marries simplicity with big, layered flavor. It starts with the sear of a burger patty, which gets chopped into tender, juicy crumbles that soak up the sweetness of onions and the kick of jalapeños. Seasoning the beef with Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub adds depth with pepper, garlic, and smoky notes that cut through the richness of the cheese. American cheese isn’t just an option here; it’s the glue that binds everything together into a gooey, melty whole. The toasted hero roll is more than a vessel, it’s the backbone that gives the sandwich crunch and structure. Mayonnaise and ketchup balance richness with tang, while shredded iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes bring a crisp, refreshing bite that keeps the sandwich from feeling heavy. Wrapping the whole thing in parchment compresses the flavors and textures together, making every bite as satisfying as the last. This is more than a sandwich; it’s a tribute to griddle culture and bold, craveable flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chopped Cheese
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 pound 80/20 ground chuck, divided into four 1/4-pound patties
- 2 tablespoons Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub
- 8 slices American cheese
- Neutral oil for the griddle
For Assembly
- 4 hero (sub) rolls, split lengthwise
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Ketchup, to taste
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
Directions
- Heat the Griddle: Preheat your Traeger Flatrock or griddle to medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of neutral oil.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and jalapeño to the griddle. Cook until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Griddle the Burgers: Place the patties on the hot griddle. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the first side is seared, then flip.
- Chop and Season: Immediately chop the patties with a spatula, mixing them with the onions and jalapeños. Season with Texas Beef BBQ Rub and cook until no pink remains, about 3 minutes more.
- Melt the Cheese: Place 2 slices of American cheese over each portion of chopped beef. Let the cheese melt into the meat, about 1 minute.
- Toast the Bread: While the cheese melts, place the rolls cut-side down on the griddle. Toast until golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Heroes: Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on each roll. Add shredded lettuce and diced tomato. Pile the cheesy beef mixture onto the rolls and close.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment paper, slice in half, and serve hot with homemade French fries.
