Chopped Italian Sandwiches Are Having a Moment — Here’s How to Make One

by KALEA MARTÍN

If you’ve ever visited a New York City bodega or deli, chances are you’ve had a chopped cheese before, or at least heard of one. This popular sandwich gets its name from the way the beef, onions, and cheese are all “chopped” together with a spatula as they cook before the lettuce and tomatoes are added on top.

A chopped Italian sandwich, on the other hand, can be best described as a cross between a chopped cheese and an Italian grinder. It isn’t a bodega staple, however the recipe is currently making rounds.

INGREDIENTS

Hoagie roll or bread of your choice
Half a head of iceberg lettuce
4 slices ham
4 slices salami
1/4 cup pepperoni
1/4 red onion
1 tomato
1/4 cup banana peppers
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tablespoon mayo
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon tablespoon Italian dressing
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 slices provolone cheese

DIRECTIONS

Slice the tomato and onion, as well as the lettuce, if not using the pre-shredded kind.
On a large chopping board, layer the lettuce, cold cuts, onion, tomato, and banana peppers.
Roughly chop ingredients, then sprinkle on some salt and pepper.
Drizzle on the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian dressing, and Italian seasoning, then add the cheese.
Chop once more until the ingredients are properly combined.
Place the filling in a hoagie or between two slices of bread, and enjoy!