Patrick Oconnell
The cheeseburger is a classic American sandwich, but who invented it is a mystery. Many food historians credit 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger, who in 1924 decided to put a slice of American cheese on a cooking hamburger at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, the Rite Spot. However, there are several competing claims as to who created the first cheeseburger. Adding cheese to hamburgers became popular in the 1920s, and by the 1930s, the cheeseburger was a staple of hamburger joints and diners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Processed cheese, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, pepper jack, American |
| Year invented | 1920s, possibly 1924 |
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What You'll Learn
- The first cheeseburger was made in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger, who added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger
- Adding cheese to hamburgers became popular in the 1920s
- In fast-food restaurants, processed cheese is usually used
- Other meltable cheeses are also used, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack
- The cheeseburger is considered to be an all-American sandwich
The first cheeseburger was made in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger, who added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger
Adding cheese to hamburgers became popular in the 1920s, and it is widely believed that the first cheeseburger was made in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger, who added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger. Sternberger was just 16 years old when he made the cheeseburger at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, the Rite Spot. Sternberger and his father liked the new creation, and thus the cheeseburger was born.
Although the cheeseburger is widely believed to have been invented by Sternberger, it is impossible to know for sure who created America's first cheeseburger. There are several competing claims as to who invented it. For example, some sources suggest that the first cheeseburger was invented in the 1930s, possibly not coincidentally the same time that the fried and smashed patty style of burger was invented.
In fast food restaurants across the United States, processed cheese is usually used, although other meltable cheeses are also used, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack. Virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offer cheeseburgers.
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Adding cheese to hamburgers became popular in the 1920s
In fast-food restaurants across the United States, processed cheese is usually used, although other meltable cheeses are also popular, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack. Virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offer cheeseburgers.
The hamburger remains one of the cheapest forms of beef in America, and the vast grasslands of the Great Plains, opened up for cattle ranching in the late 19th century, made it possible for many Americans to consume beef almost daily.
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In fast-food restaurants, processed cheese is usually used
The cheeseburger remains one of the most popular dishes in America, with virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offering cheeseburgers. While it is impossible to know for sure who created the first cheeseburger, it is clear that the dish has become an iconic part of American cuisine and culture.
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Other meltable cheeses are also used, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack
While the first cheeseburger was likely made with American cheese, other meltable cheeses are also used, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack. In fact, virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offer cheeseburgers with these cheese options.
American cheese is processed cheese, which is the most common type of cheese used in cheeseburgers in fast-food restaurants across the United States. However, other meltable cheeses are also popular options for cheeseburgers.
Cheddar cheese, for example, is a popular choice for cheeseburgers as it has a strong, sharp flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the burger. Swiss cheese is another option, known for its mild, nutty flavour and its ability to melt smoothly. Mozzarella cheese is also used in cheeseburgers, as its stretchy, stringy texture when melted can be appealing to some.
Blue cheese is a less common, but still popular, choice for cheeseburgers. It has a strong, pungent flavour that can be polarising, but those who enjoy it often love the way it pairs with the other ingredients in a burger. Finally, pepper jack cheese is a spicy option that can add a kick to a cheeseburger.
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The cheeseburger is considered to be an all-American sandwich
In fast food restaurants across the United States, processed cheese is usually used, although other meltable cheeses are also popular, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack. Virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offer cheeseburgers.
The cheeseburger is often served with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, raw onions, and condiments such as mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. It is typically cooked well-done, with the patty fried and smashed.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese.
There are several competing claims as to who invented the cheeseburger. Many food historians credit 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger, who in 1924 decided to slap a slice of American cheese onto a cooking hamburger at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, the Rite Spot.
A cheeseburger is a hamburger with one or more slices of melted cheese on top of the meat patty, added near the end of the cooking time.
In fast food restaurants across the United States, processed cheese is usually used, although other meltable cheeses are also used, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or pepper jack.
