Frederic Melton
The cheeseburger is a beloved staple of American cuisine, with many passionate about the different ways it can be cooked and topped. While the origins of the hamburger are disputed, the cheeseburger is credited to 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger, who, in 1924, introduced a slab of cheese to a cooking hamburger at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, The Rite Spot. Since then, cheeseburgers have become a menu mainstay, with virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers offering cheeseburgers, too. While some opt for the classic cheeseburger with a single patty, others choose to double, triple, or even quadruple the meat and cheese. Sides are also a key component of the cheeseburger experience, with french fries, onion rings, potato salad, and slaw being traditional accompaniments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor of the cheeseburger | Lionel Sternberger |
| Year of invention | 1924 |
| Location of invention | Pasadena, California |
| Shop name | The Rite Spot |
| Type of cheese used | American |
| Current serving locations | Checkers & Rally's |
| Related foods | Bacon cheeseburger, steamed cheeseburger, Juicy Lucy, Luther Burger |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The first cheeseburger was served in Pasadena, California, in 1924
- Common sides include French fries, onion rings, potato salad, and slaw
- Diners that serve smashed burgers usually offer milkshakes
- The steamed cheeseburger is believed to have been invented in Middletown, Connecticut, in the 1930s
- McDonald's serves a cheeseburger with a tangy pickle, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and melty American cheese
The first cheeseburger was served in Pasadena, California, in 1924
The cheeseburger is an iconic food item, with virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offering cheeseburgers. While the hamburger itself has a long history, with various origin stories dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the addition of cheese to the hamburger has a more recent and specific origin.
There are a couple of stories about how Lionel came to introduce cheese to the hamburger. One story suggests that he "experimentally dropped a slab of American cheese on a sizzling hamburger." Another version holds that Lionel, a big eater, simply decided one day that he "wanted a hamburger with cheese on it." Either way, the result was the ""Aristocratic Burger: the Original Hamburger with Cheese," also known as the "Aristocratic Hamburger." This innovative dish cost a mere $0.15.
While the cheeseburger was born in Pasadena, it quickly spread across the nation. By the 1930s, cheese and other toppings had become well-established as burger add-ons. For instance, a 1928 menu for the Los Angeles restaurant O'Dell's listed a cheeseburger smothered with chilli for 25 cents. Other restaurants also claim to have invented the cheeseburger, including Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado, which was awarded a trademark for the name "cheeseburger" in 1935.
Foie Gras and Cheese: A Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Common sides include French fries, onion rings, potato salad, and slaw
While a fried cheese cheeseburger is a delightful treat on its own, it is often accompanied by a variety of classic sides that enhance the overall dining experience. Common sides include French fries, onion rings, potato salad, and slaw, each offering a unique taste and texture to complement the juicy cheeseburger.
French fries, or "chips" as they are known in some parts of the world, are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with cheeseburgers. These thin, crispy slices of fried potatoes are often served hot and can be seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices to add a savory kick to your meal.
Onion rings are another popular choice, offering a delicious combination of crispy batter and sweet, juicy onion. These rings are typically made from sliced onions dipped in a batter and then deep-fried to golden perfection. They provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle sweetness that contrasts the savory notes of the cheeseburger.
Potato salad, a beloved side dish in many cultures, also makes an excellent companion to fried cheese cheeseburgers. This dish showcases the versatility of potatoes by combining boiled potato chunks with a variety of ingredients such as mayonnaise, mustard, herbs, and vegetables to create a creamy, flavorful salad.
Lastly, slaw, short for coleslaw, is a classic American side dish that pairs beautifully with cheeseburgers. This refreshing side consists of shredded raw cabbage mixed with a creamy dressing, often mayonnaise-based, and sometimes includes other vegetables like carrots or onions. The crisp texture and tangy flavor of slaw provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried cheese cheeseburger.
These sides not only satisfy cravings for something salty, crispy, or creamy, but they also add variety to the meal, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience that delights the senses and satisfies even the heartiest of appetites.
The Perfect Time to Serve a Cheese Plate
You may want to see also
Diners that serve smashed burgers usually offer milkshakes
Smashed burgers are a unique take on the traditional griddled burger. By placing a ball of meat on a hot, unoiled griddle and firmly flattening it into a thin patty, the surface area in contact with the pan is maximised, resulting in a rich, brown crust that delivers maximum flavour. Diners that specialise in these smashed burgers, such as the popular chain Smashburger, often offer a range of milkshakes to accompany their burgers.
Smashburger, for instance, provides a variety of hand-spun shakes in flavours like Oreo, chocolate, and strawberry. These milkshakes complement the juicy, caramelised flavour of their signature smashed burgers, creating a classic diner experience.
While the specific origins of the smashed burger technique are unclear, it has gained popularity, with some attributing its success to the increased crust and flavour it offers. This cooking method creates a unique texture and taste that sets it apart from traditional griddled burgers, attracting diners who crave a crispier, more indulgent burger experience.
Milkshakes have long been a staple offering at diners and burger joints, providing a creamy, sweet counterpart to the savoury flavours of burgers. The combination of a juicy burger and a thick, cold milkshake is a classic pairing that has endured in the world of casual dining.
By offering milkshakes alongside their smashed burgers, these diners cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, providing a well-rounded menu that appeals to those seeking a traditional yet indulgent dining experience.
Cheese and Pepper Jelly: A Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$3.19 $4.03
The steamed cheeseburger is believed to have been invented in Middletown, Connecticut, in the 1930s
The steamed cheeseburger is believed to have originated in Middletown, Connecticut, in the 1930s. Middletown is in the central region of Connecticut, and the steamed cheeseburger is almost exclusively served in this area. The steamed cheeseburger is believed to have been invented at a restaurant called Jack's Lunch, located at 434 Main Street, Middletown, and operated by Jack Fitzgerald for 44 years.
The steamed cheeseburger is cooked by steaming rather than frying or grilling. This method of cooking was popularised in the 1920s as a healthier alternative to frying, as steamed food was considered easier to digest. At Jack's Lunch, the cheeseburgers were "cooked in a tall copper box filled with simmering water for 18 tin trays of square ground-beef patties." Cheddar cheese was offered as an option for an additional 5 cents.
Today, Ted's Restaurant in Meriden is the most famous eatery that serves steamed cheeseburgers. However, they can also be found in the neighbouring towns of Wallingford, Middletown, Portland, Cromwell, East Hampton, and North Haven. The steamed cheeseburger is considered a unique and original dish of Connecticut, setting it apart from the cultures of New York and New England.
The cheeseburger, in general, has a disputed history, with several people and restaurants claiming to have invented it. The concept of adding cheese to hamburgers became popular in the 1920s, and in 1924, Lionel Sternberger, working as a fry cook at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, "The Rite Spot", is reputed to have introduced the cheeseburger. He "experimentally dropped a slab of American cheese on a sizzling hamburger", and the dish was called the "Aristocratic Burger: the Original Hamburger with Cheese."
Cheese and Wine Pairing: The Perfect Reception Menu
You may want to see also
McDonald's serves a cheeseburger with a tangy pickle, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and melty American cheese
McDonald's cheeseburger showcases the timeless appeal of this iconic dish. The cheeseburger has endured as a staple in American cuisine, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. The addition of cheese to hamburgers gained popularity in the 1920s, and various restaurants claim to have invented the cheeseburger during this decade.
The story of McDonald's cheeseburger is intertwined with the broader history of the dish. While the specific details of its creation may be unclear, the impact of this humble yet mouthwatering creation is undeniable. It has become a symbol of American culture, enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
McDonald's iteration stays true to the essence of the cheeseburger. The tangy pickle adds a crisp, sour note, while the chopped onions bring a sharp, pungent edge to the overall flavour profile. The ketchup lends a sweet and tangy touch, while the mustard provides an earthy, spicy kick.
However, it is the melty American cheese that truly unifies these diverse ingredients. Its creamy texture and salty flavour create a harmonious blend, making the McDonald's cheeseburger a delightful indulgence for cheese lovers and burger enthusiasts alike. This cheeseburger stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of this classic combination.
Cheese Souffle: Serving Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several competing claims as to who invented the first cheeseburger. Many food historians credit 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger, who in 1924 decided to place a slice of American cheese on a cooking hamburger at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, The Rite Spot.
Traditional sides include french fries, onion rings, potato salad, and slaw. If you're eating at a diner, you might also want to order a milkshake.
A "Juicy Lucy" or "Jucy Lucy" is a hamburger that has cheese inside the meat patty rather than on top. A low-carb burger is a hamburger served without a bun and replaced with large slices of lettuce. A ramen burger is a hamburger patty sandwiched between two discs of compressed ramen noodles instead of a traditional bun. A Luther Burger is a bacon cheeseburger with two glazed doughnuts instead of buns. A steamed cheeseburger is a cheeseburger that is steamed instead of grilled.
Virtually all restaurants that sell hamburgers also offer cheeseburgers. Some examples of cheeseburgers served at restaurants include the All American Cheeseburger from Checkers & Rally's, and cheeseburgers from Burger King, McDonald's, and Jack's Lunch in Middletown, Connecticut.
