Steamed cheeseburger and home fries @ Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, CT
STEAMED cheeseburger?! Yes indeedy! The steamed cheeseburger is a regional thing in central Connecticut. Invented in the 1900s, the steamed burger came to be because there was a huge health craze - everybody wanted everything steamed. So why not a burger… and the cheese! The burger and the cheese are placed into little metal trays, which then sit in the steamer. Once ready, add the toppings and walah, steamed cheeseburger to your liking! I’m guessing the steaming craze didn’t stick around since you don’t find steamed burgers often outside of Connecticut.
So what does it taste like? The burger patty tastes like cooked ground meat, but it’s still juicy and tender. The steamed cheese is the true winner though. Melted, flavorful goodness. I now wish every cheeseburger was made with steamed cheese!