Steamed Sandwich

The steamed sandwich is a style of meat and cheese sandwich that is steamed and served hot. Nearly any meat and cheese combination is acceptable, but the most popular include roast beef and cheddar, corned beef and smoked cheddar, and turkey with either American or smoked cheddar. Lettuce, tomato, and other traditional garnishes are usually absent from the sandwich, though some delis serve the sandwich with shredded lettuce. Mustard and mayonnaise are likely condiments. One of the most important factors is the fact that the meat is sliced razor thin. This helps ensure that it will absorb the heat better and results in that melt-in-the-mouth effect that these sandwiches are famous for.

The principal difference between the steamed sandwich and other heated sandwiches is the method by which the steamed sandwich is prepared. The meat, cheese and bun are constructed and placed in a food steamer. The steamer itself is a simple aluminum box that houses a reservoir of hot distilled water that, when compressed by a hand operated lever, produces steam, which rises into a cooking chamber wherein the sandwich sits atop a steel plate. A signature sound issues from pumping the steamer's lever.

The Lincoln Fresh-O-Matic is the standard sandwich steamer, although others are used with varying results. The essential feature of the steamed sandwich is its soft, moist bun and melded meat and cheese. It is the steam that turns this otherwise run-of-the-mill sandwich into, what many deli patrons consider, a veritable delight. One might reasonably expect the sandwich to be soggy; however, if prepared properly, the sandwich is not soggy. A soggy steamed sandwich is unacceptable and likely the result of a defective steamer or operator error.

In many sectors of the country the steamed sandwich enjoys little, if no, prominence. It is a mainstay in Knoxville, Tennessee, however, the city most known for this unique sandwich. Knoxville is home to several popular delis specializing in the steamed sandwich, including Gus's Good Times Deli, Vick and Bill's, Colonels', Nixon's, and Sam and Andy's. The steamed sandwich is often associated with late-night fare, particularly at Gus's Good Times Deli, where students of the University of Tennessee gather in droves well into the night and early morning hours for their favorite meat and cheese combination.