When is National Cheeseburger Day?

For those who love cheeseburgers, the end of September is a highly anticipated time of the year. While National Cheeseburger Day may not be a well-known holiday to most of the nation, it’s certainly one burger lovers have come to enjoy due to the many burger freebies available from a variety of popular restaurants.

There are several theories about the origins of the cheeseburger. One story claims that the cheeseburger was created between 1924 and 1926 by a chef named Lionel Sternberger. As the story goes, a customer dining at Sternberger’s restaurant in Pasadena, California, suggested the addition of a slice of cheese to his hamburger order. Sternberger agreed, and eventually added it to his menu.

National Cheeseburger Day is always celebrated on September 18th.

Whatever its date, the cheeseburger has gained its place at the American table. Cooks across the country have jumped on the wagon, coming up with ideas like Kobe, lobster and brie burgers, or burgers laden with lamb, Swiss cheese foam and Coca-Cola ketchup.

The ingredients used to create cheeseburgers are similar within regions of the country. Popular regional toppings include bacon, avocado or guacamole, mushrooms or onions, cheese sauce and/or chili. Less common ingredients include feta cheese, salsa, jalapeños and other kinds of chili peppers, anchovies, slices of ham, mustard or bologna, horseradish or sauerkraut. Popular sides with burgers include french fries, onion rings, potato chips, pineapple or salad.

A cheeseburger may have more than one hamburger patty and more than one slice of cheese. A stack of two patties is called a double cheeseburger; a triple cheeseburger has three, and a quadruple has four patties. Some cheeseburgers are made with the cheese enclosed within the ground meat, rather than on top of it.

When cheese is added to a burger the nutritional value of the burger can be changed substantially. For example, a slice of Cheddar cheese can add 113 calories and 4.5 grams of saturated fat to a burger. Other types and amounts of cheese would have varying effects, depending on their nutritional content.
Of course, the real joy of National Cheeseburger Day is the freebies. Most of the major burger franchises are offering discounts as well as many regional chains. Here are some deals our editors located.

Burger King – Free Whopper with the purchase of a Whopper when you download the new BK App. Offer available until October 31

White Castle – Enjoy $2 off any 20 Sliders with this coupon

Ruby Tuesday – Pick up a free burger with a $10 dollar purchase of an adult entrée.

Alexa Mason

Alexa Mason is a freelance writer and internet entrepreneur. She is also a parent to two beautiful little girls. She chronicles her journey as a single mom working on building financial security.