National Cheeseburger Day - September 18, 2024

September 18, 2024, is National Cheeseburger Day, celebrating one of America's favorite dishes. On this day, restaurants and cafes offer deals and special promotions for this delicious treat. It's a great opportunity to visit your favorite spot or try a new cheeseburger recipe.

One of the most popular stories about how the cheeseburger was invented is that it was created by 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger in 1926. He was working at his dad’s sandwich shop called The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California. One day, Lionel decided to try something new and put a slice of cheese on a hamburger. Although some other places may also claim to have invented it, this story has become well-known, and many food historians believe that Sternberger created this classic American dish.

While Lionel Sternberger is often credited with creating the cheeseburger, there’s another story that competes with his claim. The Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado, trademarked the word "cheeseburger" in 1935. Even though Sternberger might have been the first to put cheese on a hamburger, the Drive-In’s trademark is sometimes seen as the official recognition of the cheeseburger as we know it.

Since today there are already many different cheeseburger recipes, it is still worth paying attention to the classic one first of all. Grab a beef patty and a slice of melted American or cheddar cheese. Then add some lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Place everything between two soft buns and voilà! "Simple makes perfect", right?

There are delicious plant-based cheeseburgers for vegans and vegetarians. Vegan nut or coconut cheeses can melt just like real cheese. Pair this with a plant-based patty like the Beyond Burger or the Impossible Burger and you've got yourself a delicious alternative.

The state of Minnesota became the world record for the LARGEST CHEESEBURGER. In 2012, the Black Bear Resort near Carlton served a cheeseburger that weighed 2,014 pounds and was 10 feet in diameter.

Some can cost much more than a great steak. In New York, at Serendipity 3, you can get The Zillion Dollar Lobster Burger for $2,000, which includes black truffles, cheddar cheese, fried quail egg, caviar, and more on a golden flake bun.

Then there's The Gold Label Burger, served at The Grill on the Alley in Los Angeles. This cheeseburger costs $1,000 and includes Kobe beef, foie gras, black truffles, cheddar cheese, and golden flakes.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise" - a song written by Jimmy Buffett after a long stay at sea on his first boat. The food supply was running low, and night after night Jimmy continued to dream of a cheeseburger. He eventually found himself at a marina on the island of Tortola, where he was able to purchase it from a local bar. Today, Jimmy serves great burgers at his Margaritaville restaurant right on Broadway at the beach.

National Cheeseburger Day is the great opportunity for burger fans to unite in cheesy celebration. Why not fire up the grill and make your homemade masterpiece? Or, if cooking isn't your thing, head to your favorite local burger spot. Many restaurants offer special deals on this day, so you might catch a discount for your meal!