National Cheeseburger Day

Every year on September 18, National Cheeseburger Day gives a joyful salute to the melty, savory classic that turns a regular burger into a small celebration with a slice of cheese on top.

History of National Cheeseburger Day

Like many modern food observances, National Cheeseburger Day grew through popular calendars, restaurants, and community buzz rather than a single official proclamation, with September 18 becoming the widely shared date across guides and listings. The spirit of the day is simple—celebrate an American favorite and the comfort of a perfectly built cheeseburger.

The sandwich behind the holiday has deeper roots. Most tellings trace cheeseburger beginnings to the 1920s, with competing claims from places like Pasadena, California—where Lionel Sternberger is said to have added cheese to a hamburger—alongside other early menus and trademarks that spread the idea nationwide. However you slice it, the cheeseburger quickly became a staple, and celebrating it each September feels almost inevitable.

Why is National Cheeseburger Day important?

Food memories stick around, and a cheeseburger is an easy shortcut to that feeling of shared comfort—picnics on a back porch, a quick diner stop on a road trip, or a weeknight dinner that just works. Taking a day to notice a simple pleasure is a nice counterbalance to the rest of life’s deadlines, and that’s part of why this holiday lands with people.

It also reminds us how flexible “classic” can be. Maybe your cheeseburger is a smash patty with American cheese, or possibly it’s a backyard version with cheddar and grilled onions. You can swap the bun, tweak the sauce, go veggie, stack it tall or keep it modest—the point is bringing people to the same table and letting the details reflect who you are.

• It turns a familiar meal into a tiny tradition.
• It’s easy to customize for different tastes.
• It invites friends to gather without fuss.
• It proves small joys deserve a moment.
• It honors a piece of American food culture.

How to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day

Keep it low effort and tasty. If you’re cooking at home, make two thin patties so they sear fast, melt the cheese right on the hot pan, and toast the bun for that diner-style snap. One special touch—a swipe of mustard under the patty, griddled onions, or a pickle-y relish—makes the whole thing feel “house-made” without turning dinner into a project.

If you’re heading out, turn it into a friendly taste test. Split a classic cheeseburger at your neighborhood spot and try a second version with a twist somewhere new. Share a few bites, trade notes, and snap a photo for the group chat; half the fun is comparing what “perfect” means to different people.

• Try a smash-style patty and melt the cheese thoroughly.
• Toast the buns and call it your house rule.
• Add one playful topping and keep the rest simple.
• Share a cheeseburger with a friend and compare favorites.
• Write down your winning combo so you can repeat it.

National Cheeseburger Day Dates Table