National Double Cheeseburger Day

Every year on September 15, National Double Cheeseburger Day gives a joyful nod to the delicious excess of two patties, two slices of cheese, and all the fixings people love to stack high between a bun. It’s the kind of food holiday that invites simple fun and a shared bite with friends.

History of National Double Cheeseburger Day

Like many modern food observances, National Double Cheeseburger Day took shape as a community celebration rather than a proclamation from any single authority, landing on September 15 across popular holiday calendars and foodie sites. The date stuck because it’s easy to remember and sits close to other burger-themed moments on the calendar, making a tidy spot for burger lovers to celebrate the “go big or go home” version of a classic.

As for the sandwich itself, the cheeseburger’s story winds through early-20th-century America, with several cities claiming bragging rights. One oft-repeated thread credits Pasadena teen Lionel Sternberger with adding cheese to a hamburger in the 1920s, while a popular timeline points to Bob’s Big Boy serving one of the first widely recognized double cheeseburgers in 1937. The holiday embraces that appetite for origin stories without insisting on just one, inviting everyone to celebrate the spirit of the double.

Why is National Double Cheeseburger Day important?

On the surface, it’s a playful excuse to order what you already want—but look closer and you’ll see how food rituals stitch people together. A double cheeseburger is easy to split, easy to customize, and easy to enjoy around a patio table or a couch, which makes the day feel like a tiny summertime reunion no matter the weather. When a date reliably shows up each year, it gives families, roommates, and coworkers a ready-made reason to pause and actually eat together.

There’s also something charming about celebrating uncomplicated pleasures. Food holidays like this one keep traditions light on rules and heavy on participation, whether you’re grilling at home, trying a new spot in town, or swapping secret sauce ideas with a friend. In a world that’s always optimizing, it’s nice to have a day when the only “goal” is a warm bite, a good laugh, and maybe a nap after.

• It’s a simple way to gather the people you like.
• It nudges you to try a new topping or cheese.
• It’s budget-friendly fun you can scale up or down.
• It reminds us that small joys are worth honoring.
• It turns an ordinary meal into a tiny tradition.

How to Celebrate National Double Cheeseburger Day

Keep it low-stress and delicious. If you’re cooking at home, make two thin patties so they sear fast, melt the cheese between them, and toast the bun for that diner-style snap. Add one “surprise” topping—griddled onions, pickled jalapeños, or a smear of mustard under the patty—and you’ve got something special without turning dinner into a project.

Eating out? Turn it into a mini tasting tour with a friend: split one classic double at your go-to spot and one quirky version somewhere new, then trade notes. Snap a photo, share your favorite combo, and pass along a quick thank-you to the folks behind the grill—their craft is what makes the day feel celebratory instead of routine.

• Try a home version with two smash-style patties.
• Swap cheeses with a friend and compare bites.
• Toast the buns and call it your house rule.
• Walk to a local burger joint and make it a ritual.
• Share your best sauce mix in a group chat.

National Double Cheeseburger Day Dates Table