National Cheeseburger Day 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Burger Deals & Freebies!

Sep 19, 2025

National Cheeseburger Day 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Sizzling Deals and Delicious Freebies

Get ready, burger lovers! National Cheeseburger Day 2024 is just around the corner, and that means it's time to celebrate one of America's favorite foods with a juicy, cheesy masterpiece. This year, mark your calendars for September 18th (every year!), and prepare for a day filled with mouthwatering deals, tempting freebies, and unforgettable burger experiences. This comprehensive guide will arm you with everything you need to know to maximize your National Cheeseburger Day enjoyment, from the best restaurant promotions to creative ways to celebrate at home.

What is National Cheeseburger Day?

National Cheeseburger Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the iconic cheeseburger. It's a day for burger enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite variations of this classic dish and to appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making a perfect cheeseburger. Restaurants across the nation typically offer special deals and promotions, making it the perfect opportunity to try new burger creations or simply enjoy a classic at a discounted price. The exact origins of the holiday are somewhat murky, but its popularity is undeniable. It's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together over a shared love of good food.

When is National Cheeseburger Day 2024?

National Cheeseburger Day is celebrated annually on September 18th. This year, September 18th, 2024, falls on a Wednesday, giving you a midweek opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious cheeseburger.

Confirmed and Expected National Cheeseburger Day Deals for 2024

While specific deals for 2024 are often announced closer to the date, here's a breakdown of what you can typically expect based on previous years and established restaurant promotions. We'll be updating this section regularly as new deals are announced, so check back often!

Restaurant Chains Offering Deals: A Comprehensive List

Many national and regional restaurant chains participate in National Cheeseburger Day by offering special promotions. Here's a list of some of the restaurants that have offered deals in the past and are likely to participate again in 2024. Remember to confirm participation and specific deal details with your local restaurant before heading out.

McDonald's: While not always a specific Cheeseburger Day promotion, McDonald's often has deals through their app on cheeseburgers or other menu items that can be used on National Cheeseburger Day. Keep an eye on their app for potential offers.
Burger King: Similar to McDonald's, Burger King frequently offers app-based deals on their burgers. Check their app for potential National Cheeseburger Day discounts or promotions.
Wendy's: Wendy's is known for its witty social media presence and often participates in food holidays. Expect to see potential deals or promotions announced closer to September 18th.
Sonic Drive-In: Sonic often offers discounted cheeseburgers or combo meals on National Cheeseburger Day. Check their website or app for details.
Red Robin: Red Robin has been known to offer various promotions, including discounts on their Gourmet Burgers. Keep an eye out for their National Cheeseburger Day announcements.
Applebee's: Applebee's often includes burgers in their daily or weekly specials, which might align with National Cheeseburger Day. Check their website or local restaurant for details.
TGI Fridays: TGI Fridays frequently offers deals on their burgers and other menu items. Look for potential National Cheeseburger Day promotions closer to the date.
White Castle: White Castle, famous for its sliders, often has National Cheeseburger Day deals, sometimes involving free sliders or discounted combos.
Smashburger: Smashburger often participates with special offers, so check their website and social media channels.
Johnny Rockets: Johnny Rockets, with its classic diner atmosphere, often offers discounted burgers on National Cheeseburger Day.
Habit Burger Grill: Habit Burger Grill is another chain that frequently participates in National Cheeseburger Day promotions.
Farmer Boys: A West Coast favorite, Farmer Boys has offered deals in the past and could do so again.
Jack in the Box: Look for potential app-based deals or special offers on Jack in the Box burgers.
Carl's Jr./Hardee's: These chains often have promotions running, so keep an eye out for National Cheeseburger Day discounts.

Beyond the Big Chains: Local Gems and Hidden Burger Havens

Don't forget to explore local restaurants and burger joints in your area! Many smaller establishments offer unique and delicious cheeseburgers and may have special promotions for National Cheeseburger Day. Check local listings, social media pages, and community groups to discover hidden gems and exclusive deals. These local spots often pride themselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and crafting truly memorable burger experiences. Supporting local businesses is a great way to celebrate and discover your new favorite burger.

Example Deals from Previous Years: A Glimpse of What to Expect

While specific deals vary each year, looking back at past promotions can give you a good idea of what to expect for National Cheeseburger Day 2024. Here are some examples of deals offered in previous years:

$1 Cheeseburgers: Some restaurants have offered classic cheeseburgers for just $1, often with a limit per customer.
Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) Deals: BOGO deals are a popular promotion, allowing you to buy one cheeseburger and get another for free or at a discounted price.
Free Toppings or Upgrades: Some restaurants offer free toppings or upgrades on their cheeseburgers, allowing you to customize your burger to your liking.
Discounted Combo Meals: Many restaurants offer discounted combo meals that include a cheeseburger, fries, and a drink.
Free Cheeseburgers: A few restaurants have even offered completely free cheeseburgers, often with specific conditions or requirements, such as signing up for their email list or following them on social media.
Percentage Discounts: Restaurants might offer a percentage discount on all burgers, such as 20% or 25% off.

Staying Updated: How to Find the Latest Deals

The best way to stay informed about National Cheeseburger Day deals is to follow these tips:

Check Restaurant Websites and Apps: Visit the websites and download the apps of your favorite burger restaurants. Many restaurants announce their deals exclusively through these channels.
Follow Restaurants on Social Media: Follow your favorite restaurants on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They often announce deals and promotions on their social media pages.
Search Online Deal Websites: Websites like RetailMeNot, Offers.com, and Groupon often compile lists of National Cheeseburger Day deals.
Subscribe to Restaurant Email Lists: Sign up for the email lists of your favorite restaurants. They often send out exclusive deals and promotions to their subscribers.
Check Local News and Food Blogs: Keep an eye on local news websites and food blogs in your area. They often cover local National Cheeseburger Day deals and events.
Use Google Search: A simple Google search for "National Cheeseburger Day deals 2024" will often bring up the latest information and promotions.

Beyond the Restaurant: Creative Ways to Celebrate

National Cheeseburger Day isn't just about going to restaurants. There are plenty of creative ways to celebrate at home or with friends. Here are a few ideas:

Host a Cheeseburger Cookout: The Ultimate Burger Party

Invite your friends and family over for a cheeseburger cookout! Set up a burger bar with a variety of toppings, cheeses, and sauces. Let everyone customize their own perfect cheeseburger. Consider offering different types of burger patties, such as beef, turkey, or veggie burgers, to cater to different dietary preferences.

Tips for a Successful Cheeseburger Cookout:

Plan Ahead: Make a list of all the ingredients you'll need and purchase them in advance.
Prep the Toppings: Chop vegetables, slice cheeses, and prepare sauces ahead of time to save time on the day of the cookout.
Offer a Variety of Buns: Provide different types of buns, such as sesame seed buns, brioche buns, or pretzel buns, to cater to different tastes.
Grill Like a Pro: Make sure your grill is clean and properly heated before you start grilling the burgers. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the burgers are cooked to the desired temperature.
Don't Forget the Sides: Serve your cheeseburgers with classic cookout sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.

DIY Cheeseburger Bar: Customize Your Dream Burger

If you're not up for a full-blown cookout, set up a DIY cheeseburger bar at home. Provide a variety of burger patties, cheeses, toppings, and sauces. Let everyone create their own unique cheeseburger masterpiece. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day and allows everyone to personalize their burger to their exact liking.

Essential Ingredients for a DIY Cheeseburger Bar:

Burger Patties: Offer a variety of burger patties, such as beef, turkey, veggie, or even chicken.
Cheeses: Provide a selection of cheeses, such as cheddar, American, Swiss, mozzarella, and provolone.
Toppings: Offer a wide range of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, avocado, mushrooms, and jalapenos.
Sauces: Provide a variety of sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and spicy sriracha mayo.
Buns: Offer different types of buns, such as sesame seed buns, brioche buns, or pretzel buns.

Cheeseburger-Themed Recipes: Beyond the Bun

Get creative in the kitchen and try out some cheeseburger-themed recipes that go beyond the traditional bun. Here are a few ideas:

Cheeseburger Pizza: Top a pizza crust with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
Cheeseburger Soup: Make a hearty soup with ground beef, cheese, potatoes, and vegetables.
Cheeseburger Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with ground beef, cheese, and your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Cheeseburger Salad: Create a salad with lettuce, ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a creamy dressing.
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: Wrap ground beef, cheese, and your favorite cheeseburger toppings in egg roll wrappers and deep-fry until golden brown.

Virtual Cheeseburger Party: Celebrate Online

If you can't celebrate in person, host a virtual cheeseburger party! Invite your friends and family to join you on a video call and share your cheeseburger creations. You can even play cheeseburger-themed games or trivia. This is a great way to connect with loved ones and celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, no matter where you are.

Tips for Hosting a Virtual Cheeseburger Party:

Choose a Platform: Select a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype.
Send Invitations: Send out invitations to your friends and family with the date, time, and platform information.
Plan Activities: Plan some fun activities, such as cheeseburger trivia, a cheeseburger decorating contest, or a virtual cheeseburger tasting.
Share Recipes: Encourage your guests to share their favorite cheeseburger recipes.
Enjoy the Company: Most importantly, relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family!

The History of the Cheeseburger: A Culinary Journey

No National Cheeseburger Day celebration is complete without understanding the history of this beloved dish. While the exact origins are debated, the most widely accepted story traces the cheeseburger back to 1920s Pasadena, California.

The Lionel Sternberger Story: The Birth of the Cheeseburger

According to legend, a 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger, working at his father's sandwich shop, The Rite Spot, decided to experiment by adding a slice of American cheese to a sizzling hamburger. The result was an instant hit, and the cheeseburger was born. While there are other claims to the invention of the cheeseburger, Sternberger's story is the most widely recognized and celebrated.

Early Adoption and Popularization: The Cheeseburger's Rise to Fame

After its supposed invention in the 1920s, the cheeseburger slowly gained popularity. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, more restaurants began adding cheeseburgers to their menus. The dish became a staple at diners and drive-ins across the country. The trademark for the name "cheeseburger" was awarded to Louis Ballast in Denver, Colorado in 1935, further solidifying its place in culinary history.

The Cheeseburger in Pop Culture: An American Icon

The cheeseburger's popularity soared in the post-World War II era, becoming an integral part of American pop culture. It was featured in movies, television shows, and advertisements, further cementing its status as a beloved and iconic food. The rise of fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King also played a significant role in popularizing the cheeseburger and making it accessible to a wider audience.

Cheeseburger Variations: Exploring the Culinary Landscape

The beauty of the cheeseburger lies in its versatility. There are countless variations of this classic dish, each offering a unique flavor profile and culinary experience. Here are some popular cheeseburger variations:

Classic Cheeseburger: The Timeless Original

The classic cheeseburger typically consists of a ground beef patty, a slice of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, all served on a sesame seed bun. This is the quintessential cheeseburger that most people think of when they hear the term.

Bacon Cheeseburger: A Smoky and Savory Delight

The bacon cheeseburger is a classic cheeseburger with the addition of crispy bacon. The bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor that complements the beef and cheese perfectly.

Mushroom Swiss Burger: An Earthy and Elegant Combination

The mushroom Swiss burger features a ground beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a tender texture, while the Swiss cheese provides a nutty and slightly sweet taste.

Jalapeño Cheeseburger: A Spicy and Fiery Kick

The jalapeño cheeseburger is a classic cheeseburger with the addition of sliced jalapeños. The jalapeños add a spicy and fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds.

Western Cheeseburger: A Tangy and Smoky Twist

The Western cheeseburger typically includes a ground beef patty, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce. The barbecue sauce adds a tangy and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Veggie Cheeseburger: A Plant-Based Delight

The veggie cheeseburger features a plant-based patty made from ingredients like beans, vegetables, and grains. It's a delicious and satisfying alternative to a traditional beef cheeseburger.

Gourmet Cheeseburger: Elevating the Experience

Gourmet cheeseburgers often feature high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed beef, artisanal cheeses, and unique toppings. These burgers are designed to provide a more refined and sophisticated culinary experience.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheeseburger at Home

Making a perfect cheeseburger at home is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you create a restaurant-quality burger in your own kitchen:

Choosing the Right Ground Beef: Fat is Your Friend

The quality of your ground beef is crucial to the overall flavor and texture of your cheeseburger. Choose ground beef with a fat content of at least 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat will help keep the burger juicy and flavorful. Avoid using ground beef that is too lean, as it will result in a dry and tasteless burger.

Seasoning the Patty: Simple is Best

When seasoning your burger patty, less is more. Simply season the patty with salt and pepper. Over-seasoning can mask the natural flavor of the beef. You can also add a touch of garlic powder or onion powder if desired.

Forming the Patty: Gentle Touch Required

When forming the patty, handle the ground beef gently. Overworking the meat will result in a tough burger. Gently shape the ground beef into a patty that is slightly larger than the bun. Make a small indentation in the center of the patty to prevent it from bulging during cooking.

Cooking the Patty: Achieving the Perfect Sear

Cook the burger patty over medium-high heat. For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. For a medium burger, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. For a well-done burger, cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the burger is cooked to the desired temperature. The internal temperature for a medium-rare burger is 130-135°F, for a medium burger it is 140-145°F, and for a well-done burger it is 160°F.

Choosing the Right Cheese: Meltability Matters

When choosing the cheese for your cheeseburger, consider its meltability. American cheese is a classic choice because it melts easily and has a mild flavor that complements the beef. Other good options include cheddar, Swiss, and provolone.

Toasting the Bun: Adding Texture and Flavor

Toasting the bun adds texture and flavor to your cheeseburger. Toast the bun in a toaster oven or on the grill until it is lightly golden brown. This will prevent the bun from becoming soggy from the burger juices.

Assembling the Burger: Layering for Success

When assembling the cheeseburger, start with the bottom bun. Add your favorite condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Then, add the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Place the cooked burger patty on top of the vegetables, followed by the cheese. Top with the top bun and serve immediately.

National Cheeseburger Day: A Celebration of American Cuisine

National Cheeseburger Day is more than just a day to score deals and freebies. It's a celebration of one of America's most beloved foods. It's a day to appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making a perfect cheeseburger. Whether you're enjoying a classic cheeseburger at your favorite restaurant or creating your own unique burger at home, National Cheeseburger Day is a day to celebrate the deliciousness of the cheeseburger.

So, get ready to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day 2024! Mark your calendars for September 18th, and prepare for a day filled with mouthwatering deals, tempting freebies, and unforgettable burger experiences. With a little planning and preparation, you can make this National Cheeseburger Day the best one yet!

The Future of the Cheeseburger: Innovation and Trends

The cheeseburger continues to evolve with culinary innovation and changing consumer preferences. Plant-based alternatives are gaining popularity, offering a sustainable and healthy option. Gourmet burgers with unique toppings and flavor combinations are also on the rise. The future of the cheeseburger is likely to be characterized by greater variety, healthier options, and a focus on sustainability.

In conclusion, National Cheeseburger Day 2024 promises to be a delicious and exciting celebration of this iconic American dish. By staying informed about the latest deals, exploring creative ways to celebrate, and understanding the history and variations of the cheeseburger, you can make the most of this special day. Happy National Cheeseburger Day!