Cheeseburgers aren’t just food—they’re happiness stacked between two buns. 🍔 Melty cheese, juicy patties, golden buns… no wonder it’s America’s comfort food king. Whether you swear by a classic double cheeseburger or drool over a gourmet version topped with truffle, the cheeseburger has earned legendary status.

Every year, burger lovers unite for National Cheeseburger Day—and in 2025, it falls on Thursday, September 18th. That means a full day of cheesy indulgence, crazy-good deals, and maybe a little guilt-free overindulgence. Let’s dive in.
A Juicy Bite of History
Who was the genius that first melted cheese on a hamburger? The story is deliciously debated:
- Lionel Sternberger – A teenager in Pasadena who, in the 1920s, tossed cheese on a burger at his dad’s diner The Rite Spot.
- Louis Ballast – Trademarked the word “cheeseburger” in 1935 at his Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver.
Whoever it was, we owe them big time—because from that moment, the cheeseburger became an icon of American fast food, later spreading around the world with endless twists.
Also Read: How to Make Burger Patties Recipe
🎉 How People Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day
This day is basically a foodie holiday. Here’s how people make the most of it:
🍔 Eat Out: Line up at burger joints or fast-food chains for deals.
🔥 Grill Parties: Backyard BBQs where the sizzle of patties is the soundtrack of the day.
🥑 Gourmet Experiments: Adding avocado, fried eggs, jalapeños, or even mac & cheese on top.
📲 Social Media: Foodies flood TikTok and Insta with drool-worthy shots tagged #NationalCheeseburgerDay.
💸 National Cheeseburger Day 2025 Deals & Offers
One of the best parts of National Cheeseburger Day is the amazing lineup of deals from top fast-food chains and restaurants. From $0.01 cheeseburgers to free burgers with small purchases, there’s something for everyone this year. Here’s a roundup of the best offers for September 18, 2025:
🟡 McDonald’s
The Deal: Double Cheeseburger for only $0.50
Conditions: App-exclusive. Download the McDonald’s app, register for a loyalty account, and redeem. Limited to one per customer, valid on Sept 18 only.
What You Get: Just the Double Cheeseburger. Fries and drinks sold separately, though other app coupons may be combined.
🔴 Burger King
The Deal: Free Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase of $1+
Conditions: Royal Perks loyalty members only, redeem via app. Requires an additional purchase (like fries or a drink).
What You Get: A free Bacon Cheeseburger added to your meal.
🟢 Wendy’s
The Deal: Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.01
Conditions: App-exclusive, requires another purchase. Valid Sept 18 and may extend through Sept 21.
What You Get: A Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for just a penny, great to pair with a Frosty or fries.
⚫ Smashburger
The Deal: Any single burger for $4.99
Conditions: In-store or online. Online orders may need a promo code (e.g., BURGERDAY25). Limit of 2 per person.
What You Get: Choose from favorites like Classic, BBQ Bacon, Spicy Jalapeno, or Truffle Mushroom.
🔵 Red Robin
The Deal: “Big Yummm Burger Deal” starting at $9.99
Conditions: Dine-in only, not valid for delivery.
What You Get: Red’s Double Tavern Burger + Bottomless Fries + Bottomless Beverage. Upgrades available for premium options.
🟣 Applebee’s
The Deal: Classic Burger with fries for $8.99
Conditions: Available for dine-in and online orders.
What You Get: Choose from Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Bacon Cheeseburger + fries.
🟠 Dairy Queen
The Deal: Free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with $1+ purchase
Conditions: Rewards members only. Order through DQ app or online. Valid through Sept 21.
What You Get: A hearty double cheeseburger added to your meal.
🔺 Jack in the Box
The Deal: Free Jr. Cheeseburger with $1+ purchase
Conditions: App coupon required.
What You Get: A Jr. Cheeseburger to pair with your meal.
🔹 Sonic Drive-In
The Deal: BOGO (Buy-One-Get-One-Free) Double Sonic Smasher Burger
Conditions: Available via Sonic app.
What You Get: Buy one Double Sonic Smasher and get the second one free.
🟤 Wayback Burgers
The Deal: Classic Burger for $5
Conditions: In-store, online, or through Wayback Rewards. Limit 2 per customer.
What You Get: Their fan-favorite Classic Burger at a flat price.
🟨 Buffalo Wild Wings
The Deal: BOGO on any burger for Blazin’ Rewards members
Conditions: Loyalty program members only.
What You Get: Buy one burger, get one free — any style.
⚜️ The Capital Grille
The Deal: Wagyu & Wine pairing starting at $35
Conditions: Dine-in only, premium experience.
What You Get: A Wagyu burger with curated wine pairing — for those who want a gourmet touch.
🟫 Native Grill & Wings
The Deal: Bacon Cheeseburger for $10
Conditions: Dine-in or online with code CHEESE2025.
What You Get: A full Bacon Cheeseburger meal at a discounted price.
Please note that many of these deals are available only through the restaurant’s app or for loyalty program members. Prices and participation may vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local restaurant beforehand.
Best Cheeseburgers to Try in 2025
Hungry for inspiration? Here’s a bucket list of burgers to bite into:
Classic Cheeseburger
- Juicy beef patty with American cheese, pickles, and ketchup
- Simple, timeless, and always satisfying
- Try: Five Guys’ Cheeseburger for a classic done right
Plant-Based Picks
- Impossible Whopper (Burger King)
- Beyond Cheeseburger (Carl’s Jr.)
- Proof that plant-based can still pack a cheesy, juicy punch
Gourmet Choices
- Blue cheese, caramelized onions, or truffle aioli
- Luxe burger experiences worth the splurge
- Try: Shake Shack’s SmokeShack or Umami Burger’s Truffle Burger
Regional Stars
- In-N-Out’s Double-Double (West Coast): Cheesy perfection, “Animal Style” is the secret hack
- Whataburger’s Patty Melt (Texas): Toasted Texas bread, grilled onions, melted cheese
- Culver’s ButterBurger with Cheese (Midwest): Buttery bun + fresh beef = Midwest icon
- Shake Shack’s ShackBurger (Nationwide): Soft potato bun and ShackSauce = burger magic
Check Out: Is Doritos Purple Halal?
Fun Cheeseburger Facts
- Americans munch through about 20 billion cheeseburgers a year—that’s 60 per person!
- The world’s largest cheeseburger? A whopping 2,000+ pounds made in Minnesota.
- In Japan, you might find cheeseburgers topped with teriyaki sauce or fried shrimp.
DIY Cheeseburger Happiness
Want to skip the drive-thru and play chef? Here’s your cheat sheet:
The Patty
- Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for max juiciness
- Don’t overmix—form gently & smash for crispy edges
The Cheese
- American = melty classic
- Cheddar = bold & sharp
- Gouda = creamy indulgence
- Pepper Jack = spicy kick
Toppings That Wow
- Fried egg
- Jalapeño jam
- Guacamole
- Mac & cheese as a topping
Pro Tips
- Butter-toast your buns for a golden crunch
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Wrap burger in foil for 2–3 mins after cooking to let flavors meld
🌟 Why Cheeseburgers Will Always Rule
Cheeseburgers are more than just food—they’re culture.
- Nostalgia: Childhood trips to fast-food joints.
- Innovation: Plant-based, fusion, and gourmet spins.
- Symbolism: An icon of American dining, loved worldwide.
✅ Final Bite
National Cheeseburger Day 2025 isn’t just another date—it’s the ultimate cheat day. From $0.50 McDonald’s burgers to endless fries at Red Robin, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you fire up the grill at home or indulge in Wagyu at The Capital Grille, the goal is simple: enjoy every cheesy, juicy bite.
So mark September 18, 2025, download those apps, and share your burger glory shots with the world. This is one holiday you’ll want to taste.
Also Check: Is In-N-Out Burger Halal?
❓ FAQs About National Cheeseburger Day 2025
When is National Cheeseburger Day 2025?
Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Which restaurants are offering deals?
Big names like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Smashburger, Red Robin, Applebee’s, Dairy Queen, and more.
Is there a difference between Burger Day and Cheeseburger Day?
Yes—Burger Day covers all burgers, Cheeseburger Day is all about the cheesy ones.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Definitely! Many chains now serve Impossible or Beyond cheeseburgers.
Can I score free cheeseburgers?
Yep! Chains like Burger King, Wendy’s, and Dairy Queen are offering freebies with small purchases.
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