It’s National Cheeseburger Day on September 18th, and to celebrate this classic American dish, normally enjoyed with ‘fries’, many restaurants will be offering special deals. But we’re presenting you with our own gourmet cheeseburger recipe, guaranteed to put you in the mood for a party!
There are no clear records as to when the day originated, but it is believed to be a marketing move by the food industry to promote and celebrate the cheeseburger. Some people think that it began being observed in the 1920s when America’s favourite burger was created. Lionel Sternberger is credited with creating the cheeseburger when he was only 16. In 1926, Lionel was working at his father’s sandwich shop, the Rite Spot, in California, when he experimented with adding a slice of American cheese to the hamburger that he was frying.
The cheeseburger quickly became popular with customers, and the Rite Spot in Pasadena is considered to be the birthplace of the cheeseburger, though many other restaurants calim to have originated the idea, including Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville, which claims the cheeseburger originated there in 1934.
In 1935, Louis Ballast was awarded the trademark for the name cheeseburger, for his restaurant in Denver. The founder of Steak ‘n Shake also applied for a trademark on a cheeseburger in the 1930s. However, the first instance of the cheeseburger appearing on a menu was in 1928, at O’Dell’s in Los Angeles, where they sold a cheeseburger with chili for 25 cents.
Fun Facts for National Cheeseburger Day
- Over 50 billion burgers are enjoyed by Americans each year. The total population of America at present is over 345 million which means that on average, one American consumes around 144 burgers in a year, or around three each week.
- The list of the types of cheeseburgers is endless! It ranges from Bacon cheeseburgers, cheddar cheeseburgers, Swiss cheeseburgers, blue cheese cheeseburgers, provolone cheeseburgers, beef cheeseburgers, Chili cheeseburgers and so many more!
- The largest hamburger ever made was in Pilsting, Germany in 2017. Josef Zellner and his friends made this hamburger which weighed 2,566 lb 9 oz or 1,164.2 kg.
If you choose to celebrate this delicious day, be sure to go all out and enjoy your cheeseburger with some fries, a stack of onion rings, a milkshake, or an ice-cold drink.
🍔 Gourmet Cheeseburger Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the toppings:
- 4 slices aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 1 large red onion, sliced into rings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 slices of smoked streaky bacon
- 1 large beef tomato, sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Handful of arugula (rocket) or baby spinach
For the buns and extras:
- 4 brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- 4 tbsp garlic aioli or truffle mayo
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard (optional)
- Pickles or cornichons (optional, for extra tang)
Method
- Prepare the patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix gently – avoid overworking to keep the patties tender.
- Shape into 4 patties, slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink when cooked).
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to help them hold shape.
- Caramelise the onions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Add onion rings and cook slowly for 15 minutes until soft, golden, and sweet. Stir occasionally.
- Cook the bacon:
- In a skillet, fry bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Cook the patties:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (longer if preferred).
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty, cover with a lid, and let it melt.
- Toast the buns:
- Spread butter on cut sides of brioche buns.
- Toast on the skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the burgers:
- Spread garlic aioli (or truffle mayo) on the bottom bun.
- Add arugula/spinach, then the cheesy patty.
- Layer with caramelised onions, bacon, tomato, and avocado slices.
- Spread mustard on the top bun, add pickles if using, and crown the burger.
- Serve immediately with sweet potato fries or a side salad.
Chef’s Tips
- For an extra gourmet twist, use blue cheese instead of cheddar.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the onions for depth.
- Pair with a craft beer or a glass of bold red wine.
For a vegetarian gourmet version of this burger, try using portobello mushrooms or a black bean patty.
See also: Foraging for Rosehips
