Mark your calendars, Omaha! September 18, 2024, is National Cheeseburger Day, a day dedicated to celebrating one of America's most beloved comfort foods—the cheeseburger. Whether you prefer your burger piled high with classic toppings or you’re the adventurous type who loves trying unique combinations, this is the perfect time to sink your teeth into some of the best cheeseburgers Omaha has to offer.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of National Cheeseburger Day, dive into some fun and unique facts about this iconic dish, look at some interesting cheeseburger topping trends from across the United States, and showcase seven of the top burger spots right here in the Omaha metro area.

History of National Cheeseburger Day

National Cheeseburger Day is believed to have originated as a way to celebrate the birth of the cheeseburger, a concept that is almost as old as the hamburger itself. Though the exact origin is somewhat debated, most historians trace the creation of the cheeseburger back to the 1920s. A teenage cook named Lionel Sternberger is often credited with adding a slice of cheese to a hamburger at his father's sandwich shop in Pasadena, California, calling it a "cheese hamburger." From there, the cheeseburger quickly gained popularity across the U.S., and fast-forward to today, we have an entire day dedicated to this delicious creation!

While the holiday may not be as old as the cheeseburger itself, it certainly brings joy to burger lovers every year. Celebrating National Cheeseburger Day is simple—grab a burger, throw on some cheese, and enjoy!

5 Fun and Unique Facts About Cheeseburgers

1. The First Cheeseburger May Have Been an Accident
   Some say Lionel Sternberger stumbled upon the idea of adding cheese to a hamburger when he accidentally burned a burger and decided to cover it up with a slice of cheese. Turns out, it was a happy accident that would forever change the world of fast food.

2. The World’s Most Expensive Cheeseburger
   The most expensive cheeseburger ever sold was created by Dutch chef Diego Buik in 2017. It cost a whopping $2,300 and featured luxury ingredients like lobster, foie gras, and black truffle.

3. McDonald’s Sells 75 Cheeseburgers Every Second
   According to McDonald’s, the fast-food giant sells approximately 75 cheeseburgers per second around the world. That’s about 6.5 million cheeseburgers a day!

4. There’s a Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville, Michigan
   The town of Caseville, Michigan, holds an annual “Cheeseburger in Caseville” festival, a 10-day event featuring cheeseburgers, live music, and a cheeseburger-eating contest.

5. The Largest Cheeseburger Ever Made Weighed Over a Ton
   In 2012, a Minnesota casino set the world record for the largest cheeseburger ever created, weighing in at a staggering 2,014 pounds. The burger included 60 pounds of bacon and 40 pounds of cheese!

6 Interesting Topping Choices from Across the U.S.

Cheeseburgers have come a long way from the simple slice of cheddar on top. Across the United States, you’ll find some incredible and creative topping combinations that take cheeseburgers to the next level. Here are six interesting topping choices you might want to try:

1. Peanut Butter and Bacon (Iowa)
   A surprising but delicious combination, peanut butter adds a rich, creamy texture, while bacon brings in a salty crunch. The flavors meld together to create an unforgettable cheeseburger experience.

2. Fried Egg and Avocado (California)
   Popular in California, this combination adds a rich creaminess and a pop of freshness to your cheeseburger. The runny yolk from the fried egg ties all the flavors together perfectly.

3. Pimento Cheese (Southern U.S.)
   This Southern twist involves replacing regular cheese with pimento cheese spread, which adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the beef.

4. Green Chile (New Mexico)
   New Mexico is famous for its green chile cheeseburgers, where roasted green chiles are piled high on top of the burger, adding a spicy and smoky kick.

5. Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions (East Coast)
   This topping duo brings together the sharpness of blue cheese with the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a flavor profile that is both bold and well-balanced.

6. Pineapple and Teriyaki Sauce (Hawaii)
   For a taste of the islands, try adding pineapple and teriyaki sauce to your cheeseburger. The sweet and savory combination is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and brings a refreshing tropical flair to the table.

7 Must-Try Burger Joints in the Omaha Metro Area

Now that you’re hungry for a cheeseburger, let’s look at seven of the top spots in the Omaha metro where you can celebrate National Cheeseburger Day. These local favorites offer some of the best cheeseburgers around, with unique flavors and top-notch ingredients.

1. Stella’s Bar & Grill (Bellevue, NE)
   A local legend, Stella’s has been serving up award-winning burgers since 1936. Their cheeseburgers are a must-try, with fresh, never-frozen beef and a perfectly toasted bun.

2. Dinker’s Bar & Grill (Omaha, NE)
   Known for their no-frills, classic cheeseburgers, Dinker’s has been a staple in Omaha for years. The cheese melts perfectly over the juicy beef patty, creating a classic burger experience.

3. Block 16 (Omaha, NE)
   If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Block 16 is the place to go. Known for their inventive toppings, try their “Croque Garcon,” a burger topped with ham, egg, and truffle mayo.

4. Goldbergs in Dundee (Omaha, NE)
   Located in the historic Dundee neighborhood, Goldbergs offers a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of cheeseburgers. Their burgers are packed with flavor and feature high-quality beef.

5. Burger Lust (Omaha, NE)
   Located in South Omaha, Burger Lust is home to some of the most creative cheeseburgers in town. Their specialty burgers come with a wide array of toppings, including jalapeños, fried pickles, and more.

6. Alpine Inn (Omaha, NE)
   Known for its old-school charm, the Alpine Inn offers a delicious cheeseburger in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Be sure to try their signature cheeseburger paired with crispy fries!

7. Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews (Omaha, NE)
   Famous for its large variety of burger options, Sickies Garage has something for every burger lover. Their “Garage Burger,” which comes topped with fried egg, bacon, and onion rings, is a fan favorite!

Conclusion

No matter how you like your cheeseburger, National Cheeseburger Day is the perfect excuse to indulge. Whether you're grabbing a classic burger from Dinker’s or trying something new at Block 16, Omaha’s burger scene has something for everyone. So get out there, support local restaurants, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of a cheeseburger today!