Hamburgers

A hamburger is a popular food in many countries. It is made by cooking a round patty of ground beef. The patty is put between two pieces of a bun. People add things like cheese, lettuce, and ketchup. Hamburgers are often eaten at cookouts and restaurants.

Parts of a Burger

The main part of a hamburger is the beef patty. It is shaped like a flat circle. The bun is a soft round bread that is sometimes toasted. Common toppings include cheese, pickles, onions, and tomatoes. People put ketchup, mustard, or mayo on top.

A tasty beef patty, just like the one inside a hamburger.
A tasty beef patty, just like the one inside a hamburger. (Hajime Nakano from Tokyo, Japan / Wikimedia Commons)

History of the Hamburger

Nobody knows exactly who made the first hamburger. Many people think it started in Hamburg, Germany, which is how it got its name. It became famous in the United States in the early 1900s. Today, hamburgers are sold at fast food chains all over the world. Millions are eaten every day.

Fun Facts

  • Americans eat about 50 billion hamburgers every year.
  • The biggest hamburger ever made weighed over 2,000 pounds.
  • Cheeseburgers were invented in the 1920s.

Did You Know?

May 28 is National Hamburger Day in the United States. Some people eat extra burgers to celebrate!