These Butter Burgers are amazingly delicious and just so happen to be my favorite burger recipe! A butter-soaked burger is not for the health-conscious, but it is for anyone who enjoys really good food! It should be no surprise that a state known for its dairy products (Wisconsin, represent!) would pile them onto a burger. Every part of this dish is cooked in butter, hence the name. This Wisconsin butter burger recipe had me drooling before I even bit into the juicy, cheesy, buttery goodness!
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I’m going to start off by saying a few obvious things: butter burgers are made with lots and lots of butter; they are incredibly flavorful and delicious; and they are not healthy. This recipe is everything I dream of when I’m on a diet, and it’s well worth the indulgence. It is made up of a pan-seared buttery burger patty, a slice of cheese, onions cooked in butter, and a soft bun covered in butter. It’s true to its name with all the butter!
What’s in a Wisconsin Butter Burger Recipe?
- Butter: Salted butter is what makes every component of this recipe shine with a rich buttery flavor. I like to use high-quality European-style butter for the richest flavor.
- Onion: Sweet onion is my favorite for these burgers since it really shines when cooked in butter.
- Ground Beef: 90% lean ground beef is the best choice for these burgers since so much extra fat is being added.
- Hamburger Buns: A buttery brioche bun is the obvious choice here to keep that buttery flavor at the forefront.
- Cheese: American cheese has a mild and buttery flavor that beautifully complements these burgers, but any kind of melting cheese will work here.
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Tips for Success
- Be sure to cook the onions in butter and water and then brown them.
- Don’t skimp on buttering the bun tops. Yes, 2 tablespoons per bun top to be considered Wisconsin Butter Burgers.
- Be sure to cook the patties a full 3 minutes before flipping them. These burgers need a good sear to get the flavorful dark brown crust.
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Serving Suggestions
I have so many favorite side dishes that are absolutely delicious with these butter burgers. Of course, french fries are the classic choice, but I also love fried pickles! Be sure to try serve it with my burger sauce and fry sauce to cut all that buttery goodness with a bit of tang!
5-Star Review
“I love this recipe so much. Took it a step further and fried the buns in the same pan for an ever more buttery treat. Great recipe!” -Tanya MacInnis
Butter Burger Recipe
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Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons salted butter softened and divided (1¼ sticks)
- 1 medium sweet onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns toasted
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 4 slices American cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, water, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook, until tender, about 5 minutes.10 tablespoons salted butter, 1 medium sweet onion, 1 tablespoon water, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and remove the lid. Continue to cook until onions are translucent and just beginning to brown, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate, and divide into 4 equal portions; set aside until ready to use.
- Divide beef into 4 equal-sized portions and gently shape each into a 4½x½-inch patty. Sprinkle both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes.1 pound 90% lean ground beef, ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Spread each bun top with 2 tablespoons of butter; set aside.4 hamburger buns
- Heat the oil in the same skillet used for the onions until it begins to smoke. Use a spatula to transfer the patties to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes (without moving them).1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Flip the patties and cook for 1 more minute. Place 1 cheese slice over each patty and continue to cook until the cheese is melted, about 20-30 seconds more.4 slices American cheese
- Transfer patties to the bun bottoms and place ¼ of the sautéed onions on each patty. Top each with the buttered bun tops and serve immediately.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
Nutrition Information
How to Make a Butter Burger Step by Step
Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Add the 1 chopped sweet onion, 1 tablespoon of water, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook, until tender, about 5 minutes.
Divide the Onions: Reduce the heat to medium-low and remove the lid. Continue to cook until onions are translucent and just beginning to brown, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate, and divide into 4 equal portions; set aside until ready to use.
Portion the Patties: Divide 1 pound of 90% lean ground beef into 4 equal-sized portions and gently shape each into a 4½x½-inch patty. Sprinkle both sides of the patties with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¾ teaspoon of black pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes.
Butter the Buns: Spread 4 hamburger bun tops with 2 tablespoons of butter; set aside.
Cook the Burgers: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet used for the onions until it begins to smoke. Use a spatula to transfer the patties to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes (without moving them).
Melt the Cheese: Flip the patties and cook for 1 more minute. Place 1 American cheese slice over each patty and continue to cook until the cheese is melted, about 20-30 seconds more.
Assemble the Burgers: Transfer patties to the bun bottoms and place ¼ of the sautéed onions on each patty. Top each with the buttered bun tops and serve immediately.
Made these yesterday and, omg, I have been asked by my family to never make cheeseburgers any other way! Everything meshed so perfectly together, where have these been all my life?? Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!!
I want a good burger! Need one! This looks like heaven to me. You mentioned a toasted bun. How do you toast them? As soon as you let me know I’m having a Butter Burger! Thanks for recipe!! Barb
Hi! I usually just place the bun direct on the grill or grill pan for a minute or two until its toasted but not black. You can add some butter (although you dont need extra butter with the butter burger version!!) :)
I have NEVER heard of a butter burger before. With grilling season here, you can never have too many burger recipes. I am pretty excited to give this a try at my next bbq party. I am sure the guests will LOVE them.
What did you put on top and bottom of the buns making them look greasy since the butter is on the inside of the bun? Thanks.
I made these last night and they are FABULOUS! We have a new burger recipe. Thank you so much.
They can be quite addictive. Enjoy, Debra!
Omg it was the best ever
5 STAR, BUT LOT OF FAT, OH WELL TASTES GOOD WHAT COUNTS AND THEN YOU CAN SLACK OFF THE NEXT DAY. ha ha..
I love the way you think lol!
you can never have enough butter. why you get the hate mail is stupid. I am trying them tommorow. all the more power to ya for a great recipe
Thanks, Raeona! Can’t go wrong with more butter.
Outstanding!
Thank you, Wanda!
I skip the bun, mix some butter into the ground beef and add a nice plop of butter onto the cooked burger with some pepper. Heavenly!!!