Wisconsin butter burgers are a regional specialty from the dairy state of Wisconsin. These delicious burgers are known for their simplicity and rich butter and cheese flavors. Butter is the signature element, creating an indulgent, luxurious experience.
Nestled in a soft, toasted bun, butter burgers are simple yet decadent. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to this culinary masterpiece, prepare to savor a unique burger experience!
How to Make a Wisconsin Butter Burger
- Combine the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of butter and seasonings and shape them into patties. Make an indentation into each patty with your thumb.
- Sauté diced onions in 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Toast the buns lightly in the oven or griddle on the stovetop.
- Fry the burgers until cooked through and finish with a slice of cheese.
- Place lettuce leaves on the bottom of one of the buns, top with a burger, then sautéed onions.
- Slather the top bun with 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter and immediately place it on the hot burger. It should melt, creating that luxurious buttery coating.
Wisconsin Butter Burger Ingredients
- Butter: A generous amount of butter is used to make butter burgers. Some are included in the burger mixture, some are spread on the bun, and some are added as a spread or topping.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For umami depth of flavor.
- Beef: Use ground sirloin with a 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio.
- Buns: Use classic soft burger buns or brioche buns. Toast the buns lightly under the broiler or on a griddle.
- Toppings: Keep it simple, or add your favorites. Diced sautéed onions and a slice of Wisconsin cheddar cheese are common. Add lettuce leaves for a fresh texture and flavor.
How to Serve Butter Burgers
- Serve the burgers with potato chips or fries or sweet potato fries.
- Add a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a satisfying summery meal.
- Offer sliced dill pickles, extra lettuce, and tomatoes for topping the burgers.
Recipe Variations
- Caramelized Onions: Add 1/3 cup of water to the tender cooked onions and continue cooking, checking frequently, for 8 to 12 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
- Spicy Butter Burgers: Add minced jalapeños to the butter topping and use pepper jack cheese.
- Bacon Butter Burgers: Top each burger with a strip of cooked bacon before adding the top bun.
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Decadent and delicious butter burgers are a unique experience!
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwiches, Burgers
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, divided)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean, about 90/10)
- 4 large, soft burger buns
- Lettuce leaves, optional
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and shape into 4 large patties. Make an indentation in the center of each burger patty. This will help them cook evenly and will prevent them from puffing up in the middle as they cook.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, for 7 minutes or until they are tender and translucent. Remove the onions to a plate and set aside.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Preheat the broiler if you plan to toast the buns in the oven.
- Wipe out the skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Place a slice of cheese on each burger and cook for a few seconds longer to melt the cheese.
Credit: Diana Rattray Credit: Diana Rattray - Meanwhile, place the buns on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast under the broiler. Watch carefully to avoid burning, as broiler heat does vary. Alternatively, toast the buns on a griddle on the stovetop.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Place a few lettuce leaves on a toasted bun and top with a burger patty and a generous amount of onions. Slather the top of the bun with 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter and place it on the hot burger and onions.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Credit: Diana Rattray
Equipment
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
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Cuisinart Adjustable Burger Press
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