Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Discover the unique flavors of Wisconsin butter burgers. These regional specialties are a must-try for any burger lover.
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. Add a slice of cheese and some lettuce, and you’ve got a decadent meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love It
Rich, buttery flavor. Butter is layered into every part of the burger, from the patty to the bun.
Easy ingredients. Everything is simple and likely already in your kitchen.
Big Wisconsin energy. A regional classic that’s all about indulgence and dairy-state charm.
Customizable toppings. Start with cheese and onions, or make it your own with bacon, jalapeños, or lettuce and tomato.
Satisfying and hearty. These burgers are ultra-filling and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: A lean 90/10 blend is ideal—still juicy but not greasy.
- Butter: This recipe uses a full 10 tablespoons for sautéing, mixing, and topping.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed in butter until soft and golden.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a slight tang to the burger patties.
- Buns: Use soft burger buns or brioche. Toasting brings out their flavor.
- Cheese: Wisconsin cheddar is classic, but use your favorite slice.
- Lettuce (optional): A fresh, crisp layer adds contrast.
Steps to Make Wisconsin Butter Burgers
- Mix the ground beef with softened butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into patties and make a slight indentation in each.
- Sauté diced onions in butter until tender and set aside.
- Toast the burger buns under the broiler or in a skillet until golden.
- Fry the burgers in a hot skillet until cooked through. Add a slice of cheese near the end so it melts.
- Place lettuce on the bottom bun, then the burger and onions.
- Spread butter on the top bun and place it on the hot burger so it melts over everything.
- Serve right away while the butter is warm and melty.
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.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep buns and toppings separate if possible.
Freeze? Not recommended once fully assembled. You can freeze cooked patties individually, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Toast the buns separately and reassemble with fresh toppings and butter.
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, fine
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, lean, about 90/10
- 4 large 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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- 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.
- 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.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
