When you’re deep in dairy country like Wisconsin, it’s only natural that even the burgers get a rich, buttery upgrade. The iconic Wisconsin Butter Burger is a must-try for anyone who loves juicy beef, melty cheese, soft stewed onions, and, of course, generous amounts of butter.
What Makes Butter Burgers So Special?
These aren’t your ordinary cheeseburgers. The magic comes from toasted, butter-saturated buns, onions that are slow-cooked until tender, perfectly seasoned patties with a crispy sear, and creamy melted cheese. Once you take a bite, regular burgers might never satisfy you the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Patties:
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
For the Onions:
- 1 tablespoon salted butter (salted butter boosts flavor)
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
- 4 burger buns
- Plenty of salted butter (about 2 tablespoons per bun)
- 4 slices American cheese
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil for cooking
How to Make the Perfect Butter Burger
1. Shape and Season the Patties
Divide the beef into four patties, about 4 ½ inches wide and half an inch thick. Combine salt and pepper and season both sides generously. Place the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
2. Stew the Onions
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Roughly chop the onion, keeping them chunky for texture. Add onions, water, and salt to the pan. Cover and cook for five minutes until translucent. Then uncover and cook for three more minutes to develop flavor with slight browning.
3. Toast and Butter the Buns
Position an oven rack six inches from the broiler and toast the buns until lightly golden. Once done, generously spread about 2 tablespoons of butter per bun—it’s more like frosting than buttering, so be generous.
4. Sear the Patties
Heat a skillet over high heat with the vegetable oil. When it starts to smoke, add the patties. Let them cook undisturbed for three minutes to form a crispy crust. Flip and cook for one more minute.
5. Melt the Cheese
Place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Let it melt for about 30 seconds until gooey and perfect.
6. Assemble and Enjoy
Place the cheesy patties on the buttered buns, top with those soft, buttery onions, and serve hot. The butter melts into the bun, combining with the onions for a rich, satisfying burger like no other.
Final Bite
These Wisconsin Butter Burgers are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, crispy, buttery, and incredibly flavorful. Perfect for game day, cookouts, or any time you’re craving a next-level burger.
Want to impress your guests? Don’t hold back on the butter—after all, it’s the Wisconsin way.
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