Butter Burger Recipe

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If you’re craving something decadent, juicy and just a little extra special, then you’re in the right place. This butter burger recipe takes the classic burger up a notch by using butter in clever, flavor-packed ways that deliver rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Think soft brioche buns, sizzling patties, melted cheese and that whisper of golden butter in every bite. You’ll love it.
Pro tip: Grab your favorite bun, your choice of cheese and let’s create something truly comforting and fun to make.

Why this butter burger recipe stands out

Burgers are everywhere and for good reason, they’re fast, satisfying and endlessly customizable. But when you add butter into the equation in the right way, you transform the burger from “just dinner” to something memorable.
Here’s how our version stands out:

  • We’re using high‐quality beef with minimal fuss so the flavor shines through. Research shows that burgers made with fresher beef and a good sear will deliver that steak-like crust many crave.
  • The butter is not just a topping. It’s used thoughtfully, on the bun, in the cooking, or even in the patty itself (depending on how indulgent you want to go). For example, some burger chefs grate frozen butter into their meat to boost juiciness.
  • Simplicity is our friend. Unlike recipes with dozens of weird add-ins, this stays accessible, you don’t need a high-end grill or crazy ingredients.
  • When you serve something that feels special (“yes, this is extra”), you’re giving your readers not just a recipe but a mini-experience.

What makes a great butter burger: ingredients & technique

Let’s talk about the building blocks and the why of this burger — because knowing why things work makes your cooking stronger (and it gives you extra blog content value).
Ingredients to focus on

  • Ground beef: 80/20 ratio or something around there gives you good fat for flavor and moisture. One guide says at least 85% lean for that crusty sear.
  • Butter: Unsalted or lightly salted is fine; you want control. Butter adds both flavor and richness.
  • Buns: A brioche or soft hamburger bun with good structure is ideal. But what really makes the difference is a buttery toasted bun, that toasted buttered surface adds texture and flavor.
  • Cheese & toppings: Cheese should melt well (American, cheddar, whatever you like). Toppings should contrast acid (pickles, onions), crisp (lettuce) or something sweet/savory (caramelized onions).
    Technique highlights
  • Hot pan or griddle: A really hot cooking surface helps create that caramelized crust. As one recipe says: “the hotter the pan, the easier it is to sear the butter burger”.
  • Use of butter in bun or cooking: Rather than drowning everything in butter, use it where it boosts flavor — like buttering the bun and toasting it so you get that mouth-feel of richness.
  • Don’t overwork the meat: Loose shaping, minimal handling = better texture. One tutorial even suggests grating frozen butter into the beef so it distributes evenly without turning the mix into mush.
  • Serve right away: Burgers are best fresh off the pan, with that melting cheese and warm bun. The butter undertones lose something if you let things sit too long.

Step-by-step recipe: butter burger recipe

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 1 lb (≈450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean/fat)
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese (or your favorite)
  • 4 tablespoons (≈60 g) unsalted butter, softened (for buns)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Toppings of your choice (e.g., lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles, thin-sliced onion)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (or a few pats) to melt on top of burger patties just before serving

Preparation steps

  1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  2. While the pan is heating, shape your ground beef into four patties about ¾ inch thick. Don’t over-compress them, gently flatten just enough so they cook evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each bun’s cut side. Place the buns, cut side down, on a plate ready to toast when the time comes.

Cooking & assembly

  1. Once the pan is very hot, place the burger patties on the surface. If your skillet isn’t non-stick, you can add a tiny drop of neutral oil (e.g., canola) to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes on the first side (until a nice crust forms), then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness (or longer if you prefer well done). Use a meat thermometer if you like precision (for medium, target ~ 135-140°F / ~ 57-60°C).
  3. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty so it melts. If you want extra butter richness, you can add a pat of butter on top of the patty just after flipping so it melts over it.
  4. While the cheese is melting, move the toasted buns (buttered side down) onto the skillet or another hot surface until golden brown. That may take 30-60 seconds depending on your pan.
  5. To assemble: Place the bottom bun → burger patty with melted cheese → toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion) → top bun. Serve immediately.

Tips & variations

Here are some ways to customize (and elevate) your butter burger:

  • Add caramelized onions: Slow-cook thinly sliced onion in a bit of butter until golden and sweet, the contrast with the rich burger is lovely.
  • Mix butter into the patty: If you want an ultra-decadent version, grate frozen butter into the ground beef (as some chefs advocate) so every bite has extra juiciness.
  • Different cheese options: Try smoked cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese crumbles or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
  • Bun upgrade: Brioche is great, but you could use potato rolls, pretzel buns or even a lettuce wrap if you want lighter.
  • Topping bar idea: Offer a mini build-your-own station with extra toppings like bacon, avocado, chilli-jam, pickled jalapeños. Makes this fun for lunch dates or gatherings.
  • Cooking style: Griddle or cast-iron skillet works best for that crust. Avoid lighter pans if you can; you want good heat retention.
    Pro tip: Let the burger rest for 1 minute after cooking (just off the heat) before building, it helps the juices settle and gives a tidier assembly.

Side dishes and what to serve with your butter burger

When you’re serving something rich like a butter burger, balancing sides matters. Here are some suggestions:

  • Crispy fries or wedges – the classic pairing. A sprinkle of sea salt and herbs elevates them.
  • Crunchy slaw or salad – something fresh offsetting the richness (think: shredded cabbage, carrot, light vinaigrette).
  • Grilled veggies – asparagus, corn on the cob or zucchini with just a touch of olive oil and lemon.
  • Pickles or pickled onions – acid helps cut through the butter-rich burger flavor.
  • Soft drink or iced tea – keep it chilled and light; maybe a sparkling water with lemon for a lighter feel.
    In one kitchen blog they note that “any good Wisconsin butter burger calls for plenty of toppings” and sides that balance the richness.

Nutrition info & indulgence factor

Let’s be honest, this burger is indulgent. For example, one version from Allrecipes clocks in at about 1,001 calories, 81 g fat, 37 g protein for two burgers in one recipe.
That means when you serve this, you’re offering something decidedly special, not a diet replacement, but a treat-worthy meal.
If you want to lighten it up:

  • Choose a leaner ground beef (e.g., 90/10) but still give yourself a butter toast on the bun.
  • Load up on fresh crisp toppings and pickles.
  • Serve with a fresh salad instead of heavier sides.
    Still, let yourself enjoy it. The butter gives depth, richness and flavor that you’ll remember.

FAQs

What is a butter burger?

A burger where butter plays a central role, whether that’s buttering the bun, adding butter on top of the patty, or even mixing butter into the patty itself. The style is often associated with the state of Wisconsin in the US.

Can I use salted vs unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use either. If you use salted, just reduce how much extra salt you add to the burger and toppings so it doesn’t become overly salty.

What kind of meat works best?

Ground beef with some fat (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal because you need flavor and juiciness. Beef that is too lean can dry out. Some recipes even add beef fat or butter into the mix for extra richness.

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version?

Absolutely. Use a plant-based burger patty of your choice, swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative, and use vegan cheese and bun. You’ll still capture the essence of richness and comfort.

What’s the best way to get a good crust on the burger?

Use a heavy skillet or griddle, make sure it’s hot, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Press gently (or smash lightly) to get full contact with the surface. Butter on the bun helps too.

Can I prepare ahead / freeze?

You can shape patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge up to a day. Freezing cooked burgers is possible (without topping) but fresh is best for butter burgers because the texture and butter‐flavor shine when made and eaten fresh.

Final thoughts

This butter burger recipe is both simple and indulgent, the perfect balance for a weekend treat, a cozy dinner with friends, or a fun lunch that feels elevated.
Because you’re using very few fussy ingredients and focusing on technique, this is totally accessible, while still giving you that luxe, buttery flavor we all daydream about.
So go ahead: pick your buns, pick your cheese, melt the butter, fire up the skillet and bring the magic home. Your readers (or you!) will fall in love with every juicy, buttery bite.

Butter Burger Recipe
0
from
0
votes
Course: BeefCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

serving
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

700

kcal

This single-serve butter burger recipe is pure comfort food, a juicy, golden burger with melty cheese, crisp toppings, and buttery toasted brioche perfection.

Ingredients

  • ¼ lb (≈115 g) ground beef (80/20 lean/fat)

  • 1 brioche burger bun

  • 1 slice cheddar or American cheese

  • 1 tbsp (≈15 g) unsalted butter, softened (for bun)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 lettuce leaf

  • 1–2 tomato slices

  • 3–4 pickle slices

  • A few onion rings (thinly sliced)

  • Optional: ¼ tbsp butter (a small pat) to melt on top of the patty before serving

Directions

  • Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  • Shape the ground beef into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  • Spread butter on the inside of the bun halves and set aside.
  • Place the patty on the hot surface and cook for about 3–4 minutes on one side until browned.
  • Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness.
  • Add the cheese slice on top during the final minute so it melts.
  • Optionally, place a small pat of butter on the patty right after flipping for extra richness.
  • Toast the buttered bun halves cut-side down until golden brown.
  • Assemble your burger: bottom bun → patty with melted cheese → lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion → top bun.
  • Serve immediately while hot and buttery.

About the author

Katie M.
Hi there, I'm Katie! Founder of Healthy Hot Cooking and your go-to kitchen buddy for making meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious. For years I leaned on takeout and quick fixes, but I eventually realized that feeling good starts with what we cook at home. Now I'm here to share simple, flavorful recipes and smart little kitchen hacks that prove healthy food doesn't have to be bland or boring. My mission is to help you bring more energy, joy, and a little heat into your everyday cooking.

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