Nothing beats sinking your teeth into juicy, flavorful burgers with a rich, buttery finish, and that’s exactly what you get with The Best Butter Burgers Recipe. This classic recipe combines simple, high-quality ingredients to create a mouthwatering experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of savory ground beef, melted American cheese, and that unforgettable buttery toasted bun, making these burgers a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it wonderfully straightforward with just a few essential elements, each playing an important role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and a burst of color on your plate. From juicy beef to creamy butter and fresh veggies, every ingredient is a star in this lineup.
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean): Offers the ideal fat content for juicy, flavorful patties that hold together well.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural beef flavor without overpowering it.
- 4 brioche hamburger buns: Soft, buttery buns that toast beautifully and provide a tender, slightly sweet base for the burger.
- 1⁄2 cup salted butter (softened): The secret ingredient that transforms these burgers by adding richness to both buns and the cooking process.
- 8 slices American cheese: Melts flawlessly on top of each patty for that classic creamy cheeseburger flavor.
- 4 slices red onion: Brings a sharp, crisp contrast that cuts through the richness.
- Tomato slices: Adds juiciness and a fresh pop of color to balance the burger.
- Lettuce (optional): Provides extra crunch and freshness if desired.
- Mayonnaise (ketchup and/or mustard optional): Condiments for added creaminess and tang, customizable to your taste.
- Sliced pickles (bread and butter or dill): Adds a tangy, sweet or sharp hit that elevates every bite.
How to Make The Best Butter Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Season and Shape the Patties
Start by seasoning the ground beef generously with salt and pepper. Divide your beef into eight equal portions and gently shape each into a patty that’s a touch bigger than your buns. This ensures they shrink slightly while cooking and fit just right in the bun.
Step 2: Chill the Patties
Wrap your patties with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. This resting step helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to handle when cooking.
Step 3: Butter the Buns
Spread a generous layer of softened butter on the inside of each hamburger bun. This little touch will create a golden, crispy, and buttery surface when toasted — so essential for the overall flavor.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and place the buns butter-side down. Toast them lightly until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crisp texture. You can brush the tops with some melted butter from the pan to give them an even more decadent finish.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Add extra pats of butter to the skillet. Place the beef patties onto the hot skillet, pressing them down slightly with your spatula to ensure even contact. Cook each side for about two minutes until a rich brown crust forms. When you flip the patties, add a slice of American cheese on top to melt beautifully while the other side finishes cooking.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Spread your preferred condiments on the toasted buns, then layer on a slice of tomato, red onion, pickles, and optionally some crisp lettuce. Stack two cheesy beef patties on the prepared bottom bun, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy pure burger bliss.
How to Serve The Best Butter Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes like crisp red onions and tangy pickles elevate these butter burgers, adding texture and bright notes to each bite. Fresh tomato slices contribute juiciness, while optional lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the butter and beef perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your butter burgers with crispy fries, a simple salad, or even baked beans to round out the meal. The buttery, juicy burger shines especially well next to savory potato sides or fresh, crunchy vegetables that balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your butter burgers on a large wooden board with a scattering of pickles, seasoned chips, and colorful slaw. Stack the patties slightly offset for a rustic look. Adding small bowls of ketchup, mustard, and mayo lets everyone customize their burger experience. Little touches like this make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover patties or buns, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef patties will keep well for two to three days, and buns maintain their softness when wrapped tightly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. Buns freeze well too, just thaw at room temperature before reheating or toasting.
Reheating
Reheat leftover patties gently in a skillet with a pat of butter to bring back juiciness and flavor. Toast buns lightly before assembling. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the burger and make buns soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic taste, you can experiment with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack to customize your butter burgers to your liking.
Is butter necessary for the patties or just the buns?
Butter isn’t mixed into the patties themselves but is essential for cooking and toasting the buns. It adds flavor and helps create that irresistible crust and buttery finish on the bun.
How do I prevent the patties from shrinking too much?
Make sure to form patties slightly larger than your buns and chill them before cooking. Pressing them gently during cooking helps maintain shape but avoid overworking the meat when forming patties.
Can I prepare these burgers for a large group easily?
Definitely! The Best Butter Burgers Recipe scales well, so just multiply the ingredients. Prepare patties ahead of time and keep them chilled until ready to cook for a smooth cooking process.
What’s the secret to melting the cheese perfectly?
Place a slice of cheese on the patties right after flipping them so the residual heat melts the cheese gently while the other side cooks. Covering the pan for a minute can help melt the cheese evenly.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a family dinner or a weekend cookout, The Best Butter Burgers Recipe delivers an unforgettable burger experience packed with rich, buttery goodness and juicy flavor. It’s simple enough to whip up any day yet special enough to impress your friends and family. Give this recipe a try and watch your burger game reach new, delicious heights.
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The Best Butter Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Butter Burgers combine juicy, flavorful ground beef patties cooked in butter and served on toasted, buttery brioche buns with classic toppings like American cheese, pickles, tomato, and onion. Rich, savory, and topped with melted cheese, these burgers are a delicious indulgence perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Buns and Butter
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
Toppings
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 slices red onion
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce (optional)
- Sliced pickles (bread and butter or dill)
Condiments (optional)
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Instructions
- Season and Form Patties: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the ground beef, then divide it into 8 equal portions (each about 1/4 pound). Gently shape each portion into a patty slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinking during cooking.
- Chill Patties: Cover the formed patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate to help them hold their shape while cooking.
- Butter Buns: Spread softened butter liberally on the inside of each brioche bun to ensure a rich, golden toast.
- Toast Buns: Heat a skillet or griddle to medium-high. Place the buns butter-side down on the hot surface and toast lightly until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Optional Butter Glaze: Brush the tops of the buns with some of the butter melted on the skillet for extra flavor and moisture.
- Cook Patties: Add additional pats of butter to the skillet or griddle. Place the chilled beef patties on the hot surface, pressing each down slightly with a spatula. Cook for about 2 minutes until browned on one side.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty, then immediately place a slice of American cheese on top to melt while the second side cooks, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare Buns: Spread condiments of choice on the toasted buns, then layer with tomato slices, onion slices, pickles, and lettuce as desired.
- Assemble Burgers: Stack two cooked, cheesy patties on each prepared bottom bun.
- Serve: Top with the bun tops and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Using 80% lean beef helps achieve juicy, flavorful patties without excess fat flare-ups.
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold together better on the skillet.
- Brushing the bun tops with butter as well as the insides adds extra richness but is optional.
- You can customize the number of patties per burger based on your appetite; double stacked is the classic approach here.
- Use a skillet or griddle for even cooking and the ability to toast buns and cook patties in the same pan.
