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A decadent, buttery American burger inspired by Wisconsin's love of rich flavors. Ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices, topped with melted cheese, sweet softened onions, and slathered with generous amounts of butter on the bun. Perfect for a cheat‑day treat or a hearty dinner.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
The Wisconsin butter burger originated in the Upper Midwest, where dairy farming is abundant. It showcases the region’s love for rich, buttery foods and became a staple at local diners and burger joints as a comfort food indulgence.
While the classic version uses a simple butter‑soaked bun and sautéed onions, some Wisconsin eateries add cheese curds, bacon, or a splash of cream sauce. In neighboring states you might find a grilled‑onion version or a version topped with pickles for extra tang.
It is typically served on a soft, butter‑coated bun with a single beef patty, melted American cheese, and soft sautéed onions. The burger is eaten hot, often with a side of fries or cheese curds.
The burger is a popular cheat‑day treat, a staple at backyard barbecues, and a menu highlight during Wisconsin’s cheese‑and‑butter festivals. It’s also a go‑to comfort food for sports‑watching gatherings.
It amplifies the classic American burger by emphasizing butter as a flavor driver, reflecting the Midwest’s dairy heritage. The simplicity of the toppings lets the richness of the meat and butter shine, distinguishing it from saucier or heavily topped regional burgers.
Authentic ingredients include 80/20 ground beef, unsalted butter, American cheese, soft sandwich buns, and sautéed onions. Substitutes can be ground turkey or bison for the meat, margarine for butter, cheddar or provolone for cheese, and potato rolls for the bun.
Classic pairings include crispy French fries, cheese curds, a simple coleslaw, or a dill pickle spear. A cold craft beer from a Wisconsin brewery also complements the rich flavors.
The generous use of butter on both the bun and in the cooking pan creates an ultra‑rich, juicy bite that is rarely matched in other regional burgers. Its focus on buttery flavor rather than sauces sets it apart.
Originally a diner‑style burger with just butter and onions, modern versions add cheese curds, bacon, or specialty buns. However, the core concept of a butter‑laden patty remains unchanged, preserving its nostalgic appeal.
Common errors include over‑mixing the meat, which makes the patty tough; using too little butter, which defeats the signature richness; and cooking the onions until they brown, which adds bitterness instead of sweetness.
Use an instant‑read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe ground beef. Visually, the edges will look slightly browned and the juices will run clear.
Yes. Form and chill the seasoned patties, sauté the onions, and butter the buns up to 24 hours ahead. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on easy, approachable American comfort food recipes, especially wing‑centric dishes, burgers, and hearty meals that can be made with minimal equipment and straightforward techniques.
All Wings Everything emphasizes simplicity and bold flavor, often using generous butter and straightforward seasoning blends. Unlike gourmet channels that stress complex techniques, this channel delivers fast, cheat‑day‑ready burgers that anyone can replicate at home.
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