Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Wisconsin Butter Burger Recipe

Recipe by All Wings Everything

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.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
28m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.55
Total cost
$1.89
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Evenly mixing the dry seasonings into the ground beef without over‑working the meat.
  • Chilling the formed patties for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Sautéing the onions just until soft, not browned.
  • Generously buttering each bun to achieve the signature richness.
  • Cooking the patties to the proper internal temperature while adding steak seasoning on top.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot skillet and melted butter with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
  • Butter can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Wisconsin butter burger in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of the Wisconsin butter burger within the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic Wisconsin butter burger traditionally served in Wisconsin?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Wisconsin butter burger traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does the Wisconsin butter burger fit into the broader American burger tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a Wisconsin butter burger versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with a Wisconsin butter burger?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes the Wisconsin butter burger special or unique in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has the Wisconsin butter burger evolved over time in the Midwest?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a Wisconsin butter burger at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Wisconsin butter burger patties are done cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the Wisconsin butter burger ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American burger cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to Make: Wet Battered Fried Chicken

How to Make: Wet Battered Fried Chicken

Crispy, juicy battered fried chicken made with a simple wet batter of self‑rising flour and water, seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, thyme and cumin. Perfect for a hearty dinner served with seasoned corn or your favorite sides.

45 min
Serves 4
$11
7 views
AmericanMedium
Twice Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Twice Loaded Mashed Potatoes

A decadent, ultra‑creamy mashed potato loaded with crispy bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, and a touch of honey. Perfect as a side for steak, chicken, or any comfort‑food feast.

1 hr 7 min
Serves 4
$8
7 views
AmericanEasy
Sheet Pan Breakfast Burritos (High-Protein Meal Prep)

Sheet Pan Breakfast Burritos (High-Protein Meal Prep)

A one‑pan, high‑protein breakfast burrito recipe that makes 10 macro‑friendly burritos. Roast veggies, cook lean turkey, add a fluffy egg‑cottage cheese mixture, and finish with cheddar. Freeze and microwave for a quick, protein‑packed morning meal.

1 hr 52 min
Serves 10
$14
40 views
AmericanEasy
Tempered Milk Chocolate Holiday Bark

Tempered Milk Chocolate Holiday Bark

Learn how to temper milk chocolate using the seeding method and create a glossy, snap‑crisp holiday bark. This step‑by‑step guide shows you how to melt, cool, and re‑heat chocolate to the perfect temperatures, then spread it on parchment, add peppermint candies (or nuts/dried fruit), and let it set for a beautiful, gift‑ready treat.

60 min
Serves 12
$17
4 views
AmericanMedium
Pancakes (Cake Bread)

Pancakes (Cake Bread)

Light and airy pancakes, inspired by Anglo‑Saxon traditions, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The batter rests for 30 minutes, the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for an airy texture, and everything is cooked over medium heat to achieve a beautiful golden color. Served with maple syrup or apricot jam, they are enjoyed warm, with buttered fingers.

1 hr 5 min
Serves 3
$3
13 views
AmericanEasy
Ron Stoppable Nacho Taco

Ron Stoppable Nacho Taco

A fun, snack‑style mash‑up of nachos and tacos inspired by Ron Stoppable from Kim Possible. Crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh toppings. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a nostalgic throw‑back meal.

27 min
Serves 4
$10
23 views
AmericanEasy