Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers - Fork To Spoon (2024)

If you want the perfect burger recipe this summer, try my Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers recipe. It’s easy and it’s delicious.

Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers - Fork To Spoon (1)

If you love easy lunch recipes, try my recipe forAir Fryer Pork Taquitos,Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe,or evenAir Fryer Lobster Grilled Cheese.

What Is Culver’s Butter Burger?

Culver’s Butter Burger is a signature menu item offered by Culver’s, a popular fast-food chain known for its fresh and flavorful burgers.

Culver’s Butter Burger features a seasoned beef patty cooked to perfection and topped with a generous dollop of real Wisconsin butter, which melts into the warm bun to create a rich and indulgent flavor experience. This unique twist on the classic burger adds a creamy and savory element that sets it apart and has earned it a dedicated following among burger enthusiasts.

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Why You Will Love Culvers Butter Burger Recipe

  • Rich Flavor Profile: Culver’s Butter Burger recipe promises a flavor experience like no other, thanks to its indulgent combination of seasoned beef, melted butter, and toasted buns, resulting in a juicy and savory burger that’s bursting with flavor.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: With just a few simple ingredients, Culver’s Butter Burger recipe delivers big on taste, making it a perfect choice for anyone craving a satisfying burger without needing fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.

Culver’s Butter Burger Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients needed for this delicious burger recipe!

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Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Beef Patty: The heart of Culver’s Butter Burger, the beef patty is seasoned and cooked to perfection, providing a juicy and flavorful base for the sandwich.
  • Butter: A defining ingredient of the Butter Burger, Culver’s uses real Wisconsin butter to add richness and a creamy texture to the burger, creating a distinctive and indulgent flavor profile.
  • Bun: The bun serves as the vessel for the Butter Burger, providing a soft and sturdy base to hold the patty, butter, and toppings together, while also offering a subtle sweetness that complements the savory components.
  • Toppings: While the classic Butter Burger is simple, with just the beef patty and butter, customers have the option to customize their burgers with a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese, allowing for personalization to suit individual tastes.

How To Make A Butter Burger

With the air fryer, you can achieve a delicious Butter Burger with the perfect balance of juicy beef and creamy butter, all with less mess and hassle than traditional cooking methods.

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Prepare the Beef Patties: Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape it into patties slightly larger than the size of your burger buns. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot before cooking the burgers.

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Cook the Patties: Place the beef patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each patty for air circulation. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Add the Butter: Once the patties are cooked, place a small pat of butter on top of each patty. Return the patties to the air fryer for another minute or until the butter has melted and started to sizzle.

Toast the Buns (Optional): While the patties are cooking, you can optionally toast the burger buns in the air fryer for a minute or two until they are golden brown and crispy.

Assemble the Burger: Place each cooked patty on a bun, and add any desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

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Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers Pro Tips

  • Choose Quality Beef: Use ground beef with a higher fat content (around 80/20) for juicier burgers. The fat will render during cooking, enhancing the flavor and moisture of the patties.
  • Season Liberally: Don’t skimp on seasoning the beef patties. Use a generous amount of salt and pepper to ensure they’re well seasoned throughout.
  • Form Even Patties: Shape the beef patties slightly larger than the size of your burger buns and ensure they’re evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
  • Create a Dimple: Press a small dimple into the center of each patty before cooking to prevent them from bulging during cooking, ensuring they cook evenly and maintain a flat shape.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before cooking the patties to ensure they start cooking immediately and develop a nice sear on the outside.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the patties in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can result in uneven cooking.
  • Add Butter at the End: Add a pat of butter to the cooked patties just before they finish cooking in the air fryer. This allows the butter to melt and coat the patties, enhancing their flavor without burning.
  • Toast the Buns: For an extra touch of flavor and texture, lightly toast the burger buns in the air fryer before assembling the burgers.
  • Customize Toppings: Customize your Butter Burgers with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese for a personalized touch.
  • Serve Hot: Enjoy your Copycat Culver’s Butter Burgers immediately while they’re hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
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Culvers Butter Burger Recipe Faqs

Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe? While you can use lean ground beef, such as 90/10, for this recipe, keep in mind that the higher fat content in 80/20 ground beef will result in juicier and more flavorful burgers, closer to the authentic Culver’s Butter Burger experience.

Can I cook the patties in a skillet instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can cook the patties in a skillet on the stovetop if you don’t have an air fryer. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, and add the butter during the last minute of cooking.

Can I make the patties ahead of time? Yes, you can shape the beef patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.

Can I freeze the patties for later use? Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped beef patties between layers of wax paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Can I use different toppings for the Butter Burger? Yes, feel free to customize your Butter Burger with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, or any other condiments you prefer.

Can I use a different type of bun? While the classic hamburger bun is traditionally used for Butter Burgers, you can certainly use different types of buns such as brioche, pretzel, or even a sturdy lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.

How do I know when the patties are cooked to the desired doneness? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. For medium-rare burgers, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C), and for medium, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C). Remember that the patties will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed to accommodate a larger group. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook the patties in batches if necessary for even cooking.

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Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers - Fork To Spoon (8)

Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Author: Fork To Spoon

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Servings

Print

Description

If you want the perfect burger recipe this summer, try my Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers recipe. It's easy and it's delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 hamburger buns

Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese

    Instructions

    • Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape it into patties slightly larger than the size of your burger buns. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging during cooking.

    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it's nice and hot before cooking the burgers.

    • Place the beef patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each patty for air circulation. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

    • Once the patties are cooked, place a small pat of butter on top of each patty. Return the patties to the air fryer for another minute or until the butter has melted and started to sizzle.

    • While the patties are cooking, you can optionally toast the burger buns in the air fryer for a minute or two until they are golden brown and crispy.

    • Place each cooked patty on a bun, and add any desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

    • Serve the Butter Burgers hot and enjoy the rich and indulgent flavor!

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    • Cooking Spray

    • Parchment Paper, optional

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 29gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 959mgPotassium: 452mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 352IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 4mg

    Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers - Fork To Spoon (2024)

    FAQs

    What makes a Culver's butter burger a butter burger? ›

    What a lot of folks don't know is why it's called a ButterBurger. We call our ButterBurgers “ButterBurgers,” not because they've been cooked, marinated, dunked, fried or drizzled with butter but because we lightly butter the crown of the bun for an extra touch of goodness.

    What seasoning does Culvers use on their burgers? ›

    The beef is seasoned with a salt and pepper mixture.

    Why do Culvers burgers taste so good? ›

    Our ButterBurgers® are made with our special blend of three cuts of beef: sirloin, chuck and plate. All prized cuts, all well-marbled for richness and flavor with no fillers to get in the way. When it comes to beef, you want fresh beef.

    What kind of cheese does Culver's use on their burgers? ›

    We use only fresh, never frozen beef, seared on a grill after you order. Topped with real American cheese made in Wisconsin and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.

    What oil does Culver's use for burgers? ›

    Canola Oil (fryer oil) - Canola Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve freshness and Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an anti-foaming agent.

    What are the ingredients in the Culver's burger patty? ›

    Ground Beef Patty, Cooked - 100% Ground Beef, Seasoned with Salt and Pepper.

    Does Culvers use good ingredients? ›

    It's a promise that begins with sourcing the best ingredients and continues through to the way we prepare your meal: fresh, just for you. It's why we always use fresh, never frozen beef and whole, white meat chicken from America's family farms. It's why we only use family farm-fresh dairy for our Frozen Custard.

    What does Gordon Ramsay use to season burgers? ›

    The Burger
    1. 1 lb 85/15 ground beef (chuck and brisket)
    2. 2 oz frozen unsalted butter.
    3. 1 tbsp granulated garlic or garlic powder.
    4. 1.5 tbsp Maldon salt.
    5. 1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper.
    6. 1 tbsp olive oil.
    7. 2 slices swiss cheese.

    Does Culvers use vegetable oil? ›

    Crinkle Cut Fries: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Contains One or More of the Following: Canola, Palm, Soybean, Sunflower), Modified Food Starch (Potato, Corn, Tapioca), Rice Flour, Dextrin, Salt, Leavening (Disodium Dihydrogen Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Dextrose, Xanthan Gum.

    What is the Culver's scandal? ›

    MINNEAPOLIS – R & G Endeavors, Inc., a fast-food franchisee doing business as Culver's Restaurants of Cottage Grove, violated federal law when it subjected employees to a hostile work environment based on race, sex, sexual orientation, and disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in ...

    What is the most unhealthy thing at Culvers? ›

    Worst: The Culvers Bacon Deluxe

    With a whopping 57 grams of total fat and 22 grams of saturated fat in this order, you will meet your daily recommended allowance for calories from fat and saturated fats in your diet. This burger also packs 1,205 milligrams of sodium and just 1 measly gram of fiber.

    Why is there no Culvers in California? ›

    Culver's is currently available in 26 states, but not California. The closest location to San Francisco is about 580 miles, or 9 hours away, in Bullhead City, AZ. According to the Culver's website, California is listed as a “Future Market” currently not available for franchising.

    What makes a Culver's ButterBurger? ›

    It's a Culver's family specialty and the burger that started it all. We use only fresh, never frozen beef, seared on a grill after you order and served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.

    Does Culvers put mayo on their burgers? ›

    We start with fresh, never frozen beef. Layer on real Wisconsin cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, sweet red onion and our signature mayo. Then cap with a lightly buttered, toasted bun. It's our ButterBurger® at its best.

    What kind of cheese sauce does Culver's use? ›

    Our sauce is made with real melted Wisconsin sharp cheddar and served warm. It pairs perfectly with many items on our menu, including our warm, buttery Wisconsin Cheese Curds, golden-brown Chili Cheddar Fries, and pillowy Pretzel Bites.

    What is the difference between a butterburger and a regular burger? ›

    Butter burgers are hamburgers topped with butter, either directly on the patty, or on the bun. Likely invented in Wisconsin, they remain popular in some northern parts of the midwestern United States, and are the principal item of Wisconsin-based fast food restaurant Culver's.

    What is a butter steak burger? ›

    What is a Butter Burger? A butter burger is a hamburger that cooks the meat with butter, making it the most delicious and juicy burger ever. We all know that fat = flavor when it comes to beef, so these burgers are crafted with an additional 10% of salted butter (hence the name butter burgers).

    What does butter do to burgers? ›

    Did you know adding butter to your burger patties makes tender, juicier burgers? To make the classic butter burger, you must mix your ground beef with grated frozen butter before grilling or cooking. Don't forget to butter your hamburger buns and toast for extra flavor and crispiness.

    What is a Milwaukee butter burger? ›

    Burger Chefs Will Serve Milwaukee's Famous 'Butter Burger' for One Night in NYC. Since 1936, the venerable Solly's Grille in Milwaukee has been the prized purveyor of the butter burger, which is one-third-pound sirloin patty topped with what seems like a more or less equal amount of sweet and creamy Wisconsin butter.

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