Culver’s ButterBurger Copycat Recipe
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| Bring home that burger-joint comfort with a juicy copycat Culver’s ButterBurger loaded with melty cheese, buttery bun goodness, and classic tangy toppings. |
If you’ve ever taken a bite of a Culver’s ButterBurger, you know why people crave it. It’s simple, juicy, buttery, and packed with that classic Midwest burger-shop comfort. The edges of the beef get a little crisp, the bun is soft and warm, and every bite tastes rich without being fussy.
This copycat Culver’s ButterBurger recipe is made for home cooks who want that same diner-style burger experience in their own kitchen. It uses easy-to-find ingredients, simple steps, and practical tips so you can make a delicious burger at home without needing special equipment.
If you’ve been searching for a homemade ButterBurger recipe, you’re in the right place.
A Little Background on Culver’s and the ButterBurger
Culver’s is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that started in Wisconsin. It’s known for friendly service, frozen custard, and of course the famous ButterBurger. The name gets a lot of people wondering if the beef is mixed with butter, but that’s not really the point. The signature touch is the lightly buttered bun, which adds flavor and gives the burger that soft, toasty finish people love.
The burger itself is iconic because it keeps things simple. Instead of piling on too many toppings, it focuses on what matters most: fresh beef, a tender bun, melted cheese, and balanced seasoning. It smells savory and buttery right from the pan. The patties sizzle, the cheese turns glossy and gooey, and the toasted bun adds that warm, golden bite that ties it all together.
ButterBurger is a branded name associated with Culver’s, so this post is a copycat-style recipe inspired by the restaurant experience. It is not the original recipe, and we’re not claiming any affiliation with Culver’s.
What Makes This Copycat ButterBurger So Good?
Some burgers are all about big toppings. This one is more like your favorite plain white T-shirt: simple, reliable, and somehow better than everything else. The secret is in a few small details working together.
- Thin beef patties cook quickly and get great browning.
- Salt and pepper let the beef flavor shine.
- American cheese melts smoothly for that classic burger texture.
- Buttered buns create the signature rich finish.
- Optional simple toppings like pickle, onion, and mustard keep it true to the style.
In other words, this burger doesn’t need to shout. It just gets everything right.
Copycat Culver’s ButterBurger Ingredients
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total time: About 25 to 30 minutes
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices American cheese
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced white onion
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup, optional
Optional for double burgers: Divide the beef into 8 thinner patties and use 8 cheese slices.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet, griddle, or cast iron pan
- Spatula
- Small butter knife or spoon
- Plate or tray for the patties
- Meat thermometer
A cast iron pan works especially well here because it gives the patties great browning. If you’ve got one, use it. If not, a regular skillet is just fine.
How to Make a Culver’s ButterBurger at Home
Step 1: Prep the beef.
Place the ground beef in a bowl and gently divide it into 4 equal portions for single burgers, or 8 equal portions for doubles. Form each portion into a thin patty that is slightly wider than the bun because the meat will shrink as it cooks.
Try not to overwork the beef. Think of it like making a pillow, not packing a snowball. If you press too hard, the burger can turn dense instead of tender.
Step 2: Season the patties.
Sprinkle both sides of the patties with the salt and black pepper. You can do this right before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Step 3: Butter the buns.
Spread the softened butter lightly on the inside of each bun. Don’t drench them. You want a thin, even layer. This helps create that signature buttery, toasted bite.
Step 4: Toast the buns.
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the buns cut side down and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 5: Cook the burgers.
Turn the heat up to medium-high. Place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until browned and caramelized. Flip and cook the second side for another 1 to 2 minutes for thin patties.
If you’re making double patties, they will cook very quickly. Keep an eye on them so they stay juicy.
Food safety note: Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the center of a patty for safe doneness.
Step 6: Add the cheese.
In the last minute of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on each patty. Let it melt until soft and glossy. If needed, loosely tent the skillet with foil for a few seconds to help the cheese melt faster.
Step 7: Build the burgers.
Spread mustard and optional ketchup on the toasted buns. Add the cheesy burger patty, then top with sliced onion and dill pickles. Place the top bun over everything and serve right away while hot.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy.
These burgers are best fresh off the skillet. Serve with fries, crinkle-cut potatoes, onion rings, or even a simple scoop of coleslaw.
Tips for the Best Homemade ButterBurger
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best juicy texture.
- Toast the bun lightly so it stays soft but still holds the burger together.
- Don’t over-season. This burger shines because it’s simple.
- Cook on a hot pan to get that nice brown crust.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
If your first burger disappears in two minutes, that’s usually a good sign.
Easy Shortcuts and Home Kitchen Time-Savers
If you want to make this easy burger recipe even simpler, here are a few helpful shortcuts.
- Use pre-portioned patties: Great for busy weeknights. Just flatten them a bit more before cooking.
- Cook on an electric griddle: This is helpful when making burgers for a crowd.
- Toast buns in the oven: Place buttered buns cut side up under the broiler for 30 to 60 seconds. Watch closely.
- Make it diner-style double: Thin patties cook fast, so doubles are easy and very close to the fast-casual version people love.
An air fryer is not my first pick for this recipe because the skillet gives better browning, but if needed, you can air fry the patties and still toast the buns separately on a pan for the best flavor.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Modifications
One thing I love about making copycat recipes at home is how easy they are to adjust. You get the same cozy flavor, but you can tailor it to your needs.
Gluten-free:
- Use certified gluten-free hamburger buns.
- Check your mustard, ketchup, pickles, and cheese labels to be sure they are gluten-free.
- Cook in a clean pan if cross-contact is a concern.
Dairy-free:
- Replace the butter with a dairy-free buttery spread.
- Use dairy-free American-style cheese slices.
- Or skip the cheese and let the beef and toppings carry the flavor.
Egg-free:
- This recipe is naturally egg-free if your bun and condiments are egg-free.
- Always double-check store-bought buns and sauces.
Low-carb or keto:
- Serve the burger in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Use sugar-free ketchup if desired.
- Add extra pickles and onions for more texture.
Paleo-inspired:
- Skip the bun and cheese.
- Use lettuce wraps.
- Choose a compliant mustard and pickle brand.
- Use ghee instead of butter if that fits your preference.
Vegetarian:
- Swap the beef for a veggie burger or plant-based burger patty.
- Still butter and toast the bun for that signature flavor.
- Top with dairy or plant-based American-style cheese.
Vegan:
- Use a plant-based burger patty.
- Choose vegan buns, vegan butter, and vegan cheese.
- Check condiments to make sure they fit your needs.
Lower-sodium:
- Reduce the added salt on the beef.
- Use low-sodium pickles or fewer pickles.
- Choose lower-sodium cheese if available.
These changes won’t make it identical to the restaurant version, of course, but they can still give you that same comforting burger-night feeling.
Approximate Nutrition Information
These values are estimates and can vary based on the brand of buns, cheese, and condiments used.
Per serving, based on 4 single burgers:
- Calories: about 560
- Protein: about 29g
- Carbohydrates: about 29g
- Fat: about 36g
- Fiber: about 1g
- Sugar: about 6g
- Sodium: about 850mg
What to Serve with a ButterBurger
Need a few easy side ideas? Here are some great matches:
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Onion rings
- Cheese curds
- Creamy coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Frozen custard or a milkshake for dessert
If you want the full fast-food-at-home vibe, go with fries and a cold root beer. It’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there butter in the burger meat?
No, not in this copycat version. The buttery flavor mostly comes from the toasted buttered bun.
Can I make this as a double cheeseburger?
Yes. In fact, that’s one of the best ways to enjoy it. Just make thinner patties and stack two together with cheese.
What kind of cheese works best?
American cheese melts best and gives that classic fast-food burger texture.
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet?
Yes, but a flat skillet or griddle gives you more of that diner-style crust. Grilling adds a smokier flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Culver’s ButterBurger copycat recipe proves that a great burger doesn’t need a long list of ingredients. A juicy beef patty, a little melty cheese, a buttery toasted bun, and a few simple toppings go a long way.
It’s the kind of meal that feels special without being hard to make. Perfect for weeknights, game day, or anytime you want a burger that tastes like it came from your favorite spot.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or add your own twist? Leave a comment and share it with someone who loves homemade burger recipes.
Disclaimer
This is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavors and style of Culver’s ButterBurger. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Culver’s.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate, which means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
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