If you want the perfect burger recipe this summer, try my Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers recipe. It’s easy and it’s delicious.
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If you love easy lunch recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Pork Taquitos, Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich Recipe, or even Air 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
- Juicy Patties: Perfectly seasoned, tender, and flavorful beef patties.
- Buttery Bun: Toasted bun adds rich, buttery goodness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients for a quick meal.
- Restaurant-Quality: Tastes just like the original Culver’s burger.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and condiments.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleasing burger everyone will enjoy.
- Crispy Edges: Smash-style patty with delicious crispy edges.
- Budget-Friendly: Make it at home for a fraction of the cost.
Culver’s Butter Burger Ingredients
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- Ground Beef (80/20): Juicy, flavorful beef with the perfect fat balance.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor with a clean, crisp taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick.
- Butter: Buttery richness for the buns and patties.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft, fluffy buns toasted to perfection.
How To Make Culvers Butter Burger Recipe
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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. 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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Culvers Butter Burger Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Beef: Use ground beef with a higher fat content (around 80/20) for juicier burgers.
- Season Liberally: Don’t skimp on seasoning the beef patties.
- 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.
- 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.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Copycat Culver’s Butter Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the patties and buns separate to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked beef patties individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet or air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Toast the buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet for best results.
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What To Serve With Copycat Culvers Butter Burger Recipe
A Copycat Culver’s Butter Burger pairs perfectly with a variety of classic sides. Serve it alongside crispy, golden fries or crunchy potato wedges to complement the rich, buttery burger. For a lighter option, a fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast. If you’re craving something extra indulgent, try pairing the burger with creamy mac and cheese or onion rings for a satisfying meal. Don’t forget a cold, fizzy drink to wash it all down—whether it’s a soda, iced tea, or milkshake, it will elevate your burger experience!
Copycat Culvers Butter Burger Recipe Faqs
Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe? It’s best to use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy, flavorful patty. Leaner beef can be used, but it may lack the necessary moisture and flavor.
Can I cook these burgers on a grill? Yes, you can cook these burgers on a grill. Just make sure to butter the buns and toast them directly on the grill for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the patties from shrinking too much? Press a small dimple into the center of each patty before cooking, which helps prevent the burger from bulging and shrinking excessively.
Can I freeze the patties before cooking? Yes! Shape the patties, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
What type of buns should I use? Use soft, sturdy hamburger buns that can hold up to the juicy patty and buttery goodness, such as brioche or potato buns.
Can I add cheese to the butter burger? Absolutely! Add a slice of your favorite cheese, like cheddar or American, during the last minute of cooking to melt over the patty.
How do I make sure the butter doesn’t burn on the buns? Toast the buns on medium heat and keep an eye on them while cooking to ensure they turn golden without burning.
The Best Culver’s Butter Burger Toppings: Culver’s Butter Burger is all about simplicity and flavor, and the right toppings can elevate it even further. Start with a classic slice of American cheese for a creamy melt, or go for cheddar for a sharper bite. Add fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes for a crisp, juicy contrast to the rich beef patty. Onions—whether raw for a sharp kick or grilled for sweetness—are a great choice. Pickles offer a tangy crunch, and a dollop of ketchup and mustard brings that classic burger flavor. For a little extra indulgence, a spread of mayonnaise or special sauce can add creaminess to complete your perfect Butter Burger!
More Easy Burger Recipes
- air fryer barbecue cheeseburgers
- air fryer trader joe’s mahi mahi burgers
- burger king sausage egg and cheese croissan’wich
- ninja foodi hamburgers
- air fryer lamb burgers
- ninja foodi grill hamburgers
- air fryer frozen white castle burgers
- Copycat Burger King Burger
Don’t Forget To Pin!
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Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers Recipe
Description
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
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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