ButterBurgers have been a signature menu item at Culver’s restaurants since the first location opened in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin. So what makes these burgers stand out from a regular burger and earn the name “ButterBurger”? Let’s explore the key ingredients and preparation that have made ButterBurgers a beloved favorite across the Midwest.
The ButterBurger Patty
The patty itself starts with 100% fresh, never frozen ground beef. Culver’s uses choice Angus beef chuck that is ground in-house every morning at each restaurant. The chuck comes from the shoulder area of the cow, which provides great fat marbling that keeps the patties tender and juicy. Once the beef is ground, patties are formed by hand, portioned to 1/3 pound or 1/2 pound sizes. That hand-crafted patty provides a cleaner, fresher flavor than pre-frozen patties from a factory.
Seasoning
Before the patties hit the grill, they are seasoned liberally with salt and pepper. Some savory notes are welcome amidst all that rich butter and beef. The seasoning also provides texture and helps form that flavorful outer crust when grilled.
Grilling Method
The patties go on a hot buttered grill to cook through. The grill imparts a lovely char and caramelized notes while rendering all those beefy juices within. Culver’s actually butters the grill before cooking the patties, so they baste and sizzle in even more butter from the start. The patties are pressed gently into the grates to maximize surface contact and flavor development.
The Buttered Bun
No element plays a bigger role in Culver’s signature sandwich than the buttered bun. Fresh baked buns are spread edge to edge with sweet, creamy butter before toasting on a hot flattop grill. The melting butter soaks into the nooks and crannies of the bun, keeping it moist but also crisping the edges. Every bite provides the rich taste and aroma of toasted butter bread.
Bakery Fresh Buns
Culver’s bakes their signature burger buns fresh in each restaurant every day. They use a classic bakery-style base of flour, yeast, milk, and eggs. The buns have a soft, tender crumb with a subtly sweet flavor. Daily baking ensures the buns are at peak freshness and pillowy texture.
Sweet Cream Butter
Only real, high-quality butter will do when making a ButterBurger. Culver’s uses a sweet cream butter that provides the most delicate, milky flavor possible. Sweet cream has a lower fat content, which allows the fresh dairy flavor to really sing. It melts readily too, ideal for soaking into a warm bun.
Toasted On The Flat Top
With a generous slathering of butter inside and out, the buns are toasted face down on a hot flattop grill. The direct heat crisps up the buttered exterior while melting the interior butter into the bread’s nooks and crannies. It takes just a minute or two for the ideal crunch and saturation. The flat top also imparts a subtle char for extra flavor.
Cheese Choices
Oozing melted cheese is another essential component of a ButterBurger. Culver’s offers American and Cheddar cheese slices as the classic choices. For more variety, they also offer provolone, Swiss, pepper jack and bleu cheese crumbles as options. The melted cheese provides creamy texture and tangy flavor contrast to the other elements. The cheese essentially glues the burger together too!
American Cheese
American cheese is the most popular ButterBurger cheese choice. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the buttered bun and beef patty. When melted, American cheese provides that essential gooey texture. As a slice, it drapes smoothly over the patty contours.
Cheddar Cheese
For a sharper cheddar flavor, you can’t go wrong with Cheddar cheese on your ButterBurger. It offers a nutty, tangy punch of flavor. The buttery bun balances out the sharpness nicely. When melted, cheddar provides lovely creaminess to each bite.
Specialty Cheeses
To change up your ButterBurger, consider one of the specialty cheeses. Swiss cheese provides nutty, mellow flavors with subtle holes and creamy melting. Pepper jack boosts the spice quotient with jalapeños. Provolone has a mild tanginess similar to American but firmer texture when melted. And for adventurous cheese lovers, crumbled bleu cheese adds a nice peppery bite.
The Sauce Spread
What really ties the whole ButterBurger together is the messy blend of butter, beef juices and toppings all mixing together. Culver’s has two signature sauce options that perfectly complement the core ingredients. A spread of ketchup and mayo is the classic choice. For bolder flavor, try the zesty ButterBurger sauce packed with relish.
Ketchup and Mayo
You can’t go wrong pairing a cheeseburger with ketchup and mayo. Mayo adds a creamy richness and tang to contrast the sweet tomato notes of ketchup. Together, they make the quintessential sauce to bind the patty, cheese and buttered bun. Spreading it on top bun also prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
ButterBurger Sauce
For an extra flavor punch, try Culver’s special ButterBurger sauce. It features a blend of mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, onion, and other spices and seasonings. The relish provides sweet and tangy notes along with crunchy texture. Spices like mustard, paprika and garlic amp up the overall flavor impact. It makes each bite pop with flavor.
The Fresh Vegetable Toppings
Crisp fresh vegetables serve as the finishing touch on a ButterBurger. Lettuce and tomato provide moisture and cooling contrast. Onions and pickles bring crunch and a tangy bite. Culver’s uses high-quality vegetables prepared in-house daily.
Leaf Lettuce
Cool, crisp lettuce is the foundation for any burger topping. Culver’s uses a leaf lettuce for its delicate, tender texture compared to iceberg. Leaf lettuce has more complex flavor with subtle sweetness. Its ruffled edges give more visual appeal too. The lettuce provides necessary crunch and moisture.
Sliced Tomato
A slice of ripe red tomato is a given for any classic burger. The fresh tomato contributes sweetness and moisture along with vitamin C. Culver’s slices their tomatoes thick enough to get that satisfying bite. Go for tomato to enjoy its bright acidic flavor amidst the richer burger components.
Onions and Pickles
Grilled onions and whole dill pickle chips are popular ButterBurger toppings. The onions caramelize on the flat top, gaining sweet complexity. Pickles offer sour crunch and tangy flavor. Together they provide texture contrast and more ways to customize your burger.
Preparation and Serving
All of these ingredients come together in perfect construction to create the quintessential ButterBurger. The cooked hand-pressed patty is placed on the bottom bun, topped with cheese, sauce, and fresh veggies. The top bun caps it all off. A gentle press down and the ButterBurger is ready to eat! Culver’s serves it wrapped in paper on a plastic tray. The package allows you to eat it by hand and savor the amazing blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Hot Off The Grill
Everything is prepared fresh to order, so you are guaranteed a hot, melty, juicy ButterBurger every time. The grill imparts smoky flavor while melting the cheese and butter perfectly. Nothing beats that first bite into the crispy buttered bun giving way to the oozing fillings.
Wrapped For Portability
Culver’s wraps each ButterBurger in wax paper for easy eating on the go. The sandwich construction allows you to pick it up and take a big satisfying bite. The package also contains any juicy drips and keeps your hands clean-ish. You get portability without losing the essence of the hot, fresh burger experience.
Enjoy With Both Hands
Go ahead and grab your ButterBurger with both hands! This is not a dainty burger. The wrapped package and tray allow you to dig right in without utensils. You get the full sensory experience of flavors and textures in every bite. The blending of ingredients provides new tastes and sensations with each mouthful.
The Classic ButterBurger
The original classic ButterBurger remains a popular menu item for good reason. It perfectly showcases the core components that make Culver’s signature sandwich special. The straightforward combination highlights the quality ingredients and preparation that launched an empire.
1/3 lb Fresh Beef Patty
The patty provides the hefty serving of savory, juicy beef flavor at the heart of the burger.
Bakery Bun With Butter
The lightly toasted, butter soaked bun delivers a perfect taste and texture contrast.
American Cheese
Melty American cheese gives an essential creamy tanginess and binding quality.
Ketchup and Mayo
The classic condiment duo blends with beef juices into a creamy, craveable sauce.
Lettuce and Tomato
Crisp lettuce and juicy tomato provide fresh contrast and nutrition.
Customizing Your ButterBurger
While the original hits the spot, Culver’s offers a wide range of customization options to suit any taste. Try different patties, cheeses, toppings and condiments to craft your own ideal ButterBurger.
Patty Options
| Patty | Details |
|---|---|
| 1/3 lb Beef | The classic patty provides great flavor and satisfaction. |
| 1/2 lb Beef | Double the beef for extra heartiness. |
| Chicken Breast | A lighter poultry option, buttered and grilled. |
| Portobello Mushroom | For a vegetarian-friendly ButterBurger. |
Bun Options
| Bun | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular | The standard ButterBurger bun. |
| Pretzel | A popular alternative with savory, chewy texture. |
| No bun | Go bunless with a lettuce wrap or on a bed of greens. |
Cheese Choices
| Cheese | Description |
|---|---|
| American | Classic melty, mild and creamy |
| Cheddar | Sharp, nutty cheddar flavor |
| Swiss | Nutty, mellow with hint of sweetness |
| Pepper Jack | Spicy kick from jalapeños |
| Provolone | Mild tanginess, firmer texture |
| Bleu Cheese | Strong, peppery punch |
Topping Add-Ons
| Topping | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bacon | Smoky, salty cured pork |
| Avocado | Creamy, nutty flavor and texture |
| Sauteed Mushrooms | Earthy, meaty sauteed ‘shrooms |
| Fried Onions | Sweet caramelized crunch |
| Jalapeños | Fresh spicy bite |
Pairing Sides
While certainly substantial on their own, ButterBurgers pair nicely with sides for a complete meal. The rich burger contrasts nicely with Culver’s crinkle cut fries. Cheese curds are a popular side for their nostalgic Wisconsin flavor. For a lighter side option, fresh side salads balance out a ButterBurger.
Crinkle Cut Fries
You can’t go wrong pairing a juicy burger with hot crispy fries. Culver’s does fries right by cutting whole potatoes into signature wedge shapes. Soak in a vinegar bath, then fry to golden perfection. Sprinkle with salt for the perfect crunchy, potato-y accompaniment.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds
As a Wisconsin-born chain, Culver’s offers classic cheese curds as an iconic side. Fresh curds have an irresistible mild cheddar flavor and squeaky texture when fried. They satisfy that craving for comfort food with a ButterBurger.
Fresh Salads
For a lighter meal, pair your ButterBurger with a fresh side salad. Options like garden, Caesar, cranberry walnut pecan or BLT provide nutrients and contrast. Dressings like ranch, French, bleu cheese or vinaigrette complement without overpowering the burger.
Kids Meals
Culver’s recognizes that ButterBurgers appeal to kids as well as adults. Their kids meal options allow you to pass down your ButterBurger love to the next generation.
Mini ButterBurgers
You can order a special mini ButterBurger with 1/6 lb beef patty, bun and American cheese. It satisfies kid-size appetites with the same delicious flavors.
Other Entrees
For variety, kids can choose crispy chicken tenders, a grilled cheese sandwich or a turkey sandwich instead of the mini burger. Each comes with crinkle fries or applesauce.
Sweet Treats
Every kids meal includes a freshly made cookie or other dessert like a scoop of waffle cone sundae. There’s always room for something sweet!
Seasonal Favorites
Culver’s mixes up their ButterBurger offerings throughout the year with specials suited to each season. Rotating options give customers fun new twists on the classic.
Spring – Pretzel Haus Pub Burger
The Pretzel Haus Pub Burger launches in spring with minty green color accents. It features a pretzel bun, beer cheese sauce, fried pickles and bacon.
Summer – BLT ButterBurger
Summer’s fresh produce shines in the BLT ButterBurger with garlic aioli, piled high with bacon, lettuce and tomato.
Fall – Pumpkin Spice ButterBurger
Fall brings warm pumpkin spice flavor to the menu with a pumpkin spice glazed bun and salted pumpkin spice butter.
Winter – Cranberry ButterBurger
Tart cranberries flavor the cranberry butter patty and cranberry mayo to celebrate winter.
The History of the ButterBurger
The original ButterBurger was created in 1984 by Culver’s founders Craig and Lea Culver. The couple opened the first Culver’s restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin after realizing their shared dream to own a family restaurant.
Original Menu
The original slim menu focused on burgers, fresh frozen custard and family friendly service. Burgers were made with fresh beef delivered daily from a local butcher. The signature ButterBurger was topped simply with cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion.
Instant Success
The handcrafted burgers made an immediate impression and word spread quickly. Demand was so high that they regularly sold out of burgers. Customers came from all around for the memorable Culver’s ButterBurger experience.
Consistency and Growth
As the company expanded, the Culvers focused on consistency, training crew to deliver hot delicious burgers using fresh ingredients. Stringent standards ensured each ButterBurger lived up to the original. Culver’s continued growing across the Midwest and now operates over 800 restaurants.
Nutritional Information
While indulgent, ButterBurgers can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Lean fresh beef provides protein, while veggies add vitamins and fiber.
Calories
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1/3 lb ButterBurger | 530 |
| 1/2 lb ButterBurger | 770 |
| Chicken Breast ButterBurger | 530 |
Key Nutrients
| Item | Protein | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3 lb ButterBurger | 25g | 31g | 2g |
| Brioche Bun | 8g | 23g | 1g |
| Tomato Slice | 1g | 3g | 1g |
Bringing Joy for Over 35 Years
Since that first restaurant opened in 1984, Culver’s has maintained a commitment to providing fresh, delicious food in welcoming restaurants. The ButterBurger has earned a special place in Midwestern food culture and family memories.
Focus on Quality
Culver’s success stems from adhering to high standards using quality ingredients. Cooks hand-press patties and prepare food fresh throughout the day. Extra steps make a difference in taste.
Consistency and Care
Extensive employee training ensures every Culver’s lives up to its reputation. Every ButterBurger is assembled with care to look as good as it tastes. Customers keep coming back for the consistent experiences.
Giving Back to Communities
Culver’s strong community roots show through in their support of local groups and partnerships with area farms and dairies. They aim to strengthen every place where restaurants operate.
Conclusion
The ButterBurger remains a menu staple because it delivers an indulgent, craveable experience every time. Its popularity stems from the perfect combination of flavor, ingredients and preparation. Fresh beef patties, buttered buns, melted cheese and custom toppings come together into burger perfection. This classic sandwich has earned Culver’s a special place in the hearts and stomachs of its Midwest fans, which will continue for generations to come.