Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions and American Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Butter burgers are a delicious classic with juicy beef patties and rich, buttery buns topped with sweet sautéed onions. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings a nostalgic, indulgent twist to your typical burger night.

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons salted butter (softened and divided, about 1¼ sticks)
• 1 medium sweet onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon water
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 homemade burger buns (toasted)
• 4 slices American cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, water, and ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cover and cook until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium-low and remove the lid. Continue cooking until the onions are translucent and just starting to brown, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and divide into 4 equal portions. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape each into a 4½ by ½-inch patty. Sprinkle both sides with the remaining salt and black pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly on the top half of each toasted burger bun and set aside.
5. Step 5: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet until it begins to smoke. Use a spatula to transfer the patties to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Flip the patties and cook for 1 additional minute. Place one slice of American cheese on each patty and continue cooking until the cheese melts, about 20 to 30 seconds more.
7. Step 7: Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on the bottom half of a bun. Top with a quarter of the sautéed onions, then add the buttered bun top. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Tips & Variations

• Use 80% lean ground beef for even juicier burgers if preferred.
• Swap American cheese for cheddar or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
• For extra richness, add a small pat of butter on top of each patty before adding the cheese.
• Serve with pickles or a simple mustard sauce to cut through the richness.

Storage

Butter burgers are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet and toast buns briefly before assembling to retain flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the sautéed onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the onions a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding to the burgers.

Can I use regular salted butter instead of kosher salted butter?

Yes, regular salted butter works fine. Just adjust the added salt in the recipe to taste.

Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions and American Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 55 reviews

A rich and flavorful Butter Burger recipe featuring juicy ground beef patties cooked in butter, topped with melted American cheese, sweet sautéed onions, and served on toasted homemade buns with a generous spread of butter for a decadent burger experience.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Burger and Toppings

• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 homemade burger buns (toasted)

Butter and Onion Mixture

• 12 tablespoons salted butter (softened and divided, 1¼ sticks)
• 1 medium sweet onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Cook Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion, 1 tablespoon of water, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover the skillet and cook the onions for about 5 minutes until tender.
2. Caramelize Onions: Remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, for an additional 3 minutes until they are translucent and just starting to brown. Transfer the onions to a plate and divide into 4 equal portions. Set aside.
3. Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 4½ inches wide and ½ inch thick. Season both sides of each patty with the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper. Refrigerate the patties for 15-30 minutes to firm up.
4. Prepare the Buns: Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter on the top half of each toasted burger bun. Set aside.
5. Cook the Patties: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for the onions until it begins to smoke. Carefully transfer the patties to the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes undisturbed to form a crust.
6. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty and cook for 1 more minute. Place one slice of American cheese on each patty and continue cooking for about 20-30 seconds until the cheese melts.
7. Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty onto the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top each patty with a quarter portion of the sautéed onions. Finish by placing the buttered bun tops over the onions. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using softened butter for spreading ensures it melts nicely into the buns.
• Do not press down on the patties while cooking to keep them juicy.
• Cooking the onions with a bit of water helps soften them without burning.
• Letting the patties chill before cooking helps maintain their shape and promotes even cooking.
• This recipe works best with freshly toasted buns and freshly ground beef for optimal flavor.

Keywords: butter burger, cheeseburger, sautéed onions, homemade burger buns, American cheese, skillet burger