The Wisconsin “Butter Burger” Twist I Can’t Stop Making This Summer

A flavorful twist on the traditional Wisconsin butter burger is sweeping through home kitchens this summer, with many recreating the popular cowboy butter variation. This trend, inspired by classic Wisconsin burger styles, emphasizes rich butter spread infused with herbs and spices, adding a new dimension to the summer grilling season.

The trend centers around a recipe that combines a butter mixture—called cowboy butter—with burger patties and toasted buns. The cowboy butter is made from softened unsalted butter mixed with fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, horseradish, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt, creating a zesty, spicy spread that melts into the burger and bun. The recipe is credited to The Kitchn, which highlights how this flavorful butter enhances the burger’s richness and adds a spicy kick.

Home cooks are embracing this variation by spreading the cowboy butter on toasted buns before assembling their burgers, which are cooked to preferred doneness and topped with cheese and sautéed onions. The butter can also be used on steaks, baked potatoes, and grilled vegetables, making it a versatile condiment for summer grilling.

Why the Cowboy Butter Burger Trend Matters

This summer trend reflects a resurgence of classic regional burger styles, with a modern, flavorful twist that elevates home grilling. It offers a simple way for cooks to add richness and spice, making outdoor meals more indulgent. The popularity of this variation also highlights how traditional comfort foods can be reinvented with creative ingredients, encouraging home cooks to experiment and elevate their summer menus. As a widely sharable recipe, it may influence broader burger trends and inspire new flavor combinations across the country.

Origins and Rise of Wisconsin Butter Burgers

Wisconsin has long been known for its butter-rich burgers, with establishments like Solly’s Grille and Kroll’s West popularizing the style. These burgers typically feature butter either melted into the patty or tucked into toasted buns, creating an extra-rich eating experience. The trend gained renewed attention through food websites and social media, where home cooks began sharing their own versions, especially during the summer grilling season. The recent surge in popularity is partly driven by the appeal of adding bold, flavorful spreads like cowboy butter, which incorporate herbs, spices, and condiments into the butter for added complexity.

“The cowboy butter variation brings a new level of flavor to the traditional Wisconsin butter burger, making it a perfect summer grilling addition.”

— an anonymous researcher

Unconfirmed Aspects of the Trend’s Future

It is not yet clear how widespread the cowboy butter burger trend will become beyond summer 2024 or whether it will lead to broader culinary innovations. While social media buzz is strong, there is limited data on how many home cooks are adopting the recipe long-term or if restaurants will incorporate similar variations into their menus. Additionally, the specific variations and ingredient preferences may evolve as more people experiment with the concept.

Next Steps for Home Cooks and Food Trends

Expect continued sharing of cowboy butter burger recipes and variations on social media platforms throughout the summer. Food bloggers and chefs may experiment further with incorporating similar flavored butters into other grilled dishes. As the trend gains traction, retailers might see increased sales of ingredients like smoked paprika, horseradish, and fresh herbs, and restaurants may introduce their own versions of butter-enhanced burgers.

Key Questions

What makes cowboy butter different from regular butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavored butter made with herbs, spices, and condiments like parsley, Dijon mustard, horseradish, smoked paprika, and cayenne, giving it a spicy, tangy, and savory profile that enhances grilled dishes.

Can I use this butter on other foods besides burgers?

Yes, cowboy butter is versatile and works well on steaks, baked potatoes, grilled corn, and vegetables, adding flavor and richness to a variety of dishes.

Is this trend suitable for all types of grilling?

Yes, the cowboy butter can be applied whether grilling on a charcoal grill, gas grill, or stovetop, as long as the burgers or other foods are cooked to safe temperatures and the butter is added at the right stage for melting and flavor infusion.

Are there any food safety considerations when making this butter?

Yes, ensure that butter is kept at proper refrigeration temperatures until use and that cooked meats reach safe internal temperatures. When spreading on buns, use clean utensils to prevent cross-contamination.

Source: The Kitchn