ButterBurger “The Original”
The burger the Culver family built the chain on, and a lesson in how much a bun matters. The fresh beef is seared on the flat grill and served on a crown that is buttered and toasted, so the first thing you taste is warm, rich bread against a crusty patty. Keep the toppings minimal the first time and let the butter do its job.
The story
Culver’s opened in 1984 with the ButterBurger as its centrepiece, a Midwestern idea borrowed from old Wisconsin diners where buns were routinely buttered before toasting. The chain turned a regional habit into its identity, and in 2024, for its fortieth birthday, the Governor of Wisconsin declared July 18 “Culver’s Day”.
What’s inside
Make it at home
There is no copycat of the ButterBurger “The Original” yet. Until there is, these recipes on the site come closest to it, judged by what goes into the bun.
- Shares beef
McDonald's Hamburger (Copycat) - Shares beef
TOP 2McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese (Copycat) - Shares beef
McLewis Burger - Shares beef
McDonald's Cheeseburger (Copycat)
Similar burgers at other chains
Built around the same things as the ButterBurger “The Original”.- Kewpee Hamburgers · beef
SignatureHamburger - McDonald's · beef
Hamburger - Dom Dom Hamburger · beef
Hamburger - Krystal · beef
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About Culver's
The Culver family opened their first restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in July 1984, in a building that had been an A&W. They built it around two things Wisconsin takes very seriously: dairy and hospitality. The frozen custard is made fresh throughout the day, the cheese curds are the real squeaky kind, and staff still bring the food to your table.
About 1,000 restaurants in 27 states, most of them in the Midwest.
Not affiliated with Culver's. Trademarks belong to their owners.