Copycat Culver's Pretzel Bun ButterBurger Recipe (Bun Innovation Game Changer)
The pretzel bun was a game-changer for our burger night! Soft, salty exterior with that signature ButterBurger taste - impossibly juicy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Pretzel buns 2 pieces
- Fresh ground beef 80/20 1 lb
- Wisconsin cheddar cheese slices 2 pieces
- Leaf lettuce 2 pieces
- Tomato slices 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
- Wisconsin unsalted butter 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt 1 tsp
- Fresh ground black pepper 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
43 g
24%
Protein
32 g
18%
Fat
41 g
58%
Cooking steps
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1
Shape fresh ground beef into two 1/2 lb patties, pressing flat (about 1/2 inch thick) and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
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2
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high until hot (about 400°F); cook patties 3–4 minutes per side without pressing, just until a deeply browned crust forms and juices run clear.
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3
While burgers cook, slice pretzel buns horizontally. Spread 1 tbsp Wisconsin butter on each cut side; toast buns face-down in a hot skillet or griddle until golden and slightly crisp (about 1–2 minutes). Copycat tip: Only real Wisconsin butter captures Culver's ButterBurger signature flavor.
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4
During the final minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Wisconsin cheddar; cover to melt cheese. Remove patties and let rest 1 minute.
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5
To assemble: Place lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, add cheesy beef patty, and cap with the toasted, buttered pretzel bun. Enjoy immediately for maximum juiciness and authentic Culver's experience!
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this actually taste like Culver's?
Yes! Using fresh ground beef, Wisconsin butter, and cheddar on a soft pretzel bun closely mimics the iconic Culver's ButterBurger. Toasting the buns in real butter and letting the beef develop a crispy crust are key steps for that signature juicy, buttery flavor.
Q. Can I make this Pretzel Bun ButterBurger at home without any special equipment?
Absolutely. A standard skillet or griddle works perfectly for both the burger and bun. Just preheat well and use a spatula to flip—no restaurant equipment needed. Assembly is easy, and the steps replicate Culver's techniques for home cooks.
Q. Can I customize the cheese or make this dairy-free?
You can swap Wisconsin cheddar for your favorite cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version. The butter is essential for the authentic ButterBurger taste, but if needed, plant-based butter alternatives will work, though flavor may differ.
Q. How many calories and nutrition details per serving?
Each Pretzel Bun ButterBurger serving is about 730 kcal. Nutrition per serving: 43g carbs (24%), 32g protein (18%), and 41g fat (58%). It’s rich, indulgent, and filling—just like the Culver's classic.
Q. Is making these at home cheaper than ordering from Culver's?
Definitely! You can make two ButterBurgers for about half the price of ordering from Culver's, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. Plus, you control quality and portion size for better value.
