Wisconsin Grilled Butter Burgers on Arteflame

Introduction

Wisconsin Grilled Butter Burgers are a beloved Midwestern classic made even more delicious on the Arteflame grill. This recipe combines juicy seared beef with rich butter and toasted buns for an unforgettable bite. With Arteflame, you’ll achieve a steakhouse-style crust thanks to the 1,000°F center grill grate, followed by gently finishing the burgers on the flat cooktop to perfect doneness. This is all done without pots, pans, or an oven—just pure outdoor grilling bliss.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 4 brioche or bakery-style hamburger buns
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of Wisconsin cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced onions (optional)
• Pickles, lettuce, tomato, condiments of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill base.
2. Stack a few pieces of dry firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build. In about 20 minutes, the grill will be ready for cooking with the center at over 1,000°F.

Step 2: Form the burger patties

1. Divide the ground chuck into 4 equal portions and gently shape them into patties, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the burgers

1. Place the patties directly onto the center grill grate over the 1,000°F fire.
2. Sear for about 1.5-2 minutes per side to develop a rich crust, then move them to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking.
3. Brush each patty with melted butter while cooking on the flat top and cook to your desired doneness (remove when internal temperature is 15°F below your target as they’ll continue to cook).

Step 4: Toast the buns

1. Butter the insides of each bun and place them face down on the flat cooktop until golden brown and toasted.

Step 5: Add cheese and assemble

1. Place a slice of Wisconsin cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt on the flat top.
2. Layer your burgers with toppings such as onions, pickles, lettuce, and condiments.
3. Place the patty on the toasted bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use high-quality ground chuck for the best fat ratio and flavor.
• Sear over the center grill grate briefly to lock in juices, then move to the cooler flat top to finish.
• Let patties rest briefly off the grill before serving.
• Grill onions and other toppings on the flat cooktop while burgers are cooking.
• Use real butter for richness—avoid olive oil for this recipe.

Variations

1. Smoky Bacon Butter Burger: Add grilled applewood-smoked bacon and smoked gouda over the burger before serving.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Butter Burger: Top with grilled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo for a spicy kick.
3. Mushroom Swiss Butter Burger: Sauté sliced mushrooms on the griddle with butter and top the burger with Swiss cheese.
4. Garlic Herb Butter Burger: Mix minced garlic and fresh herbs into the butter before brushing onto the burger for an earthy flavor.
5. BBQ Butter Burger: Add a brush of BBQ sauce on the patties during cooking and top with crispy fried onions and cheddar.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter (grilled on the flat cooktop)
• Hand-cut griddle fries seasoned with sea salt
• Pickled cucumbers and red onions for a tangy bite
• Cold craft beer or a classic root beer float
• Grilled peach halves with a honey drizzle for dessert

Conclusion

Grilling Wisconsin Butter Burgers on the Arteflame delivers the perfect combination of rich flavor, juicy texture, and stunning sear. Whether you're cooking them for a backyard barbecue or family dinner, they’ll become your new go-to burger recipe. Remember to take advantage of the Arteflame’s heat zones—control the perfect grill experience and serve up unforgettable burgers every time.