Garlic Butter Burger

Name: Garlic Butter Burger
Ingredients: 4 cloves garlic; ½ cup salted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 pound 20% fat ground beef; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 slices American cheese; 4 brioche burger buns; 4 slices tomato; ½ cup shredded lettuce

If youre a fan of garlic bread and Butter Burgers, try out this delicious recipe which is a mashup of the two. The burgers themselves have garlic butter inside which melts as the burger cooks, soaking through the meat and keeping it super moist. A touch of garlic butter is added on top of each burger too, so it can coat the surface before getting topped with cheese. As a final flourish, the brioche buns are spread with garlic butter then grilled for a crispy garlic bread effect.

Garlic-Parsley Compound Butter

By cooking the garlic gently in some butter first, it softens that harsh, raw garlic flavor whilst infusing the butter with the caramelized aromas. This is cooled before being stirred into softened butter and parsley, which adds some vibrancy and freshness.

I like to set some of this aside now so that it remains the perfect consistency for spreading onto the buns. However, if youre prepping this ahead of time, just keep it in the fridge until an hour before youre ready to use it.

The remaining garlic-parsley butter is wrapped up in baking paper or wax paper into a log and frozen until firm (butter hardens up quickly in the freezer so dont worry about having to wait ages). I do this because the frozen butter is super easy to slice thinly into disks, which can then be wrapped in the burger meat.

How to Shape the Burgers

To encapsulate the garlic butter inside the burger, the best method is to take most of a 4-ounce chunk of ground beef and shape it into a patty with a well in the middle. This way, when the disk of butter is added to the well, the walls of beef help to keep the butter inside. This is then topped with the remaining meat and pressed together to ensure the butter is fully covered.

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup salted butter, softened, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 pound 80% lean ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices American cheese
4 brioche burger buns
4 slices tomato
1/2 cup shredded lettuce

Directions

Gather your ingredients.
Crush garlic and then cook it in 2 tablespoons butter in a small pan over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. This is just to remove the raw flavor of the garlic. Let cool, then mix it into the remaining butter with parsley.
Set half of garlic butter aside to use for spreading on the buns. Wrap the remaining butter in a sheet of wax paper, roll it into a log (about 1 1/4-inch diameter), then place into the freezer to harden completely, about 20 minutes.
Unwrap frozen butter, and slice into at least 8 thin disks. Its better to have more than 8 slices if you can to have a few spares. Return 4 slices to the freezer to stay firm.
Preheat an outdoor grill to a medium-high heat, about 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), then shape the burgers.
Divide beef into 4 3-ounce pieces and 4 1-ounce pieces. Form the 3-ounce hunks into a patty with a well in the center to help contain the butter. Place a frozen disk of garlic butter on top of each of the 4 patties. Use the 1-ounce pieces of beef to cover the butter disks, pressing beef together firmly to seal butter inside.
Season both sides of each patty with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then press your thumb into the middle of each burger to create a little dip on top.
Grill burgers for 3 to 4 minutes on one side then flip over. Top each with a disk of garlic butter and, once melted, top with a slice of American cheese. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on this side, then remove from the grill to a clean tray to rest.
Meanwhile, spread softened garlic butter you set aside earlier over the cut sides of burger buns. Grill buns, cut side down, until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds.
Stack burgers into grilled buns with lettuce and tomato and any other bits you want. Serve burgers warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrate	Dietary Fiber	Total Sugars	Protein	Vitamin C	Calcium	Iron	Potassium
2193	151g	86g	516mg	3386mg	138g	7g	25g	72g	28mg	1530mg	13mg	1343mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Garlic Butter Burger

The Story Behind the Garlic Butter Burger

The Garlic Butter Burger is a modern twist on classic American comfort food, blending the rich, savory flavors of garlic butter with the hearty satisfaction of a grilled beef patty. This culinary creation draws inspiration from two iconic dishes: the buttery, golden garlic bread popularized in European kitchens, and the traditional American burger, a symbol of casual dining and backyard cookouts. Its invention likely emerged from chefs and home cooks experimenting with infusing burgers with additional flavors, aiming to combine the indulgent texture of butter with the robust taste of beef.

Regional Variations

While the Garlic Butter Burger is most commonly associated with American cuisine, regional adaptations have emerged across the United States. In the Midwest, its often served with extra cheddar or Swiss cheese and pickled toppings, emphasizing a hearty, comforting meal. Coastal regions, such as California, favor lighter toppings like fresh lettuce, tomato, and arugula, allowing the garlic butter to shine as the star flavor. Southern variations sometimes include spicy jalapeo or smoked paprika in the garlic butter, giving the burger a distinctive kick.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional cheeseburger, where condiments are layered on top, the Garlic Butter Burger encases the garlic-infused butter inside the patty itself. This results in a melting core of buttery flavor that permeates the meat as it cooks. It also differs from a garlic bread sandwich, which primarily emphasizes bread and toppings; here, the burger remains a protein-forward dish while integrating garlic butter as a key ingredient rather than just a side element. This unique preparation gives it a richer, more indulgent taste compared to conventional burgers or garlic-topped sandwiches.

Typical Serving Venues

Garlic Butter Burgers are versatile enough to appear in a variety of settings. High-end burger restaurants often feature them as a specialty menu item, highlighting the artisanal garlic butter and gourmet brioche buns. They are also a favorite at backyard barbecues and cookouts, where the sizzling butter enhances the flavor of the grilled meat. Casual diners and gastropubs may serve them alongside hand-cut fries or onion rings, often emphasizing locally sourced ingredients to elevate the overall experience.

Interesting Facts

The garlic butter used inside the burger is sometimes prepared with caramelized garlic, which mellows the pungency while adding a sweet, nutty aroma.
Freezing the butter into small disks before inserting it into the patty ensures it stays intact during cooking and melts evenly inside the burger.
This burger has become a popular fusion item in American food culture, inspiring variations like truffle garlic butter burgers or spicy herb-infused versions.
Despite its richness, the Garlic Butter Burger is celebrated for its balanced flavor: the fresh parsley in the butter adds a bright, herbal note that contrasts with the savory beef.
It is often paired with lightly toasted brioche buns, which replicate the buttery texture of garlic bread while providing a soft, slightly sweet foundation for the burger.

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FAQ about Garlic Butter Burger

If you're preparing the garlic butter ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a log form, as described in the recipe. Once frozen, slice it into discs as needed. The frozen butter should be used within a month for optimal flavor.

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Swiss, cheddar, or provolone are great alternatives to American cheese. Choose the one you prefer based on taste or availability.

The seasoning is flexible. If you like your burgers spicier, consider adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. You can also increase the amount of garlic or add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.

Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that it might make the burgers a bit drier since the fat content in the beef helps keep the burger juicy. If you do use leaner beef, consider adding a bit more butter to maintain moisture.

Yes, you can cook the burgers in a skillet or on a stovetop griddle. Use medium-high heat and cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, then add the garlic butter and cheese as directed in the recipe.

Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving. If you'd like to keep the burgers fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.

Yes, the garlic butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to a week in advance. If freezing, ensure the butter is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

You can substitute brioche buns with other types of soft, slightly sweet buns like challah or butter buns. You can also use a whole wheat version if you prefer a more hearty option.

Definitely! You can add extra toppings like pickles, onions, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado for additional flavor and texture. Customize the burger based on your preferences.

These burgers go well with a variety of sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw. You can also serve them with grilled vegetables or pickles for a tangy contrast to the rich garlic butter.