Culver's-Style Smashed Butter Cheeseburger
A copycat recreation of Culver's iconic butter cheeseburger, featuring a thin smashed patty seared until deeply browned, topped with melted American cheese and assembled on a buttered, toasted bun. This version captures the signature technique of pressing the beef thin for maximum crust development and layering simple toppings--lettuce, tomato, onion, and dill pickle--with classic condiments. Perfect for lunch or casual dinner, this burger prioritizes the textural contrast between the crispy-edged meat and soft, buttery bun.
Ingredients
- ¼ pound ground beef
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ounce American cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ounce hamburger bun
- 1 leaf lettuce
- 1 slice tomato
- 1 slice red onion
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
Instructions
- 1
Heat skillet over high heat until very hot
- 2
Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet
- 3
Form ground beef into a patty and place in skillet
- 4
Smash the patty very thin using a spatula, pressing firmly
- 5
Cook until the meat is deeply browned, being careful not to dry it out
- 6
Flip the patty over
- 7
Season with salt and pepper
- 8
Place cheese on top of the meat
- 9
Meanwhile, butter both sides of the bun
- 10
Toast both sides of the buttered bun in the skillet until browned
- 11
Spread condiments on the bottom bun
- 12
Layer with pickle slices, tomato, lettuce, and onion
- 13
Place the cooked meat patty with cheese on top of vegetables
- 14
Cover with the top bun
Tips
Smash the patty aggressively while it cooks--this creates a flavorful, crispy-edged crust that defines the Culver's style burger.
Toast the buttered bun in the same skillet after cooking the patty to absorb residual heat and flavors from the meat.
Good to Know
Best served immediately. Leftover burger may be refrigerated for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly.
Form patty and measure ingredients 2 hours before cooking. Assemble toppings in advance but do not layer until ready to cook.
Serve hot, immediately after assembly, with fries or a simple side salad.
Common Mistakes
Do not move the patty excessively while searing to avoid breaking the crust.
Do not over-press after flipping to avoid drying out the meat.
Do not skip buttering and toasting the bun--this step is essential to the signature texture.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Cheddar or Swiss work well, though American cheese is traditional for this copycat. Use the same quantity and melt over the hot patty.
What if my patty falls apart?
Form the beef more gently and ensure it is cold before cooking. Avoid over-handling. If it breaks, press it together in the skillet immediately.
How long can I keep a leftover burger?
Refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness of the bun and patty.