Luther Burger

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Quick Bite

An over-the-top Southern-style burger made with glazed doughnuts instead of regular hamburger buns. It is usually a bacon cheeseburger sandwiched between two glazed doughnuts, often Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

History

The Luther Burger is a decadent Southern burger known for replacing traditional hamburger buns with glazed doughnuts. Most versions feature a beef patty, cheese, and bacon sandwiched between two sweet, glazed doughnuts, creating a rich sweet-and-savory combination that has become a cult favorite across the South.

The burger is most closely associated with Decatur, where a local bar called Mulligan’s is often credited with popularizing it in the 1990s after allegedly substituting doughnuts for hamburger buns during a late-night rush. While the exact origin remains debated, the sandwich quickly gained notoriety for its indulgent nature and over-the-top flavor profile.

Its name is tied to Luther Vandross. Popular food lore claimed the soul singer either loved the burger or inspired its creation, though there is no confirmed evidence he invented it himself.

The Luther Burger gained national attention in the 2000s after appearing in The Boondocks, where it was humorously portrayed as an outrageously unhealthy comfort food. Since then, the burger has become a staple at food festivals, diners, and specialty burger restaurants throughout the South, especially in Georgia.

Fun Facts

• Some restaurants add extras like fried eggs, maple syrup, or spicy jalapeños to balance the sweetness of the doughnuts.
• The Luther Burger is often featured at Southern fairs, food truck festivals, and extreme-food competitions.
• Because of its rich ingredients, the sandwich has earned nicknames like “the ultimate cheat meal” and “a heart attack on a plate.”

Where to Try

Cypress Street Pint & Plate Atlanta, Georgia
A longtime Atlanta pub associated with doughnut-burger versions like the Sublime Doughnut Burger. Their menu changes, so call ahead if you are going specifically for it.

Aqua Terra Bistro Buford, Georgia
This Buford spot has been noted for a Krispy Kreme burger-style creation with beef, bacon, cheese, and barbecue sauce.

Prominent Bar & Restaurant Byron, Georgia
Their menu lists a Donut Burger, making it a useful Georgia stop for the sweet-savory burger experience.

Recipe

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Luther Burger Servings: 2 Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Southern Doughnut Burger

Ingredients

For the burgers

• 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 works best
• 4 glazed doughnuts
• 4 slices bacon
• 2 slices American cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter, optional, for toasting doughnuts

Optional toppings

• Fried egg
• Jalapeños
• Maple syrup
• Pickles

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 2 equal patties slightly larger than the doughnuts.
4. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the burgers: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
6. Cook patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness.
7. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and let it melt.
8. Prepare the doughnuts: Slice the glazed doughnuts in half horizontally.
9. Lightly toast the cut sides in a buttered skillet for 30–60 seconds until slightly caramelized.
10. Assemble the Luther Burger: Place the cheeseburger patty on the bottom doughnut half.
11. Add bacon and any optional toppings.
12. Finish with the top doughnut half.
13. Serve hot.

Serving note: Krispy Kreme doughnuts are a classic choice. For extra contrast, try pickles or jalapeños to cut through the sweetness, or add a fried egg if you want the full over-the-top experience.

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