michigan olive burger recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best michigan olive burger recipe

I’ve been making Michigan olive burgers for years, and they’re still a favorite in my household. I first discovered this recipe when I was a young mom, looking for ways to get my kids to eat more vegetables.

The combination of tender beef, flavorful olives, and fresh herbs is a winner with everyone. One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste.

If you like a bit more spice, add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the olives or reduce the amount used.

The key to making great olive burgers is using high-quality ingredients and not overmixing the meat. I always use freshly ground beef and finely chop the onions and herbs to ensure even distribution of flavors.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering. It’s also an excellent way to get your kids eating more greens by incorporating finely chopped lettuce and spinach into the patty mix.

Michigan Olive Burger

4.5 from 628 votes

A classic Michigan diner burger topped with a creamy, tangy olive sauce made from mayonnaise, chopped green olives, and olive brine. This savory-sweet combination is grilled to perfection and served on a toasted bun for a unique regional twist on the classic hamburger.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Burgers

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
1 tbsp butter, softened

For the Olive Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup green olives with pimentos, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive brine
1 tbsp finely diced onion
1 tsp white vinegar
1/4 tsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped green olives, olive brine, diced onion, white vinegar, and garlic powder.
2Stir until smooth, then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick.
4Press a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging during cooking.
5Season both sides with salt and pepper.
6Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (about 400°F).
7Once hot, place the patties on the cooking surface and cook for 4 minutes without moving them, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
8Flip the patties and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 160°F).
9During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of provolone cheese if using, and cover the grill or skillet to melt the cheese.
10While the patties cook, split the hamburger buns and spread the cut sides with softened butter.
11Toast the buns on the grill or in a separate skillet cut-side down for about 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown.
12Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
13Spoon a generous amount of the olive sauce over the patty, then cover with the top bun.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Grill or cast-iron skillet
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 34g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a more authentic Michigan olive burger, use green olives stuffed with pimentos and chop them finely. The olive sauce can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

This Michigan olive burger recipe has become a staple in our household over the years.

Not only do my kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, but they also devour these tasty patties without complaint.

Whether you’re serving them as part of a casual weeknight dinner or as an elegant main course at your next family gathering, these olive burgers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Olive Burger

Q: What type of beef is best for olive burgers?

A: For the best results, use freshly ground beef with a mix of chuck and brisket. This will give your burgers a rich, meaty flavor without being too dense or heavy.

Q: Can I use canned olives instead of fresh?

A: While canned olives can work in a pinch, fresh olives are always preferred for their vibrant flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, look for pitted green olives at your local grocery store or consider growing your own!

Q: How do I prevent my patties from breaking apart?

A: To avoid crumbling patties, make sure not to overmix the meat mixture. Use your fingers or a spatula to gently fold in the chopped herbs and onions until just combined.

Q: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: Are olive burgers suitable for vegetarians?

A: These burgers are made with beef and may not be suitable for vegetarians who follow a meatless diet.

Q: How do I reheat leftover olive burgers?

A: Reheat cooked patties by wrapping them in foil and warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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