olive burger michigan recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best olive burger michigan recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – the Olive Burger Michigan. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason.

It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. The story behind this recipe is as fascinating as it is delicious.

The Olive Burger Michigan originated from the great state of Michigan, where it was created by local chefs who wanted to put their own twist on the classic burger. They added a generous helping of olives, which gave the burger its distinctive flavor and texture.

I must say, it was love at first bite! Our kids adore this recipe, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings.

We make it for special occasions, but also for regular weeknight meals when we need something hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just brown some ground beef, add the olives and some seasonings, and serve on a toasted bun.

The result is a mouthwatering burger that’s both familiar and excitingly different. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this burger is a guilt-free treat for all ages.

Michigan Olive Burger

4.9 from 558 votes

A classic Michigan diner specialty featuring a juicy beef patty topped with a creamy, tangy olive sauce. The briny chopped olives and melted American cheese create a unique and savory flavor combination that is beloved across the state.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Olive Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives
2 tablespoons olive brine (from the jar)
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Burgers

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices American cheese
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
4 leaves lettuce
4 slices tomato

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped green olives, olive brine, chopped onion, white vinegar, and black pepper.
2Stir until well blended, then cover and refrigerate the olive sauce while you prepare the burgers.
3Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick.
4Season both sides of each patty with salt and black pepper.
5Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
6Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7During the last minute of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese.
8Toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns on the griddle or in a toaster until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
9Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on the bottom half of each bun.
10Set a cheeseburger patty on top of the tomato slice.
11Spoon a generous amount of the chilled olive sauce over the cheese.
12Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Griddle or large skillet
Spatula
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 34g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1180mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a less salty sauce, use low-sodium olives or rinse them before chopping. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle kick.

To store leftover olive burgers, let them cool completely then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium low heat for a few minutes on each side. This keeps the patties juicy and prevents them from drying out.

You can also reheat them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes if you are making several at once. For serving, I love to put these burgers on toasted brioche buns with a smear of garlic mayo and some crisp lettuce. They are also fantastic on a salad if you want to skip the carbs.

Leftover patties are great crumbled over nachos or mixed into scrambled eggs the next morning. This recipe is always a good idea for game day parties, family reunions, or just a fun dinner at home. It works well for any occasion because it is simple to make and everyone loves the unique flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Olive Burger

Q: What type of olives are best for this recipe?

Pitted green olives work beautifully in this recipe, adding a salty, slightly bitter flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

Q: Can I use fresh or canned olives?

Both fresh and canned olives can be used in this recipe. Fresh olives will add a more vibrant flavor, while canned olives will provide a more consistent taste.

Q: How many burgers does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 8-10 burgers, depending on how large you like them.

Q: Can I add other toppings to my Olive Burger Michigan?

Yes, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some popular options include sliced cheese, diced onions, lettuce, tomato slices, or even caramelized onions.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No, this recipe uses ground beef as its main ingredient; however, you can easily substitute with a plant-based meat alternative or skip the meat altogether and use additional vegetables as a topping.

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