Dinner

Michigan Olive Burger

Recipe Image 3

This burger is about to make you the hero of every backyard barbecue and the person everyone texts when they’re craving something incredible.

We’re talking about a juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patty topped with the most addictive olive spread that’s been Michigan’s best-kept secret for decades.

The tangy, briny olive mixture combined with creamy mayonnaise creates this flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary burger into something absolutely unforgettable.

Picture this: a perfectly grilled patty with those beautiful char marks, melted Swiss cheese slowly draping over the edges, all nestled between toasted buns.

The contrast of textures is pure magic – crispy lettuce, tender beef, and that creamy-chunky olive spread that ties everything together with its bold, savory punch.

Get ready to understand why Michiganders have been obsessing over this combination for generations, and why you’ll never want a regular burger again.

Ingredients

For the Olive Spread

1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup green olives, medium chopped
1 tablespoon olive brine
2 tablespoons red pepper relish (optional)

For the Burgers

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tablespoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
2 teaspoons finely ground black pepper
4 slices Swiss cheese (optional)
2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
4 burger buns, for toasting
3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Olive Spread

1 Add all ingredients for the olive spread to a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be creamy with visible olive pieces throughout.
2 Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up, making it easier to spread without sliding off the burger.

Set Up the Grill and Form Patties

3 Light your grill and set it up for two-zone cooking with one side over direct high heat and the other side over indirect medium heat. Allow the grill to preheat to 400-450°F (204-232°C).
4 While the grill preheats, divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Gently form into patties that are slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink during cooking. Create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
5 Season both sides of each patty generously with kosher salt and finely ground black pepper, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.

Grill the Burgers

6 Place burger patties on the grill over direct high heat. Sear for exactly 2 minutes on the first side without moving them – this creates those coveted grill marks and develops a flavorful crust.
7 Flip the patties and sear for another 2 minutes on the second side. You should hear a satisfying sizzle and see beautiful char marks forming.
8 Move the seared patties to the indirect heat side of the grill and close the lid. Continue cooking until they reach your desired doneness: 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium, or 145°F (63°C) for medium-well.
9 About 1 minute before the burgers reach target temperature, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese (if using) and close the lid to allow the cheese to melt and drape over the edges.

Toast the Buns and Assemble

10 Brush the cut sides of all burger buns evenly with olive oil using a pastry brush or paper towel. This prevents the buns from absorbing too much moisture and adds extra flavor.
11 Toast the oiled buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy, or toast them in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
12 Assemble each burger by placing shredded lettuce on the bottom bun first – this creates a barrier that prevents the bun from getting soggy. Top with the grilled patty, a generous dollop of the chilled olive spread, and finally the top bun.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan – Perfect for toasting buns if you don’t have grill space, and ensures even browning without sticking
Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of burger doneness and prevents overcooking expensive ground beef
Large mixing bowls – Essential for combining the olive spread ingredients and allows room for thorough mixing without spillage
Silicone spatula – Ideal for mixing the olive spread and scraping every bit from the bowl

Helpful Upgrades

Digital kitchen scale – Ensures perfectly portioned patties for even cooking, and helps you get consistent results every time
Bench scraper – Makes dividing ground beef into equal portions much cleaner and more precise than using your hands
Parchment paper – Line your prep area when forming patties to keep surfaces clean and make cleanup effortless

Nice-to-Have Options

Food processor – If you prefer a finer chop on your olives, pulse them briefly rather than chopping by hand for more consistent texture
Storage containers – The olive spread keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Substitute regular burger buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a completely grain-free option
Ensure your mayonnaise and any seasonings are certified gluten-free
Portobello mushroom caps make an excellent bun substitute when grilled until tender

Dairy-Free Modifications

Omit the Swiss cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese slices that melt well
Ensure your mayonnaise is made without dairy (most commercial brands are naturally dairy-free)
The olive spread remains completely dairy-free when cheese is omitted

Lower-Fat Version

Use 93/7 ground beef instead of 80/20, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out
Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich olive spread
Turkey burgers work beautifully with this olive spread and significantly reduce overall fat content

Flavor Variations

Mediterranean twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the olive spread
Spicy version: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the olive mixture
Herb-crusted: Mix dried oregano and garlic powder into the beef before forming patties
Bacon upgrade: Add crispy bacon strips for extra richness and smoky flavor

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each Michigan Olive Burger provides approximately 650-750 calories per serving, with the majority coming from high-quality protein and healthy fats. The 80/20 ground beef delivers about 35-40 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The olive spread contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from both the olives and olive oil, while providing minimal carbohydrates.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Ground beef provides complete protein with all essential amino acids, plus significant amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 for energy metabolism and immune function. Green olives are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin health and reduces inflammation. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats that may help improve cholesterol levels. Iceberg lettuce adds hydration and fiber with minimal calories, plus folate and vitamin K for bone health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served on gluten-free buns and fits well into low-carb eating patterns when the bun is omitted. The olive spread can be made ahead and stored for up to one week, making this an excellent meal prep option. Each burger provides substantial protein that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels when paired with the healthy fats from olives.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Ground beef → Ground turkey or chicken (reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes to prevent drying)
Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt or avocado oil mayo for different flavor profiles
Swiss cheese → Provolone, cheddar, or gouda for varied melting characteristics
Iceberg lettuce → Butter lettuce or arugula for different textures and flavors

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Green olives → Mixed olive varieties from the olive bar (often more economical per pound)
Ground beef → Ground chuck or ground sirloin when on sale
Artisanal buns → Standard hamburger buns toasted with garlic butter for extra flavor

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh ground beef → Frozen burger patties (thaw completely and season well)
Olive brine → Pickle juice for similar tangy, salty flavor
Red pepper relish → Diced roasted red peppers with a pinch of sugar

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using leaner ground meat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the mixture to prevent dryness
Homemade mayonnaise creates an even richer olive spread and can be customized with different oils

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Eliminate the bun and serve as a lettuce wrap burger to reduce carbs by approximately 25-30 grams
Use portobello mushroom caps as bun replacements for added fiber and nutrients
Cauliflower buns provide a low-carb alternative with only 3-4 grams of carbs per serving

Portion & Timing Tips:

Recommended serving size: One burger provides approximately 15-20 grams of carbs with the bun, 3-5 grams without
Pair with high-fiber sides like grilled vegetables or a side salad to slow glucose absorption
Protein content of 35-40 grams helps maintain stable blood sugar levels
Healthy fats from olives and olive oil support sustained energy without blood sugar spikes

Blood Sugar Management:

The high protein content helps prevent post-meal glucose spikes
Monounsaturated fats from olives may improve insulin sensitivity
Fiber from lettuce aids in glucose regulation

Total Carb Reduction: Eliminating the bun reduces total carbs by 75-80%, making this an excellent choice for low-carb meal plans.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

Red wine enthusiasts should try a medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich beef without overwhelming the olive flavors. For beer lovers, a crisp lager or wheat beer cuts through the richness beautifully. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or iced tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

Sweet potato fries provide a perfect contrast to the savory, salty olive spread while adding beneficial beta-carotene. Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter echoes the outdoor cooking theme and adds natural sweetness. Coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the burger, while roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers keep the meal light and colorful.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with hummus and vegetable crudité as a light appetizer that won’t compete with the main event. Follow the burgers with grilled peach slices drizzled with honey for a simple, seasonal dessert. For entertaining, set up a burger bar with multiple olive spread variations and let guests customize their own combinations.

Occasion Suggestions

These burgers shine at summer barbecues, tailgate parties, and casual weekend gatherings. They’re substantial enough for Father’s Day celebrations but approachable for weeknight dinners when you want something special without extensive prep work.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Grilling Tips

Don’t press down on the patties while cooking – this squeezes out precious juices and creates dry burgers. Oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks. Let the meat rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute throughout the patty.

Olive Spread Perfection

Chill the spread for at least an hour before serving – this firms up the texture and intensifies the flavors. Taste and adjust the olive brine gradually, as different olive varieties have varying salt levels. Make extra and store in the refrigerator for up to one week – it’s incredible on sandwiches, crackers, and grilled chicken.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare the olive spread up to 3 days in advance for even better flavor development. Form patties the morning of cooking and keep refrigerated on a parchment-lined plate. Pre-shred lettuce and store in paper towel-lined containers to maintain crispness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your burgers are falling apart, the meat may be too lean or overworked – handle gently and add a beaten egg as a binder. Soggy buns can be prevented by toasting thoroughly and placing lettuce directly on the bottom bun as a moisture barrier. Uneven cooking usually indicates inconsistent patty thickness – use a kitchen scale to ensure uniform portions.

This Michigan Olive Burger represents the perfect marriage of simple ingredients and bold flavors that have made it a regional treasure. Whether you’re introducing this classic to friends from out of state or reliving childhood memories, every bite delivers that perfect combination of juicy beef, tangy olives, and fresh crunch that defines comfort food at its finest. Fire up that grill and get ready to create some seriously memorable meals that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.