Olive Burgers

The sharp brine of green olives cuts through rich ground beef in these unconventional burgers, turning a simple weeknight dinner into something memorable. Each bite delivers the salty pop of pimiento-stuffed olives mixed with tangy Miracle Whip and grainy mustard, thanks to the creamy olive sauce that’s dolloped on top of the juicy patty. Unlike typical burger toppings that add sweetness or crunch, this olive combination brings complexity and depth that lingers on your palate long after the last bite.

What are olive burgers?

Olive burgers are a Michigan diner classic and one of the best recipes from Michigan. From the name, you might assume that this regional favorite features olives mixed into the burger itself, but it’s actually a standard beef patty topped with a creamy olive mixture. The burger’s exact origin is debated, but most say that it originated in Flint, Michigan, in the 1920s at Kewpee Hamburgers (then known as “Kewpee Hotel Hamburgs”).

Our recipe was inspired by Coney Island, a Michigan restaurant, and captures the essence of a traditional Michigan olive burger with a few modern tweaks. Using Miracle Whip instead of plain mayonnaise adds extra tang, while crumbled feta cheese replaces the usual Swiss for a sharper flavor. To make a more traditional version, you can easily swap in mayo, add cream cheese to give the topping a creamier consistency or finish the burger with Swiss cheese.

Ingredients for Olive Burgers

• Ground beef
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Butter
• Sliced green olives with pimientos
• Miracle Whip
• Stone-ground mustard
• Hamburger buns
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Bibb lettuce leaves

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the burger patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape the mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each patty.

Editor’s Tip: Adding an indentation to the center of the patty is the secret to the best hamburger. This helps to prevent the burger from puffing up while it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the burgers

Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the burger patties and cook them until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers reads 160°F, four to six minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the olive mixture

While the burgers are cooking, combine the sliced green olives, Miracle Whip and stone-ground mustard in a small bowl. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the burgers

Place the cooked burger patties on toasted hamburger buns. Top them with the olive mixture and, if desired, crumbled feta cheese and Bibb lettuce leaves.

How to Store Olive Burgers

The cooked burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The olive mixture can be made up to four days ahead and stored in a separate container in the refrigerator, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to serve. Reheat the burgers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, then top them with the prepared olive mixture.

Olive Burgers Tips

What type of olive should I use to make an olive burger?

Sliced green olives with pimentos are traditional for Michigan olive burgers, but you can absolutely substitute other types of olives. Green olives with pimientos provide a classic tangy flavor, while kalamata olives give the burgers a more Mediterranean taste and black olives offer a milder flavor. Just make sure to drain the olives well and chop larger varieties into smaller pieces for easier eating.

What should I serve with olive burgers?

Olive burgers pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy french fries, onion rings or potato chips to complement their savory, tangy flavor. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a simple lettuce salad or crunchy coleslaw recipes to balance the richness of the olive mixture. Sweet potato fries are another excellent accompaniment, as their sweetness contrasts nicely with the salty olives.

Can I make olive burgers on the grill instead of in a skillet?

You can definitely grill olive burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet for added smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the patties, covered, until a thermometer reads 160°, five to six minutes on each side. Make sure to clean the grill and brush the grates with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking.