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Michigan Olive Burger Craze You’ll Fall in Love With

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Discoverthe bold flavors of the Michigan Olive Burger recipe that’s easy to make,delicious, and sure to become your new favorite burger!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American / Midwest Regional
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Burger Patties

  • lbs ground beef 80/20 blend preferred – For that juicy, flavorful finish.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds deep savory undertones.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Tip: Using an 80/20 beef blend helps ensure your burger stays moist and rich in flavor—especially important when balancing the salty punch of olives.

🫒 For the Olive Topping

  • ¾ cup green olives finely chopped – The star of the show. Choose pitted and brined for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise – Binds everything together into a creamy spread.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional – Adds a subtle tang and depth.
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Prefer a chunkier topping? Skip the mayo and keep it rustic with chopped olives and a drizzle of olive oil.

For Assembly

  • 4 burger buns toasted – Brioche or sesame buns work beautifully.
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese – Melts to perfection over the patties.
  • Lettuce tomato, and dill pickle slices (optional) – For that crisp, classic burger feel.

Instructions
 

Prep the Olive Topping

  • In a small bowl, mix together:
  • ¾ cup chopped green olives
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • 👩‍🍳 This creamy, tangy olive mixture is what gives the burger its signature punch. Chill it while you prep the rest to let the flavors meld.

Make the Burger Patties

  • In a large mixing bowl, gently combine:
  • 1½ lbs ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp each garlic powder and onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Form the meat into 4 equal patties, about ¾-inch thick.
  • 💡 Avoid overmixing—gentle hands make for tender burgers! Press a small dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Cook the Patties

  • Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness.
  • In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar or American cheese, cover loosely, and let it melt.
  • Grilling adds a smoky edge, but a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop works just as well for that golden sear.

Toast the Buns

  • While the patties cook, lightly butter the inside of each burger bun and toast them on a skillet or grill until golden.
  • This adds flavor and keeps the bun from getting soggy once the olive topping goes on.

Assemble Your Burger

  • Layer up each toasted bun in this order:
  • Bottom bun
  • Burger patty with melted cheese
  • Generous spoonful of olive topping
  • Optional extras: lettuce, tomato, pickles
  • Top bun

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Total Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
Keyword Michigan Olive Burger