{"id":224861,"date":"2025-05-05T13:45:30","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T13:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/barbecue\/the-michigan-olive-burger-derrick-riches\/"},"modified":"2025-05-05T13:45:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T13:45:30","slug":"the-michigan-olive-burger-derrick-riches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=224861","title":{"rendered":"The Michigan Olive Burger – Derrick Riches"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

The Michigan olive burger is a beloved regional specialty, particularly associated with Lansing, Michigan. My version starts with a smash burger patty, topped with cheese and a pimento-stuffed green olive and mayonnaise sauce.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"michigan-style-olive-burger\"\"michigan-style-olive-burger\"<\/a><\/figure>\n

The Michigan olive burger is a fantastic twist on the traditional American-style burger. It\u2019s also perfect for green olive lovers. This burger can be made one of three ways: with a normal sized patty, as a loose-meat sandwich, or cooked smash burger style. It is topped hot with Swiss or American cheese, green olive sauce, and classic ingredients like onion, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.<\/p>\n

Origin Story of the Michigan Olive Burger<\/h2>\n

The exact origin is up for debate, but the consensus is that the olive burger originated in Michigan anywhere between the 1920s-1950s. Again, the details are murky! Weston\u2019s Kewpee Sandwich Shoppe in Lansing, Michigan, is credited with popularizing this burger. Kewpee is a Midwestern burger joint that dates back to 1923. Although it is not exclusive to Michigan, the Lansing location has offered the olive burger the longest. This unique burger has since gained popularity and can now be found in other Midwestern cities, as well as on menus in Texas and various states nationwide. There is even an olive burger festival!<\/p>\n

Why Green Olives?<\/h3>\n

No one knows exactly why green olives were chosen, but several factors may have contributed to their use, including availability, their rich, briny flavor, and to offset meat rationing. Regardless of the reason, know that the green olive sauce is surprisingly delicious! It might sound like an unusual combination, but it has a creamy, sharp cheese flavor.<\/p>\n

Do I Have to Use Olives?<\/h3>\n

If you like the concept of this burger but aren\u2019t fond of green olives, consider swapping them out with chopped pepperoncini peppers or chopped pickles. For an extra spicy kick, try using pickled jalapenos. Don\u2019t forget to use the brine to help thin out the sauce.<\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/h3>\n