Name: Michigan Olive Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sliced green olives with pimentos; 1 Tablespoon olive brine; 1 Tablespoon hoagie cherry pepper spread; 1.25 pounds ground beef; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slices Swiss cheese; 4 hamburger buns; 1 cup chopped iceberg lettuce

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Michigan with this iconic burger! A juicy beef patty crowned with a luscious cream cheese and pimento-stuffed green olive relish, melted Swiss, and crisp iceberg lettuce – a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

10 mins

In a mixing bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and fully incorporated. Stir in the sliced green olives, olive brine, and hoagie cherry pepper spread. Mix well, cover, and set aside, or refrigerate for later use. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

02

Step

5 mins

Gently form the ground beef into four equally sized patties. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

03

Step

8 mins

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook undisturbed until a rich, golden-brown crust forms on the bottom, approximately 4 minutes. Flip the patties, reduce the heat to medium, and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the patty registers at least 160°F (70°C) for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese and allow it to melt into gooey perfection. (Cook time: 8-10 minutes)

04

Step

2 mins

Place each cheesy beef patty on the bottom half of a hamburger bun. Generously dollop with the prepared olive spread. Top with a mound of crisp, chopped iceberg lettuce. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately, relishing every bite of this Michigan masterpiece. (Assembly time: 2 minutes)

For an extra layer of flavor, toast the hamburger buns lightly before assembling the burgers.
If you prefer a sharper flavor, substitute pepper jack cheese for the Swiss cheese.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cherry pepper spread to your liking, depending on your spice preference.
The olive spread can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.