If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a burger from Kewpee Hamburgers in Michigan, you already know: it’s all about the olive sauce.
This creamy, tangy, slightly salty topping turns an ordinary cheeseburger into something completely unforgettable. It’s savory, rich, and has just the right punch of briny flavor from chopped green olives.
With this homemade Kewpee Olive Burger Sauce Recipe, you can bring a bit of Midwest burger magic into your own kitchen — no road trip required.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Kewpee or just olive-curious, this recipe will seriously up your burger game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This olive burger sauce is cool, creamy, and uniquely flavorful, combining the richness of mayo with the brininess of green olives and a hint of acidity. It pairs perfectly with a juicy beef patty, melty cheese, and a toasted bun — but it’s also amazing as a sandwich spread or dip.
And the best part? It’s simple, fast, and totally make-ahead friendly. Just chop, mix, chill, and spread. If you love olives (or even if you’re on the fence), this sauce might just surprise you.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for best flavor)
- ½ cup green olives with pimentos, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon green olive brine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for extra tang
Pro Tips
- Chop the olives finely — you want little bits, not big chunks, for better spreadability.
- Use the olive brine — it adds the signature tang that balances the mayo’s richness.
- Let the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes so flavors can meld.
- Taste and adjust — add more brine or lemon juice if you like it extra zippy.
- Toast your buns! The crispy texture is the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container for storing
Substitutions & Variations
- Light mayo: Works fine if you want to cut calories.
- Greek yogurt: Use half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- No lemon? Swap with white vinegar or extra olive brine.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
- Garlic lovers: Add minced fresh garlic for more bite.
Make Ahead Tips
This sauce tastes better after resting, so it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just stir before using. Great to prep for cookouts, burgers, sandwiches, or even wraps and dips.
Instructions
1. Chop the Olives
Finely chop the green olives with pimentos until they’re in small, spreadable pieces. Measure out ½ cup once chopped.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped olives, olive brine, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until fully blended.
3. Chill
Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to thicken.
4. Serve
Spread on freshly grilled burgers, turkey sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for fries and chips. Pairs especially well with a classic cheeseburger on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomat
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before each use. Do not freeze — the mayo base will separate.
Recipe FAQs
1. What kind of olives are best?
Use classic green olives with pimentos — they have the right balance of saltiness and texture.
2. Is this the exact Kewpee recipe?
It’s a close copycat — Kewpee keeps theirs a secret, but this version hits all the same flavor notes.
3. Can I use black olives?
You can, but it will change the flavor significantly — green olives are the signature choice for this sauce.
4. Can I use this on more than burgers?
Absolutely! Try it on wraps, deli sandwiches, as a dip for fries, or even with grilled chicken.
The Final Spread
This creamy, tangy, totally satisfying Kewpee Olive Burger Sauce is more than just a condiment — it’s the secret to transforming your everyday burger into something unforgettable.
Whether you’re a die-hard Kewpee fan or just love a great homemade spread, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go, and let me know how you served it — classic cheeseburger or your own creation?