The Double Smashburger with Feta & Olive Tapenade is a bold, flavor-packed twist on the classic American burger. With crispy-edged beef patties, briny Mediterranean tapenade, and cool shredded lettuce, this elevated burger delivers rich, savory depth in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, full of contrast and texture, and ideal for a gourmet burger night at home—best enjoyed with crispy tater tots and your favorite cold beverage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines crispy, juicy beef with salty, tangy Mediterranean toppings
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Great balance of textures: crisp edges, creamy feta, and fresh lettuce
- Perfect for burger enthusiasts looking for something beyond the classic
- Ideal for casual dinners, weekend treats, or food-focused gatherings
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the burgers:
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter or oil (for the griddle)
- Burger buns
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
For the olive tapenade:
- Pitted Kalamata olives
- Green olives with pimento
- Capers
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Crumbled feta cheese
Optional sides:
- Crispy tater tots
- Cold beer, soda, or sparkling beverage
Directions
- Make the Tapenade:
In a food processor, pulse together the Kalamata olives, green olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until finely chopped but not puréed. Transfer to a bowl and stir in crumbled feta. Set aside. - Prepare the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal-sized balls. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat and add butter or oil. - Smash and Cook the Patties:
Place two beef balls on the hot surface. Use a spatula to firmly smash them into thin patties. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy at the edges. Repeat with the remaining beef. - Toast the Buns:
Toast the burger buns on the skillet for 1–2 minutes or until lightly golden (optional, but recommended). - Assemble the Burgers:
Layer two patties on each bottom bun. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and a generous spoonful of the feta olive tapenade. Finish with the top bun and press gently. - Serve:
Plate alongside crispy tater tots and enjoy with your drink of choice.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 645 kcal
Variations
- Lamb Smashburger: Use ground lamb instead of beef for deeper Mediterranean flavor
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the tapenade or a thin layer of harissa
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef with a plant-based burger patty and keep the tapenade for flavor
- Lettuce Wrap: Serve the patties in lettuce cups for a lower-carb alternative
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a slice of provolone or Swiss to the patties during cooking for extra indulgence
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Tapenade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Toast buns fresh and reassemble with cold tapenade and lettuce just before serving.
FAQs
What’s a smashburger?
A smashburger is made by pressing ground beef into a hot surface to create a thin patty with crispy, caramelized edges and a juicy interior.
Can I make the tapenade in advance?
Yes, the olive tapenade can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Do I have to use both kinds of olives?
No, but the combination of Kalamata and green olives provides a balanced salty and tangy flavor profile.
Is feta necessary in the tapenade?
Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you prefer dairy-free, simply omit it or use a vegan alternative.
What buns work best for smashburgers?
Soft brioche or potato buns are ideal—they complement the crispy patties without overpowering the toppings.
How do I keep smash patties from falling apart?
Use high-fat ground beef (80/20), handle minimally, and smash once on a hot surface—this helps the patty bind naturally.
Can I grill the patties instead?
Smashburgers are best on a flat surface like a skillet or griddle to achieve the crispy crust. A grill grate may not yield the same effect.
What can I use instead of tater tots?
Fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple side salad all pair well with this burger.
Is this burger spicy?
It’s not inherently spicy, but the red chili or peppery arugula can be added for heat.
Can I make this burger gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free buns or serve in a lettuce wrap.
Conclusion
The Double Smashburger with Feta & Olive Tapenade is a gourmet burger that brings Mediterranean flair to your comfort food cravings. Crispy, juicy beef, cool shredded lettuce, and a briny, creamy tapenade make every bite rich and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a burger night or treating yourself to something extra, this unique twist on the classic delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Print
Double Smashburger with Feta & Olive Tapenade
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 burgers
Description
This Double Smashburger with feta and olive tapenade delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with crispy-edged beef patties, briny olives, tangy feta, and fresh lettuce, all stacked on a soft bun. It’s an elevated comfort food perfect for burger night. #smashburger
Ingredients
For the burgers:
-
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tablespoon butter or oil (for griddle)
-
2 burger buns
-
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
For the olive tapenade:
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1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
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1/4 cup green olives with pimento
-
2 tablespoons capers
-
1 garlic clove
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
Juice of 1/2 lemon
-
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Optional sides:
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Crispy tater tots
-
Cold beer, soda, or sparkling beverage
Instructions
1. Make the tapenade:
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In a food processor, pulse together Kalamata olives, green olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until finely chopped but still textured.
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Stir in crumbled feta and set aside.
2. Shape and smash patties:
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Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and roll into balls.
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Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat, add butter or oil.
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Place two beef balls on the hot surface, smash them flat with a spatula, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the burgers:
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Cook each patty for about 2 minutes per side until crispy and browned. Repeat with the remaining patties.
4. Assemble the burgers:
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Lightly toast buns if desired.
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Stack two patties per burger, top with shredded lettuce, and spoon on the feta olive tapenade.
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Add the top bun and press lightly.
5. Serve:
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Plate with a side of golden tater tots and your favorite chilled beverage.
Notes
-
Swap feta with goat cheese for a tangier twist.
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Add tomato slices or pickled onions for extra texture.
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Serve with a garlicky aioli for dipping your tots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Burger
- Method: Griddling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean Fusion
