Doris Day’s Retro “Swingin’ Burgers” Recipe

There is nothing better than biting into a juicy, flavor-packed hamburger. While making them at home usually means piling on bold, heavy toppings like barbecue sauce, bacon jam, or fried onions, this handheld favorite invites endless customization right inside the patty itself!

Recently, a wildly unique retro idea for upgrading burgers resurfaced from the archives. Back in the 1960s, the Chicago Tribune published an interview with legendary actress Doris Day where she shared her personal recipe for “Swingin’ Burgers.” Instead of piling the toppings on the bun, the mixture includes unexpected, fresh ingredients folded directly into the meat, including briny olives, scallions, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of sharp Cheddar cheese.

A Wholesome 1960s Classic

“Our eating habits are plain and wholesome,” Day noted at the time. “We like to have the main meal of the day at noon, and then have a light supper.”

If you are curious about this fully loaded retro burger, you will be thrilled by the results. The sweet bell peppers perfectly balance the savory beef, the juicy tomatoes add bright freshness, and the hidden pockets of Cheddar bring a rich decadence to every single bite.

The Essential “Swingin'” Ingredients

This recipe is fantastic for clearing out the vegetable drawer in your fridge! Here is what you need to make the patty mixture:

• Ground Beef: Use a standard 80/20 ground beef to ensure your burgers stay moist and juicy.
• The Mix-Ins: Diced green olives, halved cherry tomatoes, diced sweet bell pepper (the secret ingredient for balancing the savory beef!), and diced green onions.
• The Cheese: Cubed Cheddar cheese is folded inside the meat so it creates gooey, molten pockets when cooked, plus extra slices for melting on top.

Expert Cooking Tips: Forming the Patties: When folding the chunky vegetables and cheese cubes into the ground beef, use your hands to gently combine the mixture. Do not overwork the meat, or your burgers will become tough and dense. Customize the Veggies: This retro mixture works beautifully with a variety of add-ins. Try swapping the green olives for sautéed mushrooms, diced red onion, or even fresh spinach for a different flavor profile!

How to Make Swingin’ Burgers

While these patties are fully loaded, the process is incredibly straightforward:

1. Mix the ingredients – In a large bowl, season your ground beef with salt and pepper. Gently fold in the olives, tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, and Cheddar cheese cubes.
2. Shape the patties – Divide the mixture evenly and form it into 4 large, thick patties.
3. Cook – Heat a skillet with a little butter or oil over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 4 minutes per side.
4. Melt the cheese – During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with extra Cheddar cheese until beautifully melted. Serve immediately!

Also Read : Martha Stewart’s Classic Pimento Cheese Recipe

Doris Day’s Retro “Swingin’ Burgers” Recipe

Recipe by RecipesVilla

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

520

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• 8 pitted green olives, finely diced

• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered

• 1/2 sweet bell pepper, finely diced

• 2 green onions (scallions), finely diced

• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (plus 4 slices for topping)

• 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil (for cooking)

• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 4 toasted hamburger buns (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Mixture: Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
• Add the Mix-Ins: Add the diced green olives, halved cherry tomatoes, diced sweet bell pepper, diced green onions, and the 1/2 cup of cubed Cheddar cheese into the bowl.
• Form the Patties: Use a large spoon or your clean hands to gently combine the beef and mix-ins until just incorporated. Divide the mixture evenly and form into 4 large, thick patties.
• Cook: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter or oil. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet. Press each patty down lightly with a spatula right after adding them to the pan.
• Flip: Cook the burgers for about 4 minutes on the first side until a nice brown crust forms. Carefully flip them over.
• Melt and Serve: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Cheddar cheese over each patty. Allow the cheese to melt completely. Remove from heat and serve the patties on their own, or on toasted buns with your favorite condiments!

Notes

• Kofta Variation: To give this retro recipe a Mediterranean twist, shape the leftover beef mixture into oval-shaped balls and cook them as kofta. Serve inside warm pita bread with creamy tzatziki and hummus!
• Spice it Up: For a bold kick, mix a few dashes of Cajun seasoning or Za’atar into the ground beef before forming the patties.
• Storage: Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.