Save to Pinterest A playful and hearty platter featuring mini burgers shaped like American footballs—perfect for game day gatherings or themed parties.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at our game day parties, with everyone loving the creative shape and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Burgers: 500 g ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness), 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper
- For Shaping and Assembling: 12 mini burger buns (oval-shaped if available or regular buns trimmed to shape), 6 slices cheddar cheese halved, 1 large tomato sliced, 6 leaves romaine lettuce halved, 3 tbsp ketchup, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 egg white (for football lacing decoration), 2 tbsp cream cheese softened (for piping laces)
- Garnishes: 1 small red onion sliced into rings, Pickle slices, French fries or potato chips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2:
- Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Shape each into an oval football shape, flattening slightly to fit the buns.
- Step 3:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Step 4:
- In the last minute of cooking, place half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover to melt.
- Step 5:
- Toast the buns lightly.
- Step 6:
- Spread ketchup and mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
- Step 7:
- Layer with lettuce, tomato, and a cheese-topped patty. Add onion rings and pickles as desired.
- Step 8:
- Place the top bun then using a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off pipe football laces with cream cheese onto the top of each bun.
- Step 9:
- Arrange the mini football burgers on a large platter in an oval or football shape. Surround with fries or potato chips for presentation.
Save to Pinterest Serving these mini football burgers always brings smiles and cheers from family and friends during game days.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, grill pan or skillet, spatula, piping bag or small plastic bag, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (buns), Dairy (cheese cream cheese), Egg. May contain Soy (Worcestershire sauce), Mustard (mayonnaise). Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 mini burgers): Calories 480, Total Fat 26 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 28 g
Save to Pinterest This playful platter is sure to score big with your guests and make your game day celebrations extra special.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the patties like footballs?
Divide the ground beef mixture into equal portions, then gently mold each into an oval shape, flattening slightly to fit the buns comfortably.
- → What cheeses work best for the topping and laces?
Cheddar slices melt nicely on the patties, while softened cream cheese is ideal for piping the decorative laces on top of the buns.
- → Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape and refrigerate the patties before cooking. Just bring them to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- → What alternatives can I use for the buns?
If oval-shaped buns are unavailable, use regular mini buns trimmed into an oval shape to maintain the football appearance.
- → How should the platter be served for best presentation?
Arrange the mini burgers on a large platter in an oval or football pattern and surround with fries or chips to complement the hearty flavors.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this platter?
Yes, plant-based burger patties can be substituted to create a vegetarian-friendly platter without compromising shape or flavor.