Pin A playful and hearty platter featuring mini burgers shaped like American footballs—perfect for game day gatherings or themed parties.
This dish brings fun and flavor together in a creative way that my friends and family always enjoy during our game day celebrations.
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
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape Patties:
- Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Shape each into an oval football shape, flattening slightly to fit the buns.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Melt Cheese:
- In the last minute of cooking, place half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover to melt.
- Toast Buns:
- Toast the buns lightly.
- Spread Sauces:
- Spread ketchup and mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun.
- Assemble Burgers:
- Layer with lettuce, tomato, and a cheese-topped patty. Add onion rings and pickles as desired.
- Pipe Laces:
- Place the top bun, then pipe football laces with cream cheese onto the top of each bun using a piping bag or small plastic bag.
- Arrange Platter:
- Arrange the mini football burgers on a large platter in an oval or football shape. Surround with fries or potato chips for presentation.
Pin This recipe often becomes the highlight of our family game days where everyone enjoys both the look and taste of these mini football burgers.
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 all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 mini burgers): Calories 480, Total Fat 26 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 28 g
Pin Serve these mini football burgers fresh and warm for the best experience that combines festive appearance with classic flavors.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the patties into footballs?
Divide the ground beef mixture into equal portions and gently mold each into an oval shape, flattening slightly to fit the buns.
- → Can I prepare these mini burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the beef and seasonings in advance and shape the patties just before cooking to keep them fresh.
- → What cheese works best for melting on these burgers?
Cheddar cheese slices melt well and add a classic flavor that pairs nicely with the beef patties.
- → How is the football lacing decoration made?
Use cream cheese softened for piping laces on the buns, applying it with a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a snipped corner.
- → Are there suggestions for bun alternatives?
Oval-shaped buns enhance the football look, but regular buns trimmed to shape work fine as well.
- → What sides complement this platter?
French fries or potato chips are perfect to accompany and complete the laid-back party presentation.