American Football Oval Burger

Featured in: Global Comfort Food

This platter features mini burgers shaped like American footballs, crafted from seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheddar. Each burger is layered with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion rings, then dressed with ketchup and mayonnaise. The buns are decorated with cream cheese laces that mimic football stitching, adding a playful touch. Quick to prepare and cook, these sliders make a hearty centerpiece for game day or themed party spreads, served alongside crispy fries or chips.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:22:00 GMT
Savory American football oval burger platter ready to eat, cheese melting on mini football-shaped patties. Save
Savory American football oval burger platter ready to eat, cheese melting on mini football-shaped patties. | forkina.com

A playful and hearty platter featuring mini burgers shaped like American footballs—perfect for game day gatherings or themed parties.

This recipe always brings a smile to our family’s faces when we gather around the TV for football season.

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.
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This platter always brings my family together for a fun and tasty game day snack.

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

Calories 480 Total Fat 26 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 28 g (per serving two mini burgers)

Juicy mini American football oval burgers with melted cheese and fresh fixings, perfect game day food. Pin it
Juicy mini American football oval burgers with melted cheese and fresh fixings, perfect game day food. | forkina.com

Enjoy your game day with this playful and delicious football burger platter!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I shape the patties into football forms?

Divide the ground beef mixture and gently mold each portion into an oval shape with slightly pointed ends. Flatten them to fit the buns while keeping the form firm for cooking.

What is the best way to melt the cheese on these mini burgers?

Place a sliced cheddar piece on each patty during the final minute of cooking, then cover the pan briefly to achieve a smooth melt.

Can I prepare the laces decoration ahead of time?

Yes, soften the cream cheese and pipe the laces onto the buns shortly before serving to keep the look fresh and intact.

What sides complement this burger platter well?

Classic options like French fries or potato chips enhance the platter’s appeal and provide a satisfying crunch to accompany each sandwich.

Are there easy substitutions for dietary preferences?

Plant-based patties can replace beef for a vegetarian option, while selecting gluten-free buns accommodates gluten sensitivities.

American Football Oval Burger

Mini football-shaped burgers with cheese, lettuce, and tangy sauces, ideal for party platters and game days.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: None specified

Ingredients

Burgers

01 1.1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Shaping and Assembling

01 12 mini burger buns, oval-shaped if possible
02 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
03 1 large tomato, sliced
04 6 leaves romaine lettuce, halved
05 3 tablespoons ketchup
06 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
07 1 egg white
08 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

Garnishes

01 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
02 Pickle slices
03 French fries or potato chips

Instructions

Step 01

Combine burger ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until just combined.

Step 02

Shape patties: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a slightly flattened oval resembling a football to fit the buns.

Step 03

Cook patties: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Step 04

Melt cheese on patties: During the last minute of cooking, place half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.

Step 05

Toast buns: Lightly toast the mini burger buns.

Step 06

Prepare buns with condiments: Spread ketchup and mayonnaise evenly on the bottom halves of the buns.

Step 07

Assemble burgers: Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and cheese-topped patties, then add red onion rings and pickles as desired.

Step 08

Add top bun and decorate: Place the top buns on each burger and pipe football laces using cream cheese from a piping bag or small plastic bag with a snipped corner.

Step 09

Arrange platter: Arrange the mini football burgers on a serving platter in an oval or football shape, surrounding them with fries or potato chips.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Spatula
  • Piping bag or small plastic bag
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (buns), dairy (cheese, cream cheese), and egg.
  • May contain soy (Worcestershire sauce) and mustard (mayonnaise).
  • Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 28 g