American Football Oval Burger

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Enjoy a platter of mini oval-shaped burgers made from seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar, grilled to perfection. Each burger is assembled with fresh lettuce, tomato, and tangy condiments on lightly toasted buns trimmed or baked to resemble football shapes. The top buns are detailed with cream cheese piping to mimic football laces, making them as playful as they are tasty. Serve alongside crispy fries or chips for a satisfying game day or party centerpiece that’s easy to prepare and full of classic American flavors.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:44:00 GMT
Savory American Football Oval Burger Platter, piled high with melted cheese and fresh toppings, ready to eat. Save
Savory American Football Oval Burger Platter, piled high with melted cheese and fresh toppings, ready to eat. | crumbnest.com

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

I love serving these mini football burgers at parties because they bring fun and flavor together in every bite.

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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| crumbnest.com

This recipe always brings our family together during game day, making every gathering extra special and fun.

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 (2 mini burgers).

Golden-brown American Football Oval Burger Platter with mini oval burgers, perfect for a game day feast. Save
Golden-brown American Football Oval Burger Platter with mini oval burgers, perfect for a game day feast. | crumbnest.com

Enjoy these fun mini football burgers with your favorite game day sides for an unforgettable feast.

Recipe FAQ

How do I shape the burger patties to resemble footballs?

Divide the beef mixture into equal portions and gently shape each into an oval form, slightly flattening them so they fit the bun size well.

What’s the best way to melt cheese on the patties?

During the last minute of cooking, place cheddar slices on the patties and cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt evenly.

How can I create the football laces decoration on the buns?

Use softened cream cheese piped through a small bag or piping bag to draw lace patterns on top of each bun once assembled.

Can I prepare the burgers in advance for a party?

Yes, you can prepare patties ahead, keep cooked burgers warm covered loosely with foil, and assemble shortly before serving.

Are there suitable alternatives for dietary restrictions?

For vegetarian options, substitute beef patties with plant-based alternatives and choose buns accordingly.

American Football Oval Burger

Mini oval-shaped burgers with juicy beef and cheese, ideal for casual gatherings and game day snacks.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

For the Burgers

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

For Shaping and Assembling

01 12 mini burger buns (oval-shaped or regular trimmed)
02 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
03 1 large tomato, sliced
04 6 leaves romaine lettuce, halved
05 3 tbsp ketchup
06 3 tbsp mayonnaise
07 1 egg white (for football lacing decoration)
08 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (for piping laces)

Garnishes

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

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.

Phase 02

Shape patties: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval football shape, slightly flattened to fit the buns.

Phase 03

Cook patties: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until thoroughly cooked.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Toast buns: Lightly toast the mini burger buns until golden.

Phase 06

Assemble burgers: Spread ketchup and mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with romaine lettuce, tomato slices, and a cheese-topped patty. Add sliced red onion rings and pickle slices as desired.

Phase 07

Decorate with laces: Position the top bun on each assembled burger. Using a piping bag or small plastic bag with the corner cut off, pipe football laces with softened cream cheese on top of each bun.

Phase 08

Arrange and serve: Place the mini football-shaped burgers on a large platter arranged in an oval shape. Surround with French fries or potato chips for garnish.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains gluten (buns), dairy (cheese, cream cheese), and egg
  • May contain soy (Worcestershire sauce) and mustard (mayonnaise)

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 28 g