# 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
07 - 12 mini burger buns (oval-shaped or regular trimmed)
08 - 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
09 - 1 large tomato, sliced
10 - 6 leaves romaine lettuce, halved
11 - 3 tbsp ketchup
12 - 3 tbsp mayonnaise
13 - 1 egg white (for football lacing decoration)
14 - 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (for piping laces)
→ Garnishes
15 - 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
16 - Pickle slices
17 - French fries or potato chips
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just incorporated.
02 - Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval football shape, slightly flattened to fit the buns.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until thoroughly cooked.
04 - During the last minute of cooking, place half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
05 - Lightly toast the mini burger buns until golden.
06 - 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.
07 - 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.
08 - Place the mini football-shaped burgers on a large platter arranged in an oval shape. Surround with French fries or potato chips for garnish.
