American Football Oval Burgers

Featured in: Comfort Food

This platter features juicy mini beef patties shaped into oval footballs, grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheddar. Served on lightly toasted buns with layers of fresh romaine, tomato, and onions, these unique burgers are finished with creamy cheese laces mimicking football stitching. Accompanied by fries or chips, they create a playful and hearty presentation ideal for gatherings. Prep involves simple mixing and shaping, then quick grill cooking. Variations include plant-based patties or sesame seed buns for extra texture. The platter combines savory seasonings, fresh vegetables, and indulgent toppings for a crowd-pleasing main dish that balances flavor and fun.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:35:00 GMT
A sizzling American Football Oval Burger Platter, stacked high with juicy mini burgers and melted cheese. Pin
A sizzling American Football Oval Burger Platter, stacked high with juicy mini burgers and melted cheese. | garlicgroove.com

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

This platter always brings excitement to our family events and is a hit with kids and adults alike.

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.
Assemble Burgers:
Spread ketchup and mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce tomato and a cheese-topped patty. Add onion rings and pickles as desired.
Add Laces:
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.
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.
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This recipe always brings the family together as we enjoy the fun shape and delicious flavors around the table.

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)

Gather around this game day spread: American Football Oval Burger Platter with fries, ready to enjoy. Pin
Gather around this game day spread: American Football Oval Burger Platter with fries, ready to enjoy. | garlicgroove.com

This platter is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties bringing great flavor and fun presentation together.

Recipe Questions

How do I shape the patties into footballs?

Divide the seasoned ground beef evenly, then gently shape each portion into an oval or football form, slightly flattening to fit the buns well.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the patties earlier and refrigerate them until ready to grill to maintain freshness and shape.

What is the purpose of the cream cheese piping?

Cream cheese is piped onto the buns to mimic football laces, adding a decorative and creamy detail to the presentation.

What type of cheese works best for melting on the patties?

Cheddar cheese halves melt nicely over the patties, offering a rich flavor and smooth texture.

Are there suggested sides to serve with the platter?

Classic options like French fries or potato chips complement the mini burgers and add a satisfying crunch to the platter.

American Football Oval Burgers

Mini beef burgers shaped like footballs served with fresh toppings and garnishes.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
40 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

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

Shaping and Assembling

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

Garnishes

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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the beef mixture: Combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Melt the cheese: Place half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover to allow cheese to melt.

Step 05

Toast the buns: Lightly toast the mini buns.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Add football laces on buns: Place the top bun on each burger. Using a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off, pipe football lace patterns onto the buns with cream cheese.

Step 08

Present the platter: Arrange the mini football-shaped burgers on a large platter in an oval or football formation. Surround with fries or potato chips.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and egg; may contain soy and mustard.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Protein: 28 g