Oval-shaped mini burgers with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and creamy laces for festive gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Burgers
01 - 1.1 lbs 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 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
→ Shaping and Assembling
07 - 12 mini burger buns (oval-shaped if available, or regular buns trimmed)
08 - 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
09 - 1 large tomato, sliced
10 - 6 romaine lettuce leaves, halved
11 - 3 tbsp ketchup
12 - 3 tbsp mayonnaise
13 - 1 egg white (for decorative football laces)
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
# Method:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground black pepper until just mixed.
02 - Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a slightly flattened oval resembling an American football to fit the buns.
03 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
04 - During the last minute of cooking, place half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese evenly.
05 - Lightly toast the mini buns until golden.
06 - Spread ketchup and mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the buns, then layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and the cheese-topped patties. Add red onion rings and pickle slices as desired.
07 - Place the top buns on each assembled burger. Using a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the tip cut off, pipe cream cheese laces onto each bun to imitate football stitching.
08 - Arrange the mini football-shaped burgers on a large serving platter in an oval formation. Garnish the platter with French fries or potato chips.
