Handwritten recipe card for Giant Cheeseburger Platter
by: salvagedrecipes

Giant Cheeseburger Platter with Fries, Onion Rings and Russian Dressing

Giant Cheeseburger Platter
The Giant Cheeseburger Platter is a fun and nostalgic American party dish that transforms the classic cheeseburger into a crowd-sized centerpiece. Popular during the 1960s and 1970s when creative family-style entertaining was in vogue, this recipe combines seasoned ground beef with bread, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce to create a giant burger that is baked, broiled, and topped with melted American cheese. The finished burger is presented on a platter surrounded by crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, creating the look of an oversized diner-style cheeseburger. Served with a simple homemade Russian dressing, this hearty recipe is ideal for game days, family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where comfort food is the star attraction.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients
  

Burger

  • 4 slices rye bread (or white or whole wheat bread)
  • ¾ cup hot milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup onions (frozen & chopped )
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup wheat germ
  • 2 lbs ground chuck
  • 6 slices processed American cheese

Platter Garnishes

  • 24 oz frozen crinkle-cut potatoes fries
  • 12 oz frozen onion rings
  • ½ head ettuce (shredded)
  • 8 cherry tomatoes ( or 3 quartered tomatoes)
  • 2 dill pickles (large, quartered)
  • 6 gherkins

Russian Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup pickle relish
  • ⅓ cup ketchup

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

  • Break the bread into pieces and place in a large bowl.
  • Pour the hot milk over the bread.
  • Allow the bread to soften.

Step 2: Mix the Burger

  • Add eggs, salt, pepper, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and wheat germ.
  • Beat until well blended.
  • Add the ground chuck and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Turn the meat mixture into a shallow foil-lined baking pan.
  • Shape into a large burger approximately 9 inches round.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Broil the Burger

  • Move the pan to a broiler rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
  • Broil for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

  • Arrange the cheese slices over the burger.
  • Broil for about 30 seconds, just until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Cook the Side Items

  • Prepare the frozen crinkle-cut fries and onion rings according to package directions.
  • Keep warm.

Step 7: Make the Russian Dressing

  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, and ketchup.
  • Mix until smooth.

Step 8: Assemble the Platter

  • Arrange shredded lettuce on a large serving platter.
  • Place the giant cheeseburger in the center.
  • Surround with fries, onion rings, tomatoes, pickles, and gherkins.
  • Serve with the Russian dressing.

Tips

  • Use sharp cheddar instead of processed American cheese for a richer flavor.
  • Add diced bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Serve on toasted hamburger buns for a traditional presentation.
  • Add bacon crumbles to the burger mixture.
  • Use seasoned curly fries instead of crinkle-cut fries.
  • Add sliced red onions as an additional garnish.
  • Mix a dash of hot sauce into the Russian dressing for extra tang.
  • Prepare the dressing a day ahead for improved flavor.
  • Top with sautéed mushrooms before adding the cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 34gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1120mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 4.5mg
Keyword American classic, beef recipe, cheeseburger, comfort food, family dinner, game day food, party platter, potluck favorite, retro recipe, vintage recipe