Go Back
–+ servings
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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