Bison sliders are a juicy twist on traditional burger bites. We love how the lean meat brings savory depth without the heavy feeling of a standard patty. This dish has roots in Native American cuisine which once relied on immense herds roaming the plains.
We find that bison cooks quickly and pairs well with fresh herbs and bold sauces. Each slider bursts with flavor and satisfies our craving for something hearty and wholesome. We’ll share our tips to season and cook bison to perfection so everyone dives in with excitement.
Bison Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- 8 slider buns (lightly toasted)
- Toppings: sliced cheddar cheese pickles thin tomato slices and your favorite sauce
- Combine ground bison salt pepper onion powder garlic powder and chopped thyme in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly.
- Shape small patties about 2 inches in diameter. Press the centers slightly to help them cook evenly.
- Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Place the bison patties on the hot surface. Cook for 3 minutes per side. Use a quick-read thermometer to check their internal temperature for your preferred doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Medium-Rare | 135°F to 140°F |
| Medium | 140°F to 145°F |
- Remove the patties from the heat and set them aside. Allow them to rest for 1 minute.
- Lightly toast the slider buns on the grill or in a separate pan.
- Assemble the sandwiches by layering a patty with cheddar cheese lettuce pickles tomato and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few essential items to shape and cook our bison sliders with precision. We use a mixing bowl to combine the lean meat and seasonings. We stir everything gently with a wooden spoon to avoid overworking the meat. A meat thermometer ensures each patty reaches the proper internal temperature.
We prefer a cast-iron skillet or a grill pan because they retain heat evenly. A spatula allows us to flip sliders carefully without breaking them. We keep a serving platter close at hand for swift assembly. Below is a quick reference for typical doneness targets:
| Doneness Level | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F |
| Medium-rare | 135°F |
| Medium | 140°F |
| Medium-well | 145°F |
We aim for medium-rare or medium to keep our patties juicy.
Ingredients
We rely on these fresh components to highlight the bold flavor of our bison sliders recipe. These items ensure each patty remains juicy and tender.
For The Bison Patties
- 1 pound lean ground bison
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing or cooking
For The Toppings
- 8 slider buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese halved
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickle slices
- Favorite sauce
Prep
We will shape our bison patties and prepare our condiments to keep our station organized. This setup ensures a smooth workflow when we start cooking.
Shaping The Patties
We start by stirring together our ground bison, seasoning blend, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. We divide the mixture into eight equal parts. Each portion is about two ounces of meat. We gently form small discs about two inches wide. We press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
Patty Shaping Guidelines
| Number of Patties | Patty Weight | Recommended Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 ounces each | 2 inches |
Prepping The Condiments
We slice our tomatoes into thin rounds. We wash and dry our lettuce leaves. We have sliced cheddar and pickle slices ready. We set our favorite sauce near the workstation. We keep slider buns lined up for quick assembly.
Cooking Instructions
These steps ensure our bison sliders remain juicy and packed with flavor. Follow them for two quick methods.
Stovetop Method
- Set a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat.
- Lightly brush the bison patties with olive oil so they do not stick.
- Place the patties in the hot skillet and let them cook for about 3 minutes.
- Flip the patties and cook for another 3 minutes or until they reach your preferred doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Check the chart below for internal temperature guidelines.
Grilling Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Lightly oil the grates so the bison patties do not stick.
- Place the patties on the grill and cook for 3 minutes on the first side.
- Flip them and grill for another 3 minutes or until they reach your preferred doneness.
- Top with cheese in the last minute of cooking for a melted finish.
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Typical Cook Time (per side) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 135°F to 140°F | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Medium | 145°F | 4 to 5 minutes |
| Well Done | 160°F and above | 5 to 6 minutes |
Check for medium-rare or medium (135°F to 140°F) to keep bison sliders moist.
Assembly
- We place each toasted slider bun on our serving board.
- We spread a thin layer of favorite sauce on the bottom half.
- We set a cooked bison patty on top and add a slice of cheddar cheese.
- If we want melted cheese we place the assembled sliders under a broiler for about 30 seconds.
- We stack fresh lettuce leaves tomato slices and pickle slices for extra crunch.
- We coat the top bun with a thin layer of sauce and gently press down for a secure seal.
- We repeat until all bison sliders are assembled.
Conclusion
We love how bison sliders deliver a lean and savory twist to classic comfort food. They cook fast and pair well with vibrant produce or bold sauces for an unforgettable bite. These little gems liven up any gathering without feeling heavy. We can’t wait for you to share them with your favorite people and see how they become a standout in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes bison sliders different from regular beef sliders?
Bison sliders are made with lean bison meat, offering a unique, savory flavor that’s lighter than traditional ground beef patties. The lower fat content delivers a tasty option for those looking to try something new or reduce their overall fat intake.
Why should I use bison instead of beef?
Bison contains less fat and fewer calories than most beef cuts while still packing a punch of rich flavor. This lean meat allows you to enjoy a burger-like experience without the heaviness of traditional patties.
How do I form the bison patties?
Combine ground bison with seasonings, fresh parsley, and any desired additions in a mixing bowl. Divide the mixture into small portions, shape them into discs, and make a shallow indentation in the middle for even cooking.
Which toppings go well with bison sliders?
Classic toppings include cheddar cheese, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pickles. Feel free to add any favorite sauce or extra ingredients to enhance the savory flavors of these sliders.
How do I know when the sliders are cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature between 135°F and 140°F for medium-rare or medium. This ensures the patties remain juicy and tender without drying out.
Can I grill and pan-sear my bison sliders?
Yes. For the stovetop, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook each side for about 3 minutes. To grill, preheat the grill, oil the grates, and cook similarly until sliders reach your desired doneness.
How do I keep the sliders from drying out?
Prevent overcooking by monitoring internal temperatures and aiming for medium-rare or medium. Also, consider lightly brushing the patties with olive oil before cooking to help lock in moisture.
What is the best way to serve bison sliders?
Toast the slider buns, add a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, place the patty with cheese on top, and finish with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Top it off with more sauce, then gently press the bun to secure everything together.