Wyoming Buffalo Sliders with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Introduction

These juicy Wyoming Buffalo Sliders are seared to perfection on the Arteflame Grill using the center sear station and finished on the hot flat top. The rich flavor of buffalo meets the creamy sharpness of cheddar and the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic aioli, all layered into tender sliders. Grilled, not fried, and so full of flavor, these are the mini burgers your guests won't stop talking about.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground buffalo meat
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 slider buns
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
• Vegetable oil (for lighting grill)
• Firewood (for burning fuel)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Soak 3 paper napkins in vegetable oil and place them in the grill bowl.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the wood to burn down for 20 minutes until your Arteflame is fully hot.

Step 2: Roast the garlic

1. Place unpeeled garlic cloves on the outer edge of the flat top griddle.
2. Turn occasionally and roast until cloves are soft, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Peel the roasted garlic and mash it into a paste.
4. Mix mashed garlic into mayonnaise with lemon juice to create your aioli. Set aside.

Step 3: Form the buffalo patties

1. In a bowl, combine ground buffalo, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Form into 8 small slider-sized patties (about 3 oz each).

Step 4: Sear the patties

1. Add a pat of butter to the center grill grate.
2. Place patties directly on the center grate and sear for about 1 minute per side to lock in the juices.

Step 5: Finish cooking on the flat top

1. Move seared patties to a hotter area of the flat top griddle to finish cooking to desired doneness (~135°F internal for medium rare).
2. Top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar and let it melt.
3. Remove patties when internal temperature reaches about 15°F below your target (it'll rise as it rests).

Step 6: Toast the slider buns

1. Add pats of butter on the flat top.
2. Place inside of buns on the buttered surface and toast until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Assemble your sliders

1. Spread a generous amount of roasted garlic aioli on the inside of each bun.
2. Add the cheesy buffalo patties and sandwich with the top bun.
3. Serve hot off the grill.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Buffalo is lean and can overcook quickly.
• Let the patties rest after cooking so the juices redistribute.
• Use different heat zones on the Arteflame cooktop to control searing and doneness levels.
• Butter imparts a rich flavor—avoid using oil unless for initial grill lighting.
• Grill all your toppings or sides on the flat top at the same time!

Variations

1. Spicy Southwest Sliders: Add diced jalapeños to the patty mix and top with pepper jack cheese.
2. Maple Bacon Sliders: Add grilled maple-glazed bacon strips and a touch of maple aioli.
3. Blue Cheese Bison Sliders: Swap cheddar for crumbled blue cheese and add caramelized onions.
4. Mediterranean Buffalo Sliders: Top with feta cheese, grilled tomatoes, and tzatziki instead of aioli.
5. BBQ Buffalo Sliders: Brush patties with BBQ sauce before searing and top with crispy fried onions.

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries grilled on the flat top
• Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Pickle chips seared until crispy
• A bold IPA or a smoky bourbon cocktail

Conclusion

Buffalo meat is flavorful and lean, making it ideal for mini burgers. With the Arteflame’s sear and griddle combo, you'll lock in those juices and finish at the perfect doneness without burning. These Wyoming Buffalo Sliders aren't just burgers—they're a grilled experience.