South Dakota Bison Bacon Sliders on the Arteflame

Introduction

These South Dakota Bison and Bacon Sliders are tender, juicy mini burgers full of smoky flavor and grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. Wrapped in crispy bacon and seared over the ultra-hot grill grate, each bite is packed with rich flavor and irresistible texture. Perfect for backyard parties, game days, or when you're craving gourmet sliders with a local South Dakota twist.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground bison
• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the griddle)
• 8 mini slider buns
• Optional toppings: cheddar cheese slices, pickles, red onion slices, aioli, lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches over 1,000°F and the outer griddle is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Bison Patties

1. In a bowl, combine ground bison, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into 8 small, even-sized patties that fit your slider buns.
3. Wrap a slice of bacon around each patty. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 3: Sear the Sliders

1. Place the patties bacon-side down on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear (about 1,000°F).
2. Sear each side for 1–2 minutes to get a crispy bacon exterior and lock in the juices.

Step 4: Reverse Sear to Desired Doneness

1. Move sliders from the center grill grate to the outer flat cooktop.
2. Cook to desired internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium (remove from grill at 15°F below target as meat keeps cooking).

Step 5: Toast Buns and Assemble Sliders

1. Melt butter on an open area of the flat top cooktop.
2. Toast the slider buns until golden and crisp.
3. Assemble each slider with your preferred toppings and the juicy bison patty.

Tips

• Use a digital meat thermometer for precision cooking.
• If the bacon isn't crisping quickly, roll just the bacon edge on the center grate for a few seconds.
• Let the sliders rest for 3–5 minutes after removing from the grill before serving.
• Use the inner griddle zone for high heat and the edges for lighter cooking or warming buns.
• For additional smoky flavor, toss a few soaked wood chips onto the firewood before grilling.

Variations

1. Cheddar Jalapeño Bison Sliders: Add a slice of sharp cheddar and grilled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
2. Southwest Bison Sliders: Mix in cumin and chili powder into the bison, and top with avocado and chipotle aioli.
3. Bison Blue Cheese Bacon Sliders: Crumble blue cheese into the patty mix and finish with caramelized onions.
4. Mushroom Swiss Bison Sliders: Sauté mushrooms on the griddle in butter and serve sliders with Swiss cheese.
5. Breakfast Bison Sliders: Top each slider with a fried quail egg and a drizzle of maple syrup for an early-morning twist.

Best Pairings

• Pair with a tangy coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob for fresh contrast.
• Serve with local South Dakota craft beer or a rye whiskey cocktail.
• Complement with grilled sweet potato wedges on the outer edge of the Arteflame.

Conclusion

These South Dakota Bison and Bacon Sliders are proof that great grilling is all about high-quality ingredients and proper technique. The Arteflame grill lets you sear and cook to perfection with minimal effort and maximum flavor. From crowd-pleasing appetizers to backyard BBQ centerpieces, these sliders are bound to be a hit at any gathering.