Montana Bison and Blue Cheese Burgers on the Grill

Introduction

These Montana-style bison and blue cheese burgers are everything a great burger should be—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seared on an Arteflame grill. The combination of rich bison meat, sharp blue cheese, and sweet caramelized onions creates an unforgettable taste experience. Cooked using the reverse sear method, these burgers are guaranteed to be tender and delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground bison
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 leaves of butter lettuce
• 4 slices of tomato

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the cooktop reaches the desired temperature.

Step 2: Caramelize the onions

1. Melt 1 tbsp of butter on the flat cooktop.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook them on a medium heat zone, stirring occasionally.
3. When they start to soften, add the Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar.
4. Continue cooking until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Move the onions to a cooler zone on the grill to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the bison patties

1. In a bowl, combine the ground bison, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Gently mix and form into 4 equal patties.
3. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

Step 4: Sear the burgers

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate of the Arteflame.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side to develop a crust.
3. Move the patties to the flat cooktop and continue cooking until they reach 15°F below your desired doneness.
4. Top each patty with blue cheese and allow it to melt slightly.

Step 5: Toast the buns & assemble

1. Butter the brioche buns and place them on the flat cooktop until golden brown.
2. Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each bun.
3. Place a bison patty on each bun, then top with caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomato.
4. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use bison for a lean yet flavorful burger. Avoid overworking the meat when forming patties.
• Always remove the meat from the grill when it's 15°F below the target temperature, as it will continue to cook.
• Use butter on the grill for a rich, savory flavor instead of olive oil.
• Sear over the center grill grate first to lock in juices before moving the patties to the flat cooktop for even cooking.
• Play around with the heat zones on the Arteflame to prevent overcooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Buffalo: Add a dash of hot sauce to the patties and top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
2. Mushroom Swiss: Swap the blue cheese for melted Swiss and add grilled mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
3. BBQ Bacon: Top with crispy bacon and drizzle with smoky barbecue sauce.
4. Garlic Aioli: Replace Dijon mustard with a homemade roasted garlic aioli for a gourmet touch.
5. Southwest Style: Use chipotle mayo, pepper jack cheese, and avocado slices for a Tex-Mex twist.

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries – The sweetness balances the burger's savory flavors.
• Grilled asparagus – A simple, fresh side to complement the richness.
• Smoky baked beans – Adds a depth of flavor to match the smoky grill notes.
• IPA or bourbon – A craft IPA or a smooth bourbon pairs beautifully with this burger.

Conclusion

Cooking bison and blue cheese burgers on the Arteflame grill gives them an unmatched sear and rich flavor. The unique flair of fire-grilled foods combined with the juiciness of bison meat and the tanginess of blue cheese makes this the ultimate gourmet burger experience. Gather around the grill and enjoy burgers the Montana way!