Bacon Bison Burgers

These bison bacon burgers are far and away one of my favorite foods to grill for friends. The results are tender, lean, and full of flavor.

The ingredient list to create these six was:

20 oz. ground bison
5 oz. bacon; I prefer applewood smoked
salt
pepper
garlic powder
Burger accompaniments

I get my ground bison from our local Costco store. The bacon is from a small butcher nearby, although any flavor that compliments the lean bison flavor works fine.

I begin by chopping the raw bacon into squares, then hand mixing it into the bison meat with seasonings before double grinding the blend through a coarse plate. This breaks down the bacon without mushing up the bison, and spreads the seasonings evenly.

I form 1/4" thin, four ounce patties, place them on a pan with foil or plastic wrap between any layers, and let them cure in a refrigerator for two hours or more. This balances the juices and softens the dried seasonings for the quick grill. During that time, I prepare any accompaniments.

You want to cook these over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will dry out these lean patties, but undercooking pork products is never a good thing. Test often, and when the juices seep out clear, they're ready. My preference is on a barbecue grill, to get that nice crust on them. The bacon provides just the right amount of fat and flavor for the very lean bison. If your adding cheese, lean towards softer ones that will melt quickly. These patties have havarti cheese on them, which oozed along so beautifully. I've also used crumbled goat feta or chèvre.

Today's burger was two patties with a thin spread of Kansas City BBQ sauce, and some lettuce and tomato. So good! Sometimes, I will make a blueberry vinegar barbecue sauce for this. The tart / sweet / sour combination pairs with the meat blend perfectly.

So there you have it! Lean, flavorful, and oh so yummy Bacon Bison Burgers.