Smoky Bison Burgers

Smoky Bison Burgers

Bison patties are topped with peppered bacon and sandwiched between barbecue sauce–slathered pretzel buns in this cookout favorite.

Ingredients :

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coffee
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 1/2 pounds ground bison
• 4 thick-cut peppered bacon slices
• 4 pepper jack or smoked gouda cheese slices
• 1/4 cup stubb’s original barbecue sauce
• 4 pretzel hamburger buns, split and toasted
• 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
• 3 tablespoons jarred candied jalapeños (optional)
• 1 cup loosely packed arugula

Directions

1. Stir together chili powder, coffee, brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Stir together bison and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until just combined. Divide bison mixture into 4 (6-ounce) portions; shape each portion into a 4-inch-wide patty (about 3/4 inch thick). Sprinkle patties evenly with chili powder mixture (about 2 teaspoons each). Transfer patties to a small baking sheet, and chill while preheating grill.
3. Preheat grill to medium (350°F to 400°F). Place a large cast-iron skillet on grill. (Alternatively, heat a large cast-iron skillet on stovetop over medium.) Arrange bacon in a single layer in skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until rendered and crisp, 10 to 14 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet.
4. Place patties in skillet, spacing at least 1 inch apart. Cook, flipping once, until patties form a deep golden-brown crust on both sides and a meat thermometer inserted into center of patties registers 120°F, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
5. Place 1 cheese slice on each patty. Cover skillet with a baking sheet, and cook just until cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. Uncover, and remove patties from skillet; let rest for 3 minutes.
6. Spread evenly divided barbecue sauce on cut sides of buns. Top bottom buns evenly with bison patties, bacon, fried onions, candied jalapeños (if using), and arugula. Sandwich with top buns. Serve immediately.