The Best Cheeses To Pair With Bison

Bison meat is a delicious, healthy alternative to beef, with less cholesterol and more heart-healthy omega-3s. It's a versatile meat that can be used in burgers, meatloaf, and chilli. When it comes to cheese, there are a few options that pair well with bison. A California-style bison burger might include a slice of creamy Havarti, while other recipes suggest a sharp white cheddar. For a truly indulgent burger, try caramelized onions and Wisconsin cheddar.

White cheddar is a popular choice

A classic recipe for a bison burger involves mixing ground bison with seasonings such as kosher salt, pepper, and thyme. Form the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet or on a grill. For a true cheese burger experience, top the cooked patty with a slice of Wisconsin white cheddar and allow the cheese to melt. The sharp, tangy flavour of white cheddar pairs perfectly with the rich, savoury taste of bison. This combination is a delicious treat for any cheese lover.

For a more indulgent option, try caramelized onions with white cheddar. Sauté sliced onions in olive oil until they are tender and golden brown. Add a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon and continue cooking until the liquid is absorbed. This sweet and savoury onion mixture complements the sharp white cheddar and bison patty.

You can also get creative with your toppings and condiments. Some options include romaine lettuce, avocado, tomato, sprouts, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. To make it "protein-style," wrap your burger in a large leaf of red leaf lettuce instead of using a bun.

So, the next time you're looking for a tasty and unique burger experience, give bison and white cheddar a try! It's a popular combination that delivers a delicious and satisfying bite.

Try Havarti for a California-style bison burger

If you're looking for a delicious and unique burger experience, why not try a California-style bison burger? Bison meat has gained popularity in recent years due to its leanness and health benefits, making it a great choice for those who want a tasty and healthy burger option. And what better way to elevate your bison burger than by adding a slice of creamy Havarti cheese?

Havarti is a mild, semi-soft cheese that pairs perfectly with the robust flavour of bison. It has a creamy texture that melts beautifully onto the burger, creating a mouthwatering, indulgent experience. The mild flavour of Havarti also complements the fresh California-style toppings typically found on a bison burger, such as avocado, tomato, and sprouts.

To make the perfect California-style bison burger, start by seasoning your bison patties with just kosher salt and pepper. Keep it simple and let the flavour of the bison shine through. Grill the patties to your desired doneness, but remember that bison is best served rare or medium-rare. Add a slice of Havarti to each patty and let it melt to perfection.

While the cheese is melting, toast your buns and prepare your toppings. Spread Dijon mustard on both sides of the bun, and layer on lettuce, onion rings, avocado slices, and sprouts. Place the juicy bison patty with melted Havarti on top, and you're almost ready to enjoy your burger!

For a true California-style experience, you can even go "protein-style" and wrap your burger in a large leaf of red leaf lettuce instead of using a bun. This not only adds to the freshness of the burger but also makes it a gluten-free option. So, why wait? Try Havarti for your next California-style bison burger and take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!

Cabernet onions and Wisconsin cheddar

Bison burgers with Cabernet onions and Wisconsin cheddar are a flavourful combination. The lean meat of the bison is complemented by the sharpness of the cheddar and the sweetness of the wine-caramelised onions.

To make the Cabernet onions, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, a sprinkle of salt, and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until tender and golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very tender and well browned. Add the Cabernet Sauvignon (or other dry red wine) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To make the bison burgers, gently mix the ground bison with chopped shallots, salt, and dried thyme in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Sprinkle the burgers with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side for medium-rare.

To assemble the burgers, open the organic hamburger buns and place them cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Top the bun bottoms with mustard and a few leaves of escarole. Place the cheese slices on the bun tops and broil until the cheese melts and the bun bottoms are lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Place a burger on top of the escarole, then spoon the onions on top of the burgers, dividing them equally. Cover with the bun tops and press lightly.

This combination of flavours is a delicious way to enjoy bison, a lean and healthy meat that is becoming more popular and accessible.

Cheddar and mustard

Cheddar cheese, with its sharp and tangy flavour, pairs exceptionally well with bison. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour to the dish. When paired with mustard, the combination creates a delicious tanginess that enhances the taste of the meat.

One way to incorporate cheddar and mustard into a bison dish is by creating a cheese sauce. This sauce can be made by cooking butter and flour into a roux, then mixing in milk, cheddar cheese, dry mustard, and garlic powder. The resulting sauce is creamy and thick, with a hint of spice from the mustard and garlic. This sauce can be drizzled over a bison burger or used as a dip for nuggets or soft pretzels.

For a more sophisticated touch, consider a mustard aioli. Aioli is a garlic mayonnaise that, when combined with mustard, creates a creamy and tangy sauce. This aioli can be spread on a bun or drizzled over a bison burger, adding a unique flavour to the dish.

Whether it's melted cheddar, a cheese sauce, or a mustard aioli, the combination of cheddar and mustard is a delicious complement to bison. These flavours enhance the natural taste of the meat, creating a satisfying and indulgent dining experience.

Caramelised onions and white cheddar

Bison meat is a great alternative to beef, with a similar taste but a slightly sweeter and leaner flavour. It is also healthier, with less cholesterol and more heart-healthy omega-3s.

A popular way to serve bison is in a burger, and a great way to enhance the flavour of a bison burger is to top it with cheese and caramelised onions.

When making a bison burger with caramelised onions and white cheddar, you can follow the same steps as you would for a regular burger. Start by forming the ground bison into patties—a thumbprint in the centre of each will help them cook evenly. Season the patties with salt and pepper, and cook them in a skillet or on a grill.

For the caramelised onions, slice a couple of large sweet onions and sauté them in butter with salt and pepper. When they are soft and golden, add some water and keep cooking until they are brown and caramelised. You can also add some ground juniper berries for a piney aroma that complements the bison.

To assemble the burger, place the patty on the bottom bun and top with a slice of mild white cheddar, the caramelised onions, and a leaf of green or butter lettuce.

This combination of flavours and textures will elevate your bison burger and impress your guests.

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