The Grilled Cheesus Bison Burger

The Grilled Cheesus Bison Burger

inspired by "The Cheesus Burger" in Laura Werlin's Grilled Cheese, Please!

serves 2

1/2 lb ground bison

2 T worchestershire sauce

1 T barbeque rub

1 small sweet onion, sliced

1 T olive oil

2 T butter, at room temperature

8 slices soft sourdough bread

1/2 lb smoked gouda cheese, grated

2 dill pickles, cut into 5 lengthwise strips each

ketchup

dijon mustard

1/2 cup mixed greens

4 slices fresh tomato

Preheat oven to 300

In a medium bowl, mix the bison with worchestershire and barbeque seasonings. Form into two thin patties. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until beginning to brown. Give the onions a good stir. Then, turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking the onions until well caramelized, about 15 more minutes. Transfer onions to a small bowl and set aside.

Butter one side of each slice of bread, placing the bread on your work surface butter-side-down. Place 1/8 of the smoked gouda on 4 of the slices. Place pickle slices on top of the cheese on two of the slices and onions on top of the other two. Divide remaining smoked gouda between the sandwiches. Top each with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.

Wipe out the skillet you used to cook the onions with a paper towel and return it to the stovetop. Heat over medium heat for 2 minutes. Place the sandwiches in the pan, in batches if needed, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the undersides are golden brown. Turn the sandwiches and press lightly with a spatula to compress the filling. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the cover, turn once more and cook until the cheese is completely melted. Transfer sandwiches to a baking sheet and place into the oven.

Meanwhile, fire up your charcoal grill. When the coals are glowing, place hamburger patties on the grill rack and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the edges have browned and the juices are beginning to run. Turn the burgers and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until cooked to your liking.

To assemble:

Place the sandwiches on a large cutting board. Spread ketchup on top of the grilled cheese containing the pickles and mustard on top of the sandwiches containing the caramelized onions. Place the burger on top of the ketchup, followed by tomato slices and greens. Top with the caramelized onion sandwiches.

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