Baked Buffalo Bison Dip Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds ground bison
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank's or other Louisiana-style hot sauce, or to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8 ounces grated pepper Jack cheese, divided
• 3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled, divided
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped celery leaves (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).

Step 2: Melt the butter in a skillet over high heat, then add the ground bison. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, until the meat is deeply browned and crusty. Break it into very small crumbles with a spatula. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the hot sauce, then turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese. Reserve a few tablespoons of the grated pepper Jack cheese and blue cheese for topping, and add the rest to the bowl.

Step 6: Add the cooked meat mixture and diced celery to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Top with the reserved cheese, and dust with a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the dip is heated through and the cheese on top has melted.

Step 9: Let the dip rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 10: Garnish with extra diced celery, green onions, and chopped celery leaves if desired. Serve with sliced bread or tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	272
Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	82mg
Sodium	365mg
Total Carbohydrates	2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	19g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	158mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	280mg

Servings per recipe: 16

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History of Baked Buffalo Bison Dip

Baked Buffalo Bison Dip is a modern twist on the classic Buffalo-style appetizer, blending traditional American hot wing flavors with lean bison meat. The concept of Buffalo-flavored dishes originated in Buffalo, New York, during the mid-20th century, where the now-famous Buffalo chicken wing was first created. Using bison, a protein native to North America and prized for its rich, slightly sweet flavor, adds a unique historical connection to the land and its culinary heritage.

Regional Characteristics

This dish reflects a fusion of American regional influences. The hot, tangy sauce and blue cheese components are quintessentially Western New York, while the use of bison nods to the Great Plains, where bison herds once roamed extensively. In the Midwest, where bison meat is more commonly available, adaptations often include regional cheeses or locally sourced ingredients, giving each version a distinct local character.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike the traditional Buffalo chicken dip, Baked Buffalo Bison Dip is heartier, with a deeper, richer flavor profile thanks to the lean and slightly sweet bison meat. While many hot dips rely heavily on cream cheese and shredded chicken, bison adds a more pronounced, meaty texture. The combination of pepper Jack and blue cheese further differentiates it, providing layers of heat and tanginess that are balanced by the creamy base.

Typical Serving Context

This dip is most commonly served as an appetizer during social gatherings, game days, or holiday parties. It pairs exceptionally well with sliced baguettes, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. In upscale casual restaurants or gastropubs, it may also appear as part of a sharing platter, often accompanied by craft beers or bold red wines that complement its robust flavors.

Interesting Facts

• Bison meat is lower in fat and calories than beef, making it a leaner choice for this indulgent dip.
• The combination of hot sauce and blue cheese mirrors the traditional Buffalo wing experience, reimagined for a baked appetizer format.
• Though bison was once nearly extinct in North America, sustainable farming practices have revived its availability, making dishes like this more accessible.
• Some chefs experiment with smoked bison or roasted spices to enhance the natural flavor, giving the dip an earthy, complex taste.
• Despite its modern twist, this dip maintains a strong connection to American culinary traditions, bridging regional flavors from the Northeast and the Plains.

FAQ about Baked Buffalo Bison Dip Recipe