Dining

Venison Cheeseburger Sliders make a great meal or tailgating snack

Sports Reporter · Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM · 9 min read

Venison Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

In this story

The Recipe: Venison Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients and Instructions
Additional Resources
Linda’s Perspective
Community Response
Looking Ahead

The air is getting crisp, the leaves are turning, and there’s a special kind of excitement buzzing around Hillsboro – it’s deer hunting season! For many families in this corner of North Dakota, it’s a cherished tradition, a chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories. This year, local wild game chef Jeff Benda is sharing a delicious way to celebrate that tradition: Venison Cheeseburger Sliders. They’re not just a tasty treat; they represent the heart of our community – resourcefulness, family togetherness, and good old-fashioned American ingenuity. Hillsboro, nestled in the rolling prairie of southeastern North Dakota, has long been a town deeply connected to the land and its resources. Hunting, particularly deer hunting, isn’t just a recreational activity; it’s woven into the fabric of the community, a legacy passed down through generations.

Every year, as the crisp air of autumn settles in, Jeff Benda, author of the “Wild Game & Fish Cookbook,” eagerly anticipates North Dakota’s deer opener. “It’s like Christmas morning but with guns!” he exclaims, highlighting the unique blend of excitement and tradition that defines this cherished event. Hunting isn't just about securing a meal for the family; it’s about camaraderie, passing down traditions, and embracing the outdoors – a refreshing escape from everyday routines. As Benda puts it, “It’s the excuse to wear camo and blaze orange without judgment.” The deer opener holds particular significance in rural North Dakota, where hunting traditions are deeply intertwined with the state's agricultural heritage and provide a welcome respite from the demands of farming. The opening day isn't just about bagging a deer; it’s a social event, a chance for families and friends to gather, share stories, and reaffirm community bonds.

For Benda, and many others in our region, deer hunting is an integral part of life. It’s a chance to connect with family and friends, appreciate the beauty of the prairie landscape, and enjoy simple pleasures like a warm cup of coffee. It’s a reminder that there’s more to life than endless work – it’s about finding joy in shared experiences and appreciating the bounty of our land. As families grow and lives get busier, these moments become even more precious, reinforcing the importance of strong bonds and shared heritage. Historically, hunting has been essential for sustenance in North Dakota, particularly in rural communities like Hillsboro, where self-sufficiency and resourcefulness have always been valued traits. Today, while grocery stores offer readily available food options, the tradition of hunting persists as a way to connect with the land and celebrate cultural heritage.

The Recipe: Venison Cheeseburger Sliders

Recognizing the need for quick, delicious, and easy-to-prepare meals after a day in the field, Benda has developed a recipe that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing: Venison Cheeseburger Sliders. Ground venison, a lean and flavorful protein source, is seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder before being sautéed with diced onion. The aroma alone is enough to draw neighbors in! Mixing in mayonnaise and layering the meat onto Hawaiian rolls with cheddar cheese, topped with melted butter and sesame seeds, creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures. “In about 30 minutes, you’ll have 24 irresistible cheeseburger sliders that will dash off the dinner table faster than running back DJ Scott going for another NDSU Bison touchdown,” Benda promises. The recipe perfectly embodies the North Dakotan spirit – making the most of what’s available and sharing it with others. The appeal of sliders, with their portability and shareable nature, also aligns with the often-casual and communal atmosphere of tailgating events and gatherings common in North Dakota.

Ingredients and Instructions

The recipe, which serves 24 sliders, is designed to be approachable and achievable for cooks of all skill levels. The ingredients are straightforward: 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 2 pounds of ground venison, 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 24 Hawaiian rolls, 8 slices cheddar cheese, ¾ cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. The instructions are simple to follow: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, grease a baking sheet with butter, sauté the venison and onion with seasonings, mix in mayonnaise, assemble the sliders with cheese and then bake for 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

<ul

3 tablespoons melted butter</li

2 teaspoons olive oil</li

2 pounds ground venison</li

1 medium yellow onion, diced</li

1 teaspoon kosher salt</li

1 teaspoon black pepper</li

1 teaspoon onion powder</li

1 teaspoon garlic powder</li

1/4 cup mayonnaise</li

24 Hawaiian rolls</li

8 slices cheddar cheese</li

3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese</li

1 tablespoon sesame seeds</li

Instructions:

<ol

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</li

Using 1 tablespoon of the melted butter, grease the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet.</li

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add ground venison, diced onion, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the venison has lost its raw, red color.</li

Transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the mayonnaise.</li

Using a long serrated knife, slice off the top half of the Hawaiian rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls on the buttered baking sheet and line the bread with sliced cheese.</li

Spread cooked ground venison mixture evenly over the sliced cheese, using the back of a spatula to square off the edges. Cover the ground venison with the shredded cheese.</li

Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls, cut-side down, over the meat and cheese mixture. Brush tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.</li

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Serve immediately.</li

Additional Resources

Wild Game & Fish Media provides more approachable wild game and fish recipes. Benda also has a new cookbook available for pre-order, offering 80 recipes inspired by the region’s remarkable hunting and fishing traditions. The cookbook aims to make wild game cooking accessible to everyone, demystifying the process and celebrating the unique flavors of North Dakota’s natural bounty.

Linda’s Perspective

Watching the seasons change always stirs a deep sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the simple things in life. Deer hunting season, with its traditions and camaraderie, embodies that spirit perfectly. It’s more than just a sport; it's a way to connect with our heritage, strengthen family bonds, and appreciate the bounty of our land. While I understand that not everyone shares the same passion for hunting, I believe there’s something valuable in the lessons it teaches – perseverance, respect for nature, and the importance of shared traditions. The ethical considerations surrounding hunting – responsible harvesting, conservation efforts – are vital components of this tradition.

The Venison Cheeseburger Sliders recipe itself is a testament to resourcefulness and ingenuity. It’s a reminder that even with limited time and resources, we can create delicious and memorable meals that bring people together. As our society becomes increasingly fast-paced and disconnected, it's more important than ever to prioritize these moments of connection – sharing a meal, laughing with loved ones, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s these small acts of community that build strong families and vibrant towns like Hillsboro.

Community Response

While specific reactions from Hillsboro residents haven’t been gathered, the excitement surrounding the deer opener is palpable. The popularity of wild game cooking also speaks volumes about our community's embrace of resourcefulness and tradition. It’s a testament to the values we hold dear – hard work, self-sufficiency, and a deep appreciation for the natural resources that sustain us. Local butcher shops often see a surge in business during this time, as hunters process their harvests and share their bounty with neighbors and friends. The Hillsboro Co-op, a cornerstone of the local economy, also plays a vital role in providing essential supplies for hunters and families preparing for the colder months.

Looking Ahead

The deer hunting season is officially underway, and local hunters are gearing up for a successful season. Benda’s recipe offers a fantastic way to utilize the harvest and celebrate this cherished tradition with family and friends. As we move forward, I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of community – to share their traditions, support local businesses, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department plays a vital role in managing the state’s deer population and ensuring sustainable hunting practices for future generations. The department’s efforts are crucial in maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem.

For those interested in learning more about hunting regulations and safety guidelines, resources are available through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department: https://www.nd.gov/dnr/. The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce also offers support for local businesses and community events: https://hillsborochamber.org/ . And if you're looking to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts, the Hillsboro Parks Department provides opportunities for recreation and community engagement: https://www.cityofhillsboro.com/departments/parks-recreation/.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, let’s remember the importance of community, tradition, and good food. Let’s embrace the spirit of the deer opener and celebrate the simple joys of life – family, friends, and a delicious Venison Cheeseburger Slider!

The Hillsboro School District is always looking for ways to promote healthy lifestyles among students. https://www.hillsboroschools.org/

Venison Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Serves: 24 sliders

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes