4th of July Cookout Guide: Burgers, Dogs, and Brats Done Right
The 4th of July is America's biggest grilling day, and on this episode of Meat & Greet, Myke Stittsworth makes sure you're ready. From burger blends to brat varieties to the humble hot dog — Myke covers the classics and how to do them right.
This isn't about fancy techniques or exotic ingredients. It's about nailing the fundamentals — good meat, the right heat, and knowing when to flip. Simple as that.
4th of July Essentials
- The ideal burger blend: fat content matters
- Brats: boil first or straight on the grill?
- Hot dogs: all-beef vs. mixed — what's the difference
- How much to buy per person for a crowd
About Meat & Greet
Myke Stittsworth joins KBUN Sports Radio's High Noon every week from Stittsworth Meats in Bemidji, MN.
🎧 Listen to this episode on KBUN | Browse all Meat & Greet episodes
🍖 Recipe: The Perfect Stittsworth Smash Burger
Ultra-crispy, caramelized crust meets tender, juicy interior. This diner-style smash burger with Stittsworth Ground Beef is the ultimate cookout burger.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Stittsworth Ground Beef
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 American cheese slices
- Butter for the griddle
- 4 soft potato buns
- Pickle spears, onion, lettuce, tomato for serving
- Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Heat a flat-top griddle or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add a small amount of butter.
- Form loosely packed balls of Stittsworth Ground Beef, using about 3 oz per burger.
- Place the beef ball on the hot griddle and immediately smash it flat using a heavy spatula or burger press. Season aggressively with salt and pepper.
- Let it cook undisturbed for 2--3 minutes until the bottom develops a dark, crispy crust.
- Flip the patty once and immediately top with a cheese slice.
- Cook for another 1--2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Toast the buns on the griddle with butter until golden.
- Assemble burgers with pickles, onion, lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
Pro Tip: The smash technique is the secret to an exceptional crust. Stittsworth Ground Beef's high-quality fat renders into the griddle, creating those lacy, crispy edges that make smash burgers legendary. Press hard and resist the urge to flip multiple times.