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Meat & Greet Radio · July 2, 2020 · 3 min read

4th of July Cookout Guide: Burgers, Dogs, and Brats Done Right

4th of July Grilling Guide: Burgers, Hot Dogs & Brats from a Butcher

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

  1. Heat a flat-top griddle or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add a small amount of butter.
  2. Form loosely packed balls of Stittsworth Ground Beef, using about 3 oz per burger.
  3. 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.
  4. Let it cook undisturbed for 2--3 minutes until the bottom develops a dark, crispy crust.
  5. Flip the patty once and immediately top with a cheese slice.
  6. Cook for another 1--2 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Toast the buns on the griddle with butter until golden.
  8. 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.

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