The Fourth Will Feel Different, But the Food Can Be the Same

Have cookout food — but please don’t have a cookout

Mark Bittman
Heated

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Close-up of a cheeseburger in a sesame seed bun with lettuce and sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers on a black background
Photo: kajakiki/E+/Getty Images

It’s safe to say this Fourth of July will be different. In many places, there won’t be large fireworks displays or big cookouts. (Oh, you were planning a big cookout? Please don’t.)

Burgers, hot dogs, potato salad — these are the ubiquitous foods of Independence Day. It’s a time for reexamining a lot of things about the United States, but July 4 food doesn’t have to be one of them.

(And yes, I’m aware that one thing that needs changing in the U.S. is the food system, and that consuming less meat is part of that goal. See mushroom nut burgers and chana chaat burgers if you’re in the market for a DIY meatless patty, or cut back on the beef by adding beans.)

But if you don’t want to reinvent the wheel this weekend, fire up the grill, throw down some hot dogs (or veggie dogs), and call it a day. Below are four burger variations to serve as inspiration.

Green Chile Cheeseburgers

Makes: 4 burgers or 8–10 sliders
Time: 20–25 minutes

In New Mexico, where this burger is ubiquitous, flat green chiles from the Hatch Valley are the first choice. They’re flavorful with mellow…

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