Try Patriotic Burgers for July 4 Cookout

Do you have a favorite July 4th recipe? Share it in the comments section below.

Patriotic Burgers

Ground beef, red onion, ranch dressing and bleu cheese combine to make a nice juicy 4th of July burger. Red. White. Blue. It doesn't get any better!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 1 oz pkg dry Ranch dressing mix
• 4 oz crumbled Bleu cheese
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grate.
3. Mix the ground beef, onion, ranch dressing mix, pepper and Bleu cheese in a bowl.
4. Form into 6 patties.
5. Grill the burgers until medium (or however you like 'em).

These are great served on toasted onion rolls with a bit more cheese melted on top. If you like a stronger flavor, double the ranch dressing. Enjoy!

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Smoked Burger Marinade

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
3 drops liquid smoke (Be careful, don't use too much)
3 -5 drops sesame oil
garlic 
cracked black pepper
yellow mustard

Directions:

Pour over burgers or steaks and let sit in refrigerator for 1 hour. You can even mix a little into the burger while forming patties. Cook over hardwood charcoal fire. Grill should be hot enough to sear outside quickly.

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Here is a more unusual type of burger, but it is sure to please your 4th of July crowd! 

Summer Chicken Burgers are sure to delight guests. Chicken breasts are topped with fresh avocado, caramelized Vidalia onions and provolone cheese. Feel free to marinate chicken before grilling. If you prefer, serve toppings on the side so everyone can build their own chicken burger. Enjoy!