The Most Popular 4th of July Dish in Every U.S. State

There’s nothing more Wyoming than an elk burger grilled in the shadow of the Tetons. Lean, earthy, and intensely flavorful, elk meat turns the humble burger into a frontier feast. Hunters and ranchers often stock their freezers with it, and come the Fourth of July, it makes its way to open grills and cast-iron pans.

Topped with caramelized onions or huckleberry jam, elk brings a little wildness to the plate. It’s a cookout dish that reflects the land itself—untamed, practical, and proud. There’s no better way to say “independence” than by cooking something you harvested yourself.