Google “What do Americans Eat on July 4” and you’ll get a lot of articles from international publications with the standard rundown: hamburgers, potato salad, corn on the cob. You’ll also get staggering statistics: The U.S. consumes 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day. No disrespect to the traditional cookout, but I started reconsidering my July 4 table back in May when I saw the off-Broadway musical biography of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, told in hiphop. More on that in a minute.

Many Americans—not just the high-brow foodies—shudder that the world thinks this is American food. Embracing our diverse food culture on July 4 is both a way to honor America and have a better meal. In a year so different than last—when