Patriotic Potatoes | Fourth of July Recipes
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What’s Up, Hungry People
It’s the most patriotic week of the year – happy Fourth of July to my USA readers! As with most things American, the Fourth of July is just another excuse to do things over the top. That means red, white, and blue-themed EVERYTHING.
Even our grillables aren’t excluded from Uncle Sam’s favorite holiday. Lately, I’ve been seeing “red, white, and blue” potatoes at my local grocery store – which is basically a bag that includes fingerling purple, red-skinned, and yellow potatoes.
Because the Fourth of July is pretty much one of the biggest outdoor grilling holidays of the year, I knew I had to make some fun kabobs to go along with my sweet and spicy rack of ribs!
Here’s What You Need
- Red, yellow & purple fingerling potatoes: Adds a colorful, patriotic twist and a variety of flavors to the dish.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures potatoes cook evenly, preventing sticking and adding a crisp texture.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the dipping sauce, complementing the creamy base.
- Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note to the dipping sauce.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dipping sauce.
- Salt & pepper: Enhances the flavor of both the potatoes and the dipping sauce.
Let’s Cook
I used a small star-shaped cookie cutter to make my potatoes into stars, then threaded them onto metal skewers for easy grilling. Wooden skewers will work too, but be sure to soak them in water for at least an hour so they don’t burn away when the potatoes cook.
With a final spritz of cooking spray, my star-spangled spuds were tossed onto the top rack of the grill when my ribs had about twenty minutes left to cook. Be sure to flip them a couple of times so they cook evenly.
I served my crispy potatoes with my famous cilantro lime dipping sauce – but totally feel free to dip them in your favorite sauce instead! My cilantro lime dip may just be what made my boyfriend fall in love with me, so use at your own discretion.
Star-Spangled Potato Skewers Tips
- Choosing the right potatoes: Select fingerling potatoes of similar sizes to ensure even cooking. The variety of colors not only makes the dish visually appealing but also introduces a mix of slightly different flavors and textures.
- Cutting potatoes into stars: Use star-shaped cookie cutters of different sizes to maximize the number of stars you can get from each potato. Press firmly and evenly to ensure clean cuts.
- Skewering potatoes: To prevent skewers from burning on the grill, especially if using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least an hour before threading the potatoes. This is crucial for avoiding mid-grill mishaps.
- Grilling for the perfect crisp: Keep an eye on your skewers, turning them occasionally for an even cook. The high rack position prevents direct heat from burning the potatoes while still achieving a crispy exterior.
- Customizing the dipping sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of lime juice and cilantro in the dipping sauce according to taste. Adding a pinch of chili powder or cumin can introduce an extra layer of flavor, making the sauce uniquely yours.
- Serving suggestions: These potato skewers are versatile and can be served as a side dish with burgers, ribs, or any grilled meats. They’re not just for the Fourth of July—they can elevate any cookout or gathering.
There’s nothing more American than some good ol’ meat and potatoes cooked over the open flame!
With these star-spangled potato skewers gracing your Fourth of July table, you’re all set to celebrate in true American fashion. Not only do they bring a festive touch to your spread, but they also pair perfectly with just about any main dish you’re grilling up. The cilantro lime dipping sauce adds just the right zing to complement the crispy, savory potatoes, making it a hit that might just steal the show from the main course.
Remember, the key to those perfect skewers is in the preparation – cutting, skewering, and grilling with a bit of patience and care. So, grab those skewers, get those grills flaming, and let’s honor Independence Day with a dish that’s as vibrant and diverse as America itself. Cheers to a memorable celebration filled with good food, great company, and the spirit of freedom. Happy Fourth of July, Hungry People!
Patriotic Potatoes | Fourth of July Recipes
Ingredients
- 48 oz red, yellow & purple fingerling potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
FOR DIPPING SAUCE:
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 5 tablespoons cilantro
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Cut in half horizontally for the largest surface. Use the star cookie cutters to cut the potatoes into big and small stars.
- Press the skewers through the thickest part of the potatoes, aiming for 5-8 stars per skewer. Toss the star-shaped potatoes with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place the skewers on the highest rack in the grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crisped and cooked through.
- While the potatoes are cooking, stir together the plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Chill until ready to serve.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve alongside delicious burgers or ribs while shouting "USA, USA, USA!" Happy Fourth of July!
