Crispy Potatoes with Herb Ranch

Summer cookouts are the easy part. Burgers, dogs, ribs, done. The side dishes? That’s where things fall apart. Do you grill up some corn? Buy some premade potato salad? Hope your buddy brings something? Don't worry, we got you. These crispy skillet potatoes (by @bkyardeats) should do the trick.

Potatoes:

• 3 lbs pearl potatoes
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 tbsp butter

Aleppo Pepper Cajun Rub:

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper flakes
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp brown sugar

Herb Ranch:

• 1 cup mayo
• ⅓ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• zest of 1 lemon
• ½ tbsp lemon juice 
• 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

THE STEPS

1. Thoroughly mix together all ingreidents for the cajun rub in a bowl or spice jar until evenly blended. Taste and adjust for salt and heat (adjust heat with small increments of cayenne pepper.) Set aside.
2. Add all ingreients for the herb ranch to a bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, or buttermilk as needed. If necessary use sour cream as a thickener.  Allow it to rest in the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving so the herbs bloom into the ranch.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and par boil for 8-10 minutes until just fork tender. Drain and let the potatoes steam dry for a few minutes.
4. Preheat your Stargazer cast iron skillet on the grill over medium- high heat, then add the oil. Once the oil starts to smoke toss in the potatoes. Stirring occasionally Cook until potatoes are crispy and fried to the preferred doneness.
5. Once the potatoes are crispy, add butter and dust the potatoes with the desired amount of cajun seasoning while tossing in the butter. Allow the seasoning to toast but not burn.
6. Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with chilled herb ranch!

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Serves: 5-8