Gridiron Potato Dip Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Cook the bacon in a medium skillet set over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Add the garlic and 2/3 cup of the oil to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and slice the potato skins into very thin strips (the thinner you cut the strips, the crispier they will be). Toss the strips with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Spread in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake, stirring once, until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.
• Cut the peeled potatoes into 1-inch chunks and put in a saucepan. Cover with cold water by about 2 inches and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly. Pass the potatoes through a ricer into a medium bowl or mash with a potato masher until smooth.
• Pour the oil and garlic mixture into the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Add the potatoes, vinegar, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and pulse until just creamy and combined; do not overprocess or the potatoes will become gluey. Add up to 3 tablespoons more water if necessary so that the dip is soft and spreadable. Season with additional salt and pepper.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top with the sour cream. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the dip. Top with the Cheddar, crispy potato skins and scallions. Serve warm or at room temperature with potato chips, red bell pepper strips and celery sticks.

Steps:

• Peel and quarter the potatoes and add to a saucepan with enough cold salted water to cover by 1 inch. Place over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer until potatoes are tender, but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.
• While potatoes are cooking, add garlic and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a mortar and pestle. Crush into a fine paste and reserve.
• Drain potatoes, reserving some of the cooking water to thin the dip out with later if desired. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• Transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or potato ricer until smooth and lump free. Stir in garlic paste. Add lemon juice and vinegar and stir in with the masher.
• Whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil in 3 or 4 additions. Add cayenne and more salt if needed. Pass dip through a mesh strainer into a bowl. Serve at room temperature, garnished with olive oil and oregano.

Steps:

• Prepare potatoes according to package directions using 1 cup milk for 6 minutes in microwave (3-4 minutes on stovetop).
• Stir remaining ingredients into potatoes; cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.
• Serve with pita or bagel chips and fresh vegetable dippers, such as wedges of bell peppers, carrots and celery sticks.
• Makes 3 cups.