Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

These Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible. The combination of spices and Parmesan cheese creates a flavor bomb that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a go-to side dish everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture – The baking method ensures these wedges are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
• Flavorful Seasoning – A zesty blend of spices transforms plain potatoes into a gourmet side dish.
• Versatile Serving Options – Perfect as a side for burgers, grilled meat, or even as a snack on their own.
• Easy Preparation – With minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty wedges!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious recipe, let’s gather the necessary tools and prepare for cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl – Provides ample space for mixing the potato wedges and seasonings without mess.
• Baking sheets – Essential for even baking; using multiple sheets helps in cooking large batches at once.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

These Baked Potato Wedges are seasoned with zesty blend of spices and baked until gloriously crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy inside!

For the Potatoes

• 5 large russet potatoes (washed and dried)

For the Seasoning Mix

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

How to Make Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. After washing and drying the potatoes, slice one potato in half lengthwise. Then slice each half into 4 equally sized wedges. Repeat with all potatoes.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F and line several baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Potatoes with Seasonings

1. Add potato wedges to a large mixing bowl, then add vegetable oil and garlic. Stir to combine.
2. Add Parmesan, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and minced cilantro. Stir to combine. I find the best way to really mix the seasonings into the potatoes is to use your hands.

Step 3: Bake the Wedges

1. Spread the potato wedges evenly onto prepared baking sheets. Make sure you leave space in between each wedge so the hot air can circulate. I had the best results when placing the potatoes skin side down, with the point facing upwards.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
3. Keep the baking sheets in the oven, and change the temperature to 375°F. Continue baking another 40 minutes or until as crispy and golden brown as you’d like.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy your homemade seasoned baked potato wedges!

How to Serve Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are a delightful side that pairs well with various dishes. Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Aioli: A creamy blend of garlic and mayonnaise that complements the spices perfectly.
• Spicy Ketchup: Add a kick to your wedges with a zesty ketchup mixed with hot sauce.
• Ranch Dressing: This classic dip enhances the flavors of the wedges while adding a refreshing note.

As a Side Dish

• Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of potato wedges.
• Steak: Juicy steak and seasoned potato wedges make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: For a lighter option, serve your wedges alongside a colorful vegetable stir-fry packed with nutrients.

In a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Top your Caesar salad with warm potato wedges for added crunch and flavor.
• Southwestern Salad: Add seasoned baked potato wedges to a bed of greens, corn, black beans, and avocado for a delicious twist.

How to Perfect Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Achieving the perfect Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges is all about technique and ingredients. Follow these tips for mouthwatering results every time.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use large russet potatoes for their starchy content, which yields fluffy interiors.
• Soak Before Baking: Soaking sliced potatoes in water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, leading to crispier wedges.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each wedge space on the baking sheet; this promotes proper air circulation for maximum crispiness.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the wedges halfway through ensures they cook evenly on both sides.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to modify the spice blend according to your preferences for an extra kick or milder flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges can shine even brighter when served alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears lightly charred on the grill add freshness and color.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and balances out the richness of potato wedges.
3. BBQ Ribs: Smoky, tender ribs pair excellently with crispy potato wedges for a classic BBQ meal.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness and texture, making it a perfect summer side dish.
5. Chili: A hearty bowl of chili provides warmth and comfort, complementing the crispy potatoes well.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meat add nutrition and variety to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the soak – Not soaking the potato wedges in water before baking can make them less crispy. Soak them for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet – Placing too many wedges on one sheet prevents even cooking. Ensure there’s space between each wedge for optimal crispiness.
• Using cold oil – Adding oil to cold potatoes can result in soggy wedges. Make sure the oil is at room temperature before mixing it with the potatoes.
• Not preheating the oven – Baking in a cold oven can affect texture and cooking time. Always preheat your oven to 400°F before placing the wedges inside.
• Ignoring seasoning distribution – Uneven seasoning leads to bland bites. Use your hands to mix everything well, ensuring every wedge is evenly coated.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover wedges in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

• Freeze cooked potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave – Heat on high for 1-2 minutes but expect them to be softer rather than crispy.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté until warmed through and crispy, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges that may help you.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal, you can also try Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures.

How do I make them spicier?

To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding cayenne pepper into your seasoning mix.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potato wedges ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready.

What dipping sauces pair well with seasoned baked potato wedges?

These wedges go well with ranch dressing, ketchup, or even a spicy aioli for an extra kick!

Are seasoned baked potato wedges healthy?

They can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Using less oil can also lower calorie content while maintaining flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various spices or herbs based on your preferences. They make a fantastic side dish or snack, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on your own. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!