If you’re craving a snack that’s both comfort food and a little bit fancy, this Baked Potato Wedges Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden wedges laced with smoky paprika and fragrant herbs, tender on the inside and irresistibly crunchy on the outside. These wedges strike the ideal balance between simplicity and flavor, making them perfect any time you want to jazz up your potatoes without fuss. Trust me, once you try this Baked Potato Wedges Recipe, it will quickly become a crowd-pleaser in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Potato Wedges Recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating those crispy, flavorful wedges. From the earthy waxy potatoes to the smoky paprika and aromatic herbs, everything works together to deliver comforting yet exciting taste and texture.
- Waxy potatoes (1 pound): These hold their shape beautifully during cooking, giving you firm, hearty wedges.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the potatoes perfectly.
- Ground paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and gorgeous color to the wedges.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings an herbaceous touch that complements the potatoes flawlessly.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle savory punch without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the wedges crisp up beautifully in the oven and carries the seasonings.
How to Make Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by placing your potato wedges in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Bring it up to a boil, add salt to the water, then turn down the heat to a gentle simmer. Cooking the potatoes just until tender but not falling apart is key here – generally about 5 to 10 minutes depending on wedge size. Parboiling helps them cook evenly and creates that fluffy interior we’re after.
Step 2: Steam Off the Potatoes
After draining, toss the potatoes back into the pot over the lowest heat. Gently shake the pot to avoid sticking and let any excess moisture evaporate for 10 to 20 seconds. This little trick dries their surface just enough to allow the oil and spices to cling lovingly, setting you up for seriously crispy wedges.
Step 3: Preheat the Pan
While you’re seasoning the potatoes, pop a dark-colored baking pan into your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). Heating the pan ahead of time helps give those wedges that coveted golden crust the moment they hit the surface.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
Next, add all the seasoning powders and oil straight into your pot with the potatoes. Seal it with the lid and shake vigorously until every wedge is coated generously in the fragrant mix. The edges should look uneven and rustic—this rough texture is essential for maximum crispness and delicious bites.
Step 5: Spread the Wedges in the Hot Pan
Carefully remove your now sizzling hot baking pan from the oven and spread your seasoned potato wedges out in a single layer. It’s important to avoid overcrowding so that each wedge gets enough heat and space for that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Bake the Potatoes
Bake the wedges for 15 to 20 minutes, checking when they’re beautifully crisp on the bottom. Then, finish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Serve these golden beauties piping hot, because like most potato wedges, they start to lose their crunch once cooled.
How to Serve Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your baked potato wedges from side to sensation. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives injects vibrant color and fresh herbal notes. For a richer touch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of sour cream works wonders to complement the seasoning.
Side Dishes
These wedges make a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of mains. Think juicy grilled chicken, a hearty burger, or even a fresh, crunchy salad for a lighter option. Their bold flavor and crisp texture are versatile enough to partner with almost anything you’re craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your baked potato wedges as the base for loaded “wedges bowls” topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, and dollops of guacamole or salsa. They also shine wrapped in soft pita bread with a tangy yogurt sauce for an easy handheld snack. The possibilities are deliciously endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Baked Potato Wedges Recipe results, let them cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to three days but will start to soften over time, so a quick re-crisp is recommended.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked potato wedges, but the texture might change slightly. To freeze, spread them in a single layer on a tray to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They should keep well for up to two months, perfect for a quick snack later.
Reheating
The best way to bring your wedges back to life is in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes or until crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch, as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Baked Potato Wedges Recipe?
Absolutely! While waxy potatoes hold their shape best, you can use russet potatoes for a fluffier inside. Just be careful during parboiling as russets can be more fragile and may require less time.
Do I have to parboil the potatoes before baking?
Parboiling is key for this recipe because it ensures the interior is tender and soft without overbaking the outside. Skipping this step could lead to dry or unevenly cooked wedges.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a nice kick. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
What oil is best for making baked potato wedges?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or light olive oil. These help the wedges crisp up without burning or carrying a strong flavor.
How do I know when the wedges are done baking?
You’ll want to see a deep golden-brown color underneath and edges that look crispy. The baking time plus broiling helps achieve that perfect texture, so keeping an eye near the end is important.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Baked Potato Wedges Recipe! It’s comforting, simple, and packed with flavor, making it an easy favorite for any meal or snack time. Once you master these wedges, you’ll find so many ways to enjoy them again and again. So grab your potatoes and let’s get baking!
Print
Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked potato wedges seasoned with paprika, oregano, garlic, and onion powders. These wedges are parboiled for perfect tenderness, then oven-baked until golden and crispy on the outside. Finished with a quick broil for extra crunch, they make a delicious side or snack for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 pound waxy potatoes (scrubbed and cut into wedges)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more if your salt isn’t strong)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Oil
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Parboil the potatoes: Place the cut potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, salt the water, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 5-10 minutes, or until just tender, depending on the size of your wedges.
- Steam off the potatoes: Once tender, drain the potatoes well. Return them to the pot and place it on the lowest heat. Gently shake the pan to prevent sticking and allow excess water to evaporate for about 10-20 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the pan: Place a dark-colored baking pan in the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C) so the pan and oven heat simultaneously while you season the potatoes.
- Season the potatoes: Add salt, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and oil to the potatoes in the pot. Cover with the lid and shake vigorously until the wedges are evenly coated and have a rough, scraggly surface without turning mushy.
- Spread in the prepared pan: Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven. Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer to ensure even baking and crispiness.
- Bake the potatoes: Bake the wedges in the oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy on the bottom. Finish by placing them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes helps maintain shape and texture.
- Adjust salt quantity based on your salt’s strength and personal preference.
- Broiling at the end adds an extra crispy finish, so keep a close eye during this step.
- Serve wedges immediately as they tend to soften once cooled.
