Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
If you’re craving a snack that combines golden, crunchy perfection with a burst of savory flavor, look no further than this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges recipe. These wedges emerge from the oven with an irresistible crispiness on the outside and tender, fluffy potatoes inside, all coated with a delicious blend of garlic and Parmesan cheese that will have you coming back for more. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or a casual snack, these wedges are sure to win hearts at any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: Achieves the perfect crunch without deep frying, thanks to baking techniques that lock in crispiness.
- Rich Flavor: Combines savory garlic and nutty Parmesan that complements the natural earthiness of potatoes.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together for a stunningly delicious outcome.
- Versatile Snack or Side: Works fantastically with burgers, grilled dishes, or simply on its own with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a short list of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a critical role in building that crispy exterior and cheesy, garlicky depth. The balance of spices and seasoning ensures every wedge is packed with flavor and gorgeous color.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior and ability to crisp up beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden brown edges while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A key ingredient that creates a savory, slightly salty crust when baked.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a fragrant mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to brighten the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for rounding out flavors and enhancing the natural taste of the potatoes.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch when sprinkled after baking.
Variations for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste or dietary preferences. Its flexibility means you can make it milder, spicier, or even vegan-friendly with just a few tweaks.
- Spicy Kick: Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a subtle heat.
- Vegan Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the cheesy flavor dairy-free.
- Herb Boost: Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Extra Crispy: Lightly coat wedges in cornstarch before baking for enhanced crunch.
- Garlic Butter: Brush baked wedges with melted garlic butter for an indulgent finish.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean. Cut each potato into even wedges to ensure uniform cooking — aim for about 8 wedges per potato. Soak the cut wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve that sought-after crispiness.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Season
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain the potatoes and pat them very dry with a kitchen towel so the oil and seasonings stick well. In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring each wedge is evenly coated.
Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the seasoned wedges and toss lightly to distribute the cheese evenly. This will form the crispy, flavorful crust during baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even browning and crisping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once golden and crispy, remove the wedges from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dips or enjoy them plain to savor every crispy, garlicky bite.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
- Soak Before Baking: Removes excess starch, giving you those crispy edges everyone loves.
- Dry Thoroughly: Moisture equals soggy wedges, so make sure to pat potatoes completely dry before seasoning.
- Use High Heat: Baking at 425°F ensures a satisfying crisp outside while keeping the inside tender.
- Flip Halfway: Helps achieve even browning and prevents burning on one side.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts and crisps better than pre-grated options, so grate the cheese fresh for best results.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives bring a vibrant, aromatic touch that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, cheesy crust. For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle a bit of garlic aioli or sprinkle some flaky sea salt just before serving.
Side Dishes
These wedges are a perfect companion for grilled chicken, steak, or burgers. They also pair wonderfully with fresh salads or roasted vegetables, rounding out a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the wedges stacked high in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper, or arrange them in a fan shape on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or tangy marinara in small bowls for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover wedges in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, avoid storing with moist toppings or sauces.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked wedges on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months and reheated directly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it softens the wedges and diminishes their crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness and slightly softer texture, but remember they may cook a bit faster, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to soak the potato wedges?
Soaking helps remove excess starch, which promotes crispiness. While optional, skipping this step might result in softer wedges.
Can I make these wedges oil-free?
You can reduce oil but know that oil helps create that golden, crispy crust. For oil-free options, consider using an air fryer or baking with a light cooking spray.
What’s the best type of Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge offers better flavor and melts perfectly. Pre-grated or powdered Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that reduce crispiness.
Can I prepare the wedges in advance?
Yes, you can prep the wedges by cutting and soaking them ahead of time. Just dry, season, and bake right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like homemade Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges to elevate any meal or satisfy snack cravings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe promises flavorful, golden wedges that are incredibly addictive. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender inside, coated with a savory blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack, these baked potato wedges deliver a rich, cheesy flavor with an irresistible crunch without the need for deep frying.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), scrubbed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast (to substitute Parmesan for vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra crispy coating)
- 2 tablespoons melted garlic butter (for brushing after baking)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (for herb boost)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the Russet potatoes clean and cut each into about 8 even wedges for uniform cooking. Soak the cut wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Preheat Oven and Season: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel to ensure oil and seasonings stick well. In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the seasoned wedges and toss lightly to evenly distribute the cheese. This step forms a savory, crispy crust during baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove wedges from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy plain to savor the crispy, garlicky flavor.
Notes
- Soak potatoes before baking to remove excess starch and ensure crispy edges.
- Dry potatoes thoroughly before seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Bake at high heat (425°F) for a crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Flip wedges halfway through baking for even browning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and crispiness than pre-grated cheese.
- Leftover wedges should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in oven to restore crispiness.
- Wedges can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
- Avoid microwaving leftovers as it softens the wedges and reduces crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Potato wedges, garlic parmesan potatoes, crispy potato wedges, baked potato wedges, side dish, appetizer, snack