Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold flavors, this Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms simple russet potatoes into a delightful combination of savory garlic, fragrant Italian herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting side or a satisfying appetizer, these wedges bring warmth and irresistible taste to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this recipe easy and approachable, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Let’s break down why each ingredient matters:
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy interior ensures fluffy softness inside while crisping beautifully on the outside.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps create the golden crust.
- Fresh garlic: Offers pungency and aromatic depth that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty richness that caramelizes when baked.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances and balances every bite.
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Give the russet potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt since we’ll be baking them with the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut each potato into thick wedges, aiming for even sizes so they bake uniformly – think of slicing each potato into eight wedge-shaped pieces.
Step 2: Coat the Wedges in Flavor
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss the potato wedges in this flavorful mixture until each piece is well coated. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the wedges and toss again just enough to distribute the cheese evenly without it clumping.
Step 3: Arrange for Perfect Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the potato wedges in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching or overcrowded. This arrangement allows each wedge to crisp up properly instead of steaming, setting the stage for that coveted golden finish.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, flip the wedges over so both sides become equally crispy and browned. The aroma of garlic and Parmesan will fill your kitchen, signaling that deliciousness is well underway.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, you can optionally sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on the hot wedges for a more intense cheesy hit. Serve them while warm and crispy, ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the dish. A little extra grated Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add visual interest and enhance the savory notes.
Side Dishes
These wedges pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or a veggie-packed salad. For a casual feast, accompany them with burgers or your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy ketchup to add variety and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or on a slate platter to elevate presentation. You can also stack them in a cone-shaped parchment paper for a fun finger-food experience or line them up on a platter with alternating dips along the side for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover wedges, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain good flavor and texture when properly cooled.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make a convenient snack or side anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that crispiness, reheat the wedges in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since that can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are perfect for their fluffiness and crispiness, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work too, offering a creamier texture and slightly different flavor.
Is it necessary to soak the potato wedges before baking?
Soaking isn’t required here, but if you want to remove excess starch and ensure extra crispiness, soaking in cold water for 30 minutes before drying them is a helpful extra step.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that savory, cheesy kick without dairy.
How can I make these wedges spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a nice fiery touch. Adjust the heat to suit your tastes.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic provides a more vibrant and robust flavor. If using garlic powder, start with about one teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings simple ingredients to life with flavor, texture, and that lovely crispy finish everyone loves. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or entertaining friends, these wedges are sure to become a go-to favorite. Give them a try and watch how they steal the show at your next gathering!
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Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges—a perfect side dish featuring thick-cut russet potatoes tossed with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these wedges are a great addition to any meal or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning & Coating
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then slice each potato into thick wedges to ensure a crispy outside and a fluffy inside when baked.
- Toss Potatoes with Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato wedges with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together well to evenly coat each wedge with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated potato wedges in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they are spaced out without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the Wedges: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip the wedges to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy. Bake until they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Serve with Optional Extra Parmesan: Once baked, remove the potato wedges from the oven and optionally sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top while still hot to enhance the cheesy flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the potato wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
- Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Use a convection oven setting if available to get even crispier wedges.
- These wedges pair perfectly with ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American