Craving a savory, crispy snack that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious? Dive into the world of homemade Potato Wedges! These wedges are seasoned to perfection with a blend of Parmesan, garlic, paprika, and other spices, then baked to a golden crispiness. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish at dinner, a snack during a game night, or as a party appetizer, these potato wedges are sure to be a hit. Let’s walk through how to make these irresistible potato wedges in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients List
Essential Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized baking potatoes (Russets or Maris Pipers work great), approximately 9 oz/250 g each
- 1/2 cup (40 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 heaped teaspoon paprika
- 1 heaped teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute with oregano)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Required Kitchen Tools
To prepare and bake the perfect potato wedges, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the potatoes into evenly sized wedges, ensuring they cook uniformly. A sturdy cutting board will make this process safe and efficient.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl will help you toss the potato wedges with the seasoning and oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper is ideal for arranging the potato wedges. This allows for even baking and easy clean-up.
- Tongs or Spatula: These tools are useful for turning the wedges halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up on all sides.
With these tools ready, you’ll be set to make delicious, crispy potato wedges.
Preparing the Potato Wedges
Making potato wedges involves a few simple steps: cutting the potatoes, seasoning them, and then baking them to perfection. Let’s get started with preparing your ingredients.
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready once your wedges are seasoned.
Next, wash and scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and flavor. Once clean, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.
Using a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into three to four wedges, depending on the size of the potato. Aim for even-sized wedges to ensure they cook uniformly. Place the potato wedges into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Seasoning the Wedges
In the mixing bowl with the potato wedges, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes. Olive oil helps the seasoning stick and gives the wedges a crispy texture.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 heaped teaspoon of paprika, 1 heaped teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the potato wedges.
Using your hands or a pair of tongs, toss the potato wedges in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture. Make sure each wedge is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Baking the Potato Wedges
With your seasoned potato wedges ready, it’s time to bake them to crispy perfection. Arrange the potato wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure the wedges are placed in a single layer and not touching each other. This spacing is crucial for even cooking and allows the edges to crisp up nicely.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the wedges at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, around the 15-20 minute mark, use a pair of tongs or a spatula to flip each wedge over. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and achieve that golden brown crispiness.
Continue baking until the potato wedges are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can test for doneness by poking a wedge with a fork; it should easily pierce through the potato, indicating that the inside is cooked through.
Step 4: Adding Extra Crispiness
For those who love their potato wedges extra crispy, you can take an additional step to achieve the perfect crunch. Once the baking time is up, switch the oven setting to broil and let the wedges sit under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as broiling can quickly turn them from golden to overly browned.
The broiling step will give the potato wedges a beautiful golden-brown color and an extra layer of crispiness, making them even more irresistible. Once they’ve reached your desired level of crispiness, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Serving the Potato Wedges
After baking, allow the potato wedges to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This brief resting time will help them firm up and become even crispier.
Serve the potato wedges immediately while they are still warm. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. These wedges are perfect as a side dish to burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. They also make an excellent snack or appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Tips for Making the Best Potato Wedges
Creating the perfect potato wedges is easy with these helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Maris Piper potatoes work best for potato wedges because of their starchy content, which helps achieve a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Make sure to wash and scrub them well, especially if you’re leaving the skin on.
- Cut Evenly Sized Wedges: For consistent cooking, make sure to cut the potato wedges as evenly as possible. This helps them bake at the same rate, preventing some from overcooking while others are underdone.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When placing the wedges on the baking sheet, make sure they are in a single layer and have some space between them. Overcrowding will trap steam and prevent the wedges from getting crispy.
- Season Generously: The seasoning mix is key to flavorful potato wedges. Make sure to toss the wedges thoroughly in the seasoning to coat each piece evenly. Adding Parmesan cheese not only enhances flavor but also contributes to a crispy coating.
- Use High Heat: Baking the wedges at 400°F (200°C) ensures they cook quickly and crisp up nicely. If you prefer even more crunch, finish them off under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Storing and Reheating Potato Wedges
Storing Leftover Wedges: If you have leftover potato wedges, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and ready for reheating.
Reheating Wedges: To reheat, place the potato wedges on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the wedges soggy.
Conclusion
Homemade Potato Wedges are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With a crispy exterior, a tender interior, and a perfect blend of spices, these wedges are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or a party appetizer, they offer versatility and satisfaction in every bite.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can make potato wedges at home that are just as good—if not better—than any restaurant version. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to make the dish your own. Enjoy the crunchy, savory delight of homemade potato wedges, and share this tasty treat with those you love. Happy cooking, and enjoy your perfectly baked potato wedges!