Golden, crispy, and bursting with bold garlic and Parmesan flavor, these Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side or snack. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked to crispy perfection, they’re an easy-to-make dish that’s guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Crispy & Flavorful: Every bite is packed with a perfect balance of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs.
- Healthier Alternative: Oven-baked, not fried—enjoy all the crunch without the guilt.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand!
- Versatile Side: Pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, or a hearty salad.
Ingredients 🛒
- 4 large russet potatoes 🥔 – Washed and cut into ~8 wedges per potato.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and adds richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄 – For bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 – Adds a savory, cheesy kick.
- 1 tsp paprika – For a smoky depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Classic herbaceous notes.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Adds a subtle, savory undertone.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – For a fresh, colorful garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
- Cut the russet potatoes into wedges, aiming for roughly 8 wedges per potato.
- Soak the wedges in cold water for 20–30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, ensuring crispier results.
- Drain the wedges and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Place the potato wedges skin-side down in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through to ensure even browning.
- For extra crispiness, broil the wedges for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the hot wedges with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara.
Tips for Success 🌟
- Extra Crispy Wedges: Soaking the potatoes in cold water is key to achieving that crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Even Sizing: Cut the wedges as evenly as possible to ensure consistent cooking.
- Custom Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spices—try smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
- Preheated Baking Sheet: For even crispier results, preheat the baking sheet before placing the wedges on it.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or steaks for a hearty meal.
- Serve as a snack or appetizer alongside cold beer or soda.
- Add them to your game-day spread with other favorites like nachos or wings.
Dipping Sauce Ideas 🥣
Elevate your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges with these flavorful dipping sauces:
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic sauce to complement the wedges’ savory flavors.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a zesty kick.
- Cool Ranch Dip: The classic ranch dressing pairs beautifully with crispy wedges.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and tangy, this dip balances the garlicky, cheesy notes.
- Cheese Sauce: Warm, melty cheese sauce for an indulgent treat.
Mix and match to find your favorite pairing!
Make It Ahead 🕒
If you’re preparing for a crowd, here’s how to make these potato wedges ahead of time:
- Pre-Cut and Soak: Cut the potatoes into wedges and soak them in cold water up to a day in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator, fully submerged in water, to prevent browning.
- Pre-Mix the Seasoning: Combine all the seasonings and Parmesan in a jar or bowl and store them until ready to use.
- Bake Fresh: For the crispiest results, bake the wedges right before serving.
Leftover Ideas 🍴
If you have leftover wedges, transform them into something new:
- Breakfast Hash: Chop the wedges and toss them into a skillet with eggs and veggies for a hearty breakfast.
- Loaded Potato Nachos: Layer with cheese, bacon, and jalapeños, then bake for a quick potato nacho platter.
- Crispy Salad Topping: Use smaller pieces as a crunchy topping for salads.
Kid-Friendly Twist 👶
For a version your kids will love, try these adjustments:
- Skip the Spices: Use only Parmesan, salt, and a touch of garlic powder for milder flavor.
- Fun Shapes: Slice the potatoes into smaller “fries” or “coins” for easier handling.
- Serve with Ketchup: A kid-approved dipping sauce that pairs perfectly!
These sections ensure that you can enjoy your wedges in a variety of ways without altering the original recipe. 😊
How to Reheat Potato Wedges 🔄
To maintain the crispiness of your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges, reheating them properly is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- In an Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and reheat the wedges for 5–7 minutes. This method keeps them extra crispy!
- On the Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Toss the wedges in the skillet for 5–8 minutes, flipping occasionally to crisp up all sides.
- Avoid the Microwave: While quick, the microwave can make the wedges soggy, so it’s best to use the above methods.
Why Soak Potatoes Before Baking? 🥔
Soaking the potatoes in cold water before baking isn’t just an extra step—it’s the secret to crispy wedges!
- Removes Excess Starch: Starch on the surface of the potatoes can prevent crisping and cause uneven cooking.
- Prevents Soggy Wedges: Soaking helps the potatoes cook evenly and maintain a fluffy interior with a crispy exterior.
- Enhances Texture: You’ll notice a significant difference in the crunch factor!
Make sure to dry the wedges thoroughly after soaking to avoid steam during baking.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal 🍽️
Transform your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges into a full meal with these pairing ideas:
- Main Courses:
- Juicy grilled chicken or steak.
- Baked salmon with lemon and herbs.
- Crispy breaded chicken tenders for a kid-friendly combo.
- Salads:
- Caesar salad with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
- A fresh Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, feta, and olives.
- Soups:
- Creamy tomato bisque or broccoli cheddar soup for dipping.
- French onion soup for a hearty, comforting side.
These ideas make your wedges the star of any meal!
Fun Serving Presentation 🍟✨
Impress your guests with these creative ways to serve your potato wedges:
- In a Basket: Line a small basket with parchment paper and pile in the wedges for a diner-style feel.
- On a Platter: Arrange the wedges in a circular pattern, with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center.
- Skewered: Thread the wedges onto wooden skewers for a fun, easy-to-handle party snack.
- In Mini Cups: Serve individual portions in small paper cups or ramekins for appetizers.
These tips add a touch of flair to your presentation, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings! 😊
Creative Variations ✨
- Loaded Potato Wedges: Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and sour cream for a loaded twist.
- Spicy Wedges: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Herbed Garlic Wedges: Swap parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! Yukon Gold or red potatoes can work, though russets are ideal for their crispiness.
Q: Do I have to soak the potatoes?
While not mandatory, soaking removes starch, resulting in crispier wedges.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
Wrap-Up 🎁
These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are everything you want in a side dish—crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or a snack attack, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest. Happy cooking! 🧄✨