After a long day, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade food, and these Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are the perfect antidote to fast-food fatigue. The moment I pop these beauties in the oven, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and melting cheese fills my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits.
I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a lazy afternoon when I had no plans for dinner. With just a few russet potatoes on hand, I was inspired to transform them into a savory side dish that left my family raving. Who knew that baked wedges could be so crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive?
Not only are these potato wedges incredibly easy to whip up, but they also make a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal, whether you're having friends over for game night or looking for a delicious side for a simple weeknight dinner. So, grab your apron and let’s elevate your potato game with this golden, cheesy delight!
Why You'll Love This Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
- These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- The irresistible combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Their versatility allows them to complement any main dish or even serve as a tasty snack on their own.
- Visually, the golden brown, crispy wedges make for an impressive presentation that will wow your guests and family alike.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Ingredients
• Let's gather what you need!
For the Wedges
- Russet potatoes – these will give you the fluffy interior and crispy skin you're after.
- Olive oil – helps achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture while adding flavor.
For the Seasoning
- Garlic powder – brings a robust garlic flavor that perfectly complements the wedges.
- Italian seasoning – adds a delightful herbaceous note that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt – necessary for bringing out the flavors in the potatoes.
- Black pepper – adds a subtle kick and enhances the flavor profile.
- Paprika – contributes a hint of smokiness for extra depth in flavor.
For the Topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese – this is what makes your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges deliciously cheesy and irresistible!
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
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Preheat your oven to 425°F. This ensures those potato wedges bake evenly and achieve that irresistibly crispy exterior. Don't forget to lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper!
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Cut the potatoes into wedges. Start by slicing each russet potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 wedges. You should have about 8 wedges per potato, perfect for dipping and sharing!
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Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat every wedge completely in that delicious golden oil. This helps achieve that beautiful crispness!
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Combine in a small bowl the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it a good mix to evenly distribute the flavors that will elevate your potato wedges.
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Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the potato wedges, tossing to coat. Next, add the seasoning mixture and toss again. You want each wedge to be bursting with flavor!
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Arrange the seasoned wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, skin-side down. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded; this allows them to crisp up beautifully.
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Top the wedges with the remaining Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy goodness. This makes the final product irresistibly crunchy on top!
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes. Flip the wedges halfway through baking until they’re fork-tender, golden brown, and crispy on the edges—just what you want!
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Cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This pause lets the cheese set slightly, making them easier to serve. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color if you like!
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Serve hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are excellent choices!
Optional: For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick side dish! You can prep the potato wedges and season them up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, cut the potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika as instructed. Next, arrange the seasoned wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This will help maintain their quality and prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to the cook time if needed. Enjoy the convenience of homemade deliciousness with minimal effort!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Variations
Feel free to customize these delicious wedges to suit your cravings and dietary needs!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix for a fragrant twist. Toss in chopped herbs right before serving for a burst of freshness.
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Cheddar Bliss: Replace Parmesan with sharp cheddar cheese for a different cheesy flavor. The melted cheddar adds a delightful gooeyness that can’t be resisted!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning for a bit of heat. This will elevate your wedges to a new level and bring a delightful spiciness.
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Tangy Twist: Swap out olive oil for lemon juice to give a zesty flavor boost. The acidity cuts through the richness and enchantingly wakes up your potatoes!
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Crispy Cauliflower: For a low-carb variation, use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes. Follow the same steps for seasoning and baking, and enjoy a guilt-free treat!
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Sweet Potato Delight: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweeter flavor and vibrant color. This twist also adds extra nutrients to your dish!
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Vegan Version: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to create a cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy this recipe without animal products.
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Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic powder or even add fresh minced garlic for an intense garlic flavor. This is perfect for garlic fans and will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Room Temperature: Allow the wedges to cool completely before storing at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Cover loosely to prevent sogginess.
Fridge: Store any leftover Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Reheating: To reheat, place the wedges on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispy texture.
What to Serve with Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges?
The aroma of these crispy potato wedges paired with your favorite dishes will create the perfect cozy dining experience.
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Tender Grilled Chicken: Juicy chicken's savory notes balance beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky wedges, making it a wholesome meal.
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Classic Burger: The crunchiness and flavor of the wedges enhance any burger, adding a comforting twist to your backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp freshness of coleslaw offers a delightful contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes, lightening the plate and enhancing your meal's texture.
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Cheesy Broccoli: This veggie side brings a burst of color and a creamy texture enhancing the richness of baked wedges, uniting two tasty comforts.
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Homemade Ranch Dip: These potato wedges scream for a creamy dip, and ranch dressing adds herby flavor that perfectly complements the garlic and Parmesan.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: The richness of shrimp, cooked in garlic butter, elevates the meal, providing a luxurious alternative that pairs well with the wedges.
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Savory Italian Sausage: The savory, spiced meat complements the herby flavors of the potato wedges, creating a comforting and hearty feast that is hard to resist.
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Refreshing Lemonade: The bright, citrus notes of lemonade will cleanse your palate between bites, making every mouthful of cheesy wedges even more enjoyable.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, warm cookies bring sweetness and nostalgia, rounding out your meal with a classic touch of sweetness after savory potato goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges, ensure that you cut the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking, as uneven sizes can lead to some wedges being undercooked while others may burn.
- Use a heavy-duty baking sheet to help achieve the best heat retention, which will aid in crisping the wedges.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider letting the potato wedges marinate in the olive oil and seasoning mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- Bake the wedges on the top rack of your oven for optimal browning and crispiness during the last few minutes of cooking.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using medium russet potatoes as they provide the fluffy interior and crispy skin that you're after. Look for potatoes that are firm, without any dark spots or blemishes. The more the merrier, so try to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking!
How should I store leftover Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them in to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven for that delightful crispiness!
Can I freeze Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges? How do I do it?
Yes, you can easily freeze these delicious wedges! Start by allowing them to cool completely. Next, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet (to avoid sticking), and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
What can I do if my potato wedges are soggy instead of crispy?
Very good question! If your potato wedges end up soggy, ensure you're cutting them evenly and not overcrowding the baking sheet. Always give them sufficient space—this allows hot air to circulate properly. If they are still soggy, you can try increasing the oven temperature to 450°F and baking them for an extra 5-10 minutes to help them regain that fabulous crunch.
Are Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Fortunately, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those who need to avoid gluten. Just keep an eye on any dips you serve them with to ensure they don’t contain gluten. For a tasty alternative, you might want to pair them with a gluten-free dipping sauce, like a homemade basil pesto!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Cut the potatoes into wedges, slicing each russet potato in half lengthwise, then into 4 wedges.
- Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the wedges, toss, then add the seasoning mixture and toss again.
- Arrange the seasoned wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, skin-side down.
- Top the wedges with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway until they are fork-tender and golden brown.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving, optionally garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese.
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