Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are a classic side dish that brings together the perfect combination of crispy edges, tender interiors, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. These wedges are baked, not fried, which makes them a healthier option without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. Perfect for pairing with everything from burgers to grilled chicken or simply enjoying as a savory snack, these potato wedges are versatile, delicious, and easy to make at home. The beauty of baked potato wedges lies in their simplicity: just a handful of pantry spices, some good-quality potatoes, and a bit of olive oil yield an unforgettable taste and texture.

This recipe will guide you through the steps to get perfectly seasoned, crispy wedges every time. With a selection of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, these wedges are loaded with flavor in each bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, hosting a gathering, or looking for a quick and easy side dish, these seasoned baked potato wedges are a go-to recipe that will satisfy any crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Baking instead of frying keeps them light and reduces the oil content, making them a healthier choice. Plus, the customization options are endless—switch up the seasonings to create a flavor profile that suits your taste, from spicy Cajun to savory rosemary and garlic. These wedges are a great crowd-pleaser that can be made with minimal effort, and they pair perfectly with sauces like ketchup, aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. The result is a delicious, golden-brown wedge that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving you the best of both worlds.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 4-6 wedges (depending on potato size)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Potato Wedges

• 4 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a softer interior)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works well too)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat

For Garnishing

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
• Optional: Sprinkle of flaky sea salt

Suggested Dipping Sauces

• Ketchup
• Garlic aioli
• Spicy sriracha mayo
• Ranch dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes under cold water to clean them, then pat dry with a towel. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 3 or 4 wedges depending on your preferred thickness. Aim for even slices to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

1. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to blend.
2. Coat with Olive Oil: Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the oil.
3. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potato wedges and toss again to ensure each wedge is coated evenly. The oil will help the spices adhere to the potatoes and promote crisping.

Step 3: Bake the Potato Wedges

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out and not overlapping. This will help them crisp up properly.
2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through. The wedges are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
3. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an added crunch, broil the wedges for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the potato wedges from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the wedges hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in these Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges serves to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and hold their shape well, creating a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior. Olive oil adds moisture and promotes browning, while garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and Italian herbs bring a balanced flavor profile that’s earthy, smoky, and aromatic. The salt and pepper highlight the natural flavors of the potatoes, and optional cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Technique Tips

• Cut Evenly: Try to cut all wedges to a similar size for consistent cooking. Thicker wedges may take longer, so adjust cooking time if needed.
• Soak for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier texture, soak the cut potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning. This removes excess starch and helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven.
• Space Out on the Baking Sheet: Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of baking, so leave space between each wedge to allow for proper airflow.
• Preheat the Baking Sheet: Preheating the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before placing the wedges on it can help to achieve a crisper bottom crust.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Loaded Potato Wedges: Top with melted cheese, sour cream, green onions, and crumbled bacon for loaded potato wedges.
• Rosemary and Parmesan Wedges: Swap Italian herbs for fresh rosemary and sprinkle with Parmesan for a more rustic, herbaceous flavor.
• Garlic Butter Potato Wedges: Toss the baked wedges in melted garlic butter before serving for a rich and savory option.
• Spicy Cajun Wedges: Use Cajun seasoning in place of Italian herbs for a spicier, Southern-inspired twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• Flip Wedges for Even Cooking: Flip the wedges halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides are crispy and golden.
• Serve Immediately: Baked wedges are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. If they sit too long, they can lose their crispiness.
• Experiment with Different Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option for a creamier texture, while sweet potatoes work for a slightly different, sweeter flavor.
• Adjust Salt to Taste: Season lightly with salt before baking, then taste and add more if needed after baking.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Herb Wedges: Add shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) in the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
• Smoky Paprika Wedges: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Lemon-Parmesan Wedges: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest and Parmesan just before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter, slightly different flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze the wedges before baking. Season and coat with oil, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 35-40 minutes.
• Make Ahead: Prep the potatoes and toss them in seasoning, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This can save time if you’re preparing a larger meal.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Sweet Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for added fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
• Swap for Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, making it a great alternative for roasting.
• Lower the Salt: Reduce the salt content by seasoning lightly and relying on fresh herbs for flavor.
• Serve with a Greek Yogurt Dip: For a healthier dipping option, pair the wedges with a Greek yogurt-based dip instead of mayonnaise or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Spread: Serve potato wedges with multiple dipping sauces for a game-day snack that everyone will love.
• Burger Night Side: Pair with burgers for a classic American-style dinner.
• Brunch Addition: Include on a brunch buffet with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty and satisfying spread.
• Potluck Option: Bring to a potluck, keeping them warm in an oven-safe dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an attractive presentation.

Special Equipment

• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes evenly, ensuring they cook at the same rate.
• Baking Sheet: A large, heavy-duty baking sheet is ideal for roasting the potatoes evenly and achieving a crispy exterior.
• Cooling Rack (Optional): If you want extra crispiness, place a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet and bake the wedges on the rack, allowing air to circulate underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes work well in this recipe. Yukon Gold will yield a creamier interior, while russet potatoes provide a fluffier texture.

2. How do I make these extra crispy?
Soak the wedges in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry. Also, ensure they’re spaced out on the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow.

3. Can I make these potato wedges spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.

4. Can I bake these wedges without oil?
While the oil helps achieve a crispy texture, you can bake them without it. Consider tossing the wedges with a small amount of vegetable broth or water to help the seasonings stick.

5. What dipping sauces work well with these wedges?
Ketchup, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, and barbecue sauce are all great options.

6. How can I prevent the wedges from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or ensure you oil the baking sheet lightly to prevent sticking.

7. Are these potato wedges gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all spices and optional toppings (like cheese) are gluten-free.

8. Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, an air fryer is great for making crispy wedges. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Conclusion

Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges are an easy, flavorful side dish that adds the perfect crunchy, savory bite to any meal. These wedges are oven-baked for a healthier take on classic fried potatoes, yet they don’t sacrifice any of the flavor or texture. With a crispy, golden-brown crust and a tender, fluffy interior, each wedge is bursting with savory spices and herbs. They’re versatile enough to serve with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats, or to enjoy on their own as a snack. Try this recipe for a satisfying, homemade alternative to fries that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy your crispy, golden wedges with a favorite dipping sauce, and savor every bite of this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!

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