Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try my Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe. These wedges hit that perfect balance of golden-crisp edges, a tender inside, and a punch of garlicky, cheesy goodness that keeps me coming back for more every single time. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make — I love whipping them up for weeknight dinners or game days. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail this at home too!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Garlic powder, parmesan, and Italian seasoning team up to create a savory punch that transforms humble potatoes.
- Perfect Crispness: Baking at 375°F with olive oil and skin-side down ensures wedges come out beautifully golden and crispy without deep frying.
- Super Versatile & Easy: This Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe works equally well as a snack, side, or party appetizer — plus, it’s straightforward enough to make any night.
- Fun to Customize: From dipping sauces to herbs, you get to make it your own and still get amazing results every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a role in crafting that crispy, flavorful wedge we crave. Choosing the right potatoes and fresh parmesan makes a world of difference, and I’ll share my tips to make sure you pick the best.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy spuds bake up crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside — perfect for wedges. Look for firm potatoes without soft spots.
- Olive Oil: It coats the wedges evenly, helps with crisping, and adds a touch of fruity richness.
- Salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and balances the cheesy notes.
- Garlic Powder: Gives you that aromatic garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the oven.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that amps up the savory depth.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: The magic ingredient that melts and browns beautifully, creating that irresistible crust on the wedges.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note as a finishing touch.
- Dipping Sauce (optional): Ranch or blue cheese elevates the experience with creamy, tangy contrast.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe is, and I often tweak it depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. Don’t be shy to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even dipping sauces.
- Variation: Once, I added smoked paprika and a little cayenne for a smoky-spicy twist — it was a total hit at our barbecue, giving the wedges some extra kick without overpowering the cheese and garlic.
- Make It Vegan: Swap parmesan for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Seasonal Twist: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme when in season for an herbaceous upgrade.
- Extra Crispy: For crunch lovers, a quick broil for 2-3 minutes at the end works wonders — just keep an eye so they don’t burn!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes Like a Pro
Start by giving your russets a good scrub — no need to peel these; I actually like leaving the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut them into even wedges so they roast uniformly. Getting your wedges roughly the same size is key to avoiding some being overdone while others are undercooked.
Step 2: Season and Coat With Love
Pop your wedges into a big bowl and drizzle the olive oil over them. Toss them gently but thoroughly — every wedge should gleam with oil for that perfect crisp. Whisk together salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then sprinkle it and the parmesan cheese over the potatoes, tossing to coat evenly. This step really builds the flavor layers, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Bake ‘Em to Perfection
Arrange the potato wedges skin-side down on a greased baking sheet in a single layer. This helps the skin crisp up nicely against the pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-35 minutes until you see those edges golden and the potatoes are fork-tender. If you want, toss them halfway through baking for more even browning.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the wedges with freshly chopped parsley. I love this final touch — it adds color and a burst of freshness. Serve warm with your favorite dip, whether that’s ranch, blue cheese, or just ketchup. Trust me; the wedges disappear instantly!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Use Even Wedges: Cutting potatoes to a similar size ensures even cooking so you don’t end up with burnt edges and raw centers.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Toss: Tossing parmesan onto the wedges before baking allows it to melt into a tasty crust that I’ve learned makes all the difference.
- Skin-Side Down for Crispness: I always place wedges skin-side down on the baking sheet to get that perfect crunchy bottom every time.
- Watch the Oven Timing: Overbaking dries wedges out — keep an eye starting at 25 minutes and test with a fork for tenderness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh parsley — it’s my go-to garnish that livens up the plate and adds a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I mix in chopped cilantro for a zesty twist, especially when serving with a spicy dip. A sprinkle of extra parmesan on top before serving is a fun indulgence if you want to go cheesy all the way!
Side Dishes
These wedges are a superstar side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple green salad for a lighter dinner. I often serve them alongside roasted veggies or a fresh slaw to round out the meal with vibrant flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, I like setting out the wedges in a big wooden bowl with small dipping cups of ranch, garlic aioli, and spicy ketchup around. It makes for a fun “build-your-own-dip” experience. For date nights, I plate them neatly, stacked with microgreens and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on the side—trust me, it looks fancy but takes hardly any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well, but the texture softens a bit, so reheating properly is key to bringing back some crisp.
Freezing
While I usually prefer fresh, I’ve frozen extra seasoned wedges before. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, though the texture can be slightly less crisp once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop wedges in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that golden crunch — it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe?
Absolutely! While russets are ideal for their fluffy interiors and crisp skins, Yukon Gold potatoes can also work nicely if you prefer a creamier texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as waxy potatoes may cook faster.
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Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese, or can I substitute it?
Parmesan is the key to that savory, crispy crust, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a good shredded hard cheese. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, though the texture will differ.
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How do I make the wedges extra crispy?
Make sure to coat wedges evenly in oil, space them well on the baking sheet so they aren’t crowded, and try baking skin-side down. Finishing with a quick broil for a couple of minutes also adds extra crispness—but watch them carefully to avoid burning.
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Can I prepare and bake these ahead of time for guests?
Yes! You can prep the wedges with oil, seasoning, and cheese, then refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the bake time since they’ll start cold.
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What sauces or dips work best with this recipe?
I love classic ranch or blue cheese for creaminess, but garlic aioli, ketchup, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic choices — feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s so easy and versatile yet delivers serious flavor. I love sharing it with friends, and it always feels like a special treat without much fuss. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I promise these wedges will quickly become a staple in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges made with russet potatoes, seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and topped with shredded Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, served with optional fresh parsley and your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3-4 large russet potatoes, sliced into wedges
Seasonings and Toppings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- optional: fresh parsley (or cilantro), ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set it aside to prepare for baking the potato wedges.
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the potato wedges into a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the wedges and toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to combine the dry flavors.
- Season Potatoes: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the potato wedges, tossing to coat them evenly. Then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wedges, mixing gently to distribute the flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, with the skin-side down to help them crisp up nicely during baking.
- Bake: Bake the potatoes for 35 minutes, until they are golden brown and fork-tender, checking for doneness towards the end of cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the wedges. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
- Use fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic taste.
- Other dipping sauces like ketchup, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo also pair well.
- Ensure wedges are spread in a single layer to avoid sogginess and promote even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg