Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are the perfect side dish or appetizer for any occasion. Seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, these potato wedges offer a gourmet twist on traditional fries without the hassle of deep frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are a crowd-pleaser for good reason. They require minimal ingredients yet deliver maximum flavor. The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen as they bake. Plus, they’re healthier than traditional fried potatoes since they’re baked with olive oil rather than deep-fried. Whether you’re serving them alongside burgers, as a game day snack, or as part of a weeknight dinner, these wedges are versatile enough to complement almost any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content, which helps create that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior. Their size and shape also make them perfect for cutting into substantial wedges.
Extra virgin olive oil not only prevents the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet but also contributes a rich flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.
Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that elevates these potato wedges from ordinary to extraordinary. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute, though fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Parmesan cheese brings a savory, nutty dimension to the wedges and contributes to their crispy exterior. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-packaged variety.
Italian seasoning creates a harmonious blend of herbs that complements both the potatoes and the Parmesan. This mix typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, providing complex flavor with just one ingredient.
Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Kosher salt works particularly well for its ability to stick to the potatoes, but table salt is fine too.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and slice them into thick wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wedges in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on the hot wedges before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family side dish. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, while the cooking time is 35 minutes, bringing the total time to 50 minutes. This quick turnaround makes it feasible even for busy weeknights.
Variations
Spicy Wedges: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Loaded Potato Wedges: After baking, top with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded potato experience.
Herb Garden Wedges: Replace the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for a garden-fresh flavor profile.
Truffle Parmesan Wedges: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving and use a mixture of Parmesan and Romano cheese for an upscale twist.
Mediterranean Style: Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix and garnish with feta cheese and chopped parsley after baking.
Storage/Reheating
These Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, arrange the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore some of their original crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the wedges soggy.
For meal prep purposes, you can parboil the potato wedges, then cool and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before completing the seasoning and baking steps.
FAQs
Why aren’t my potato wedges getting crispy?
Overcrowding the baking sheet is often the culprit. Make sure to arrange the wedges in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air circulation. Also, cutting the wedges too thinly can cause them to become soggy rather than crispy.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, while russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content, Yukon Gold potatoes can work as well. They’ll give you a slightly less fluffy interior but will still taste delicious. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t give you the same crispy exterior.
How do I know when the potato wedges are done?
The wedges should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork. If you’re unsure, try one! It should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Can I make these potato wedges ahead of time?
For best results, these wedges should be served fresh. However, you can prep the potatoes ahead of time by cutting them into wedges and storing them in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to drain and pat them completely dry before seasoning and baking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skin adds texture and contains nutrients. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook them at 380°F (193°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide more flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch. Avoid the shelf-stable variety in the green canister if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
What dipping sauces go well with these potato wedges?
These wedges are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with garlic aioli, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a honey mustard dip.
Why are my wedges sticking to the baking sheet?
Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface. Also, don’t try to flip the wedges too early in the baking process; they need time to form a crust that will naturally release from the surface.
Can I omit the Parmesan cheese to make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can skip the Parmesan and still have delicious garlic herb potato wedges. Consider adding a bit more seasoning or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a somewhat cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges offer the perfect balance of convenience and gourmet appeal. With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and savory garlic-Parmesan coating, they elevate any meal from ordinary to special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—a few quality ingredients combine to create something truly greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish with your favorite protein, offering them as an appetizer for guests, or enjoying them as a satisfying snack, these potato wedges are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Their versatility allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences or complement specific meals. So the next time you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and comforting, remember that these wedges are just a potato and a few pantry staples away.
Print
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are crispy, golden potato wedges infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, making them a flavorful and satisfying side dish or snack.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and slice them into thick wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wedges in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on the hot wedges before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- This recipe can be paired with ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
