Description: These baked garlic herb potato wedges are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried potato wedges. Packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and a touch of smoked paprika, these wedges are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. They’re the perfect side dish for burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or even as a satisfying snack on their own.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and cut into wedges
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the potato wedges. While the oven preheats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the wedges from sticking and make for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the russet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. You can scrub them with a vegetable brush under running water. Once clean, cut the potatoes lengthwise into wedges. A good technique is to first halve the potato, then cut each half into wedges about ½ to ¾ inch thick at the widest point. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking. Leaving the skins on is highly recommended as they provide added texture, flavor, and nutrients.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, place the potato wedges. Drizzle the olive oil over the wedges and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated. The olive oil will help the spices adhere to the potatoes and contribute to their crispy texture during baking.
Step 4: Add the Spices: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika (or regular paprika), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the potato wedges. Toss everything together thoroughly until the potato wedges are completely and evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every wedge receives a generous coating of spices for maximum flavor. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to ensure the spices are well distributed.
Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet as this will cause the wedges to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy potatoes rather than crispy ones. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the wedges have enough space around them.
Step 6: Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. About halfway through the baking time (around 17-20 minutes), flip the wedges using a spatula or tongs. This ensures even browning and crisping on both sides. The wedges are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Serve: Once the potato wedges are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will allow them to crisp up further. Before serving, optionally sprinkle the wedges with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these baked garlic herb potato wedges because they are:
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Healthier than Fried: Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the amount of oil and calories, making this a guilt-free indulgence.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika creates a flavorful and aromatic experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: These wedges are a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, from burgers and sandwiches to grilled meats and salads.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and herbs to suit your personal preferences. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or experimenting with different dried herbs like rosemary or basil.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Enjoy as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, aioli, or sriracha mayo.
- Add to a salad for a hearty and flavorful element.
- Serve alongside eggs for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal.
Tips:
- For extra crispy wedges, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning. This helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes.
- Make sure the potatoes are dry before tossing them with olive oil and spices. This will help the spices adhere better and prevent them from steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the wedges have enough space to bake evenly.
- Flip the wedges halfway through baking for even browning and crisping.
- Adjust the baking time depending on the size and thickness of your wedges. They are done when they are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- If you want to add Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
- Store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35-40 minutes Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 200-300mg (depending on salt added)
Conclusion:
These baked garlic herb potato wedges are a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthier twist. The combination of savory garlic, fragrant herbs, and a touch of smoked paprika creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or a satisfying snack, these potato wedges are sure to please. With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and customizable flavor, they’re a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of perfectly baked potato wedges that are sure to become a family favorite!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy texture and ability to crisp up well, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes will yield a creamier, slightly sweeter result, while red potatoes will offer a firmer texture. Just keep in mind that different potato types may require slight adjustments to the baking time.
Q2: Can I make these potato wedges ahead of time?
A: While they are best served fresh, you can prepare the potato wedges ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Cut and season the potatoes as directed, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, spread them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Q3: What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute the smoked paprika. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use regular paprika instead. While it won’t provide the same smoky flavor, it will still add a nice color and subtle sweetness to the potato wedges. Alternatively, you could add a pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder for a different flavor profile.
Q4: My potato wedges aren’t getting crispy enough. What can I do?
A: There are several reasons why your potato wedges might not be getting crispy. First, make sure you are not overcrowding the baking sheet. The wedges need enough space around them to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp them up. If you are using a single baking sheet, spread the wedges out evenly and make sure they are not touching each other. Secondly, ensure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. A lower oven temperature will result in soggy potatoes. Finally, you can try increasing the baking temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit during the last 10 minutes of baking to encourage crisping.
Q5: Can I cook these potato wedges in an air fryer?
A: Yes, these potato wedges can be easily cooked in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Air frying will result in even crispier potatoes than baking in the oven.
