Move over french fries, there’s a new potato star in town! These Crispy Baked Potato Wedges deliver restaurant-quality crunch with homemade flavor in every bite. Seasoned with a perfect blend of herbs, spices, and parmesan cheese, these wedges bake up golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender and fluffy inside. Best of all, they’re so much healthier than deep-fried options but don’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Crispy: The combination of parmesan, cornstarch, and proper baking technique creates potato wedges with a satisfying crunch that rivals any restaurant version.
- Flavor-Packed: These aren’t just any potato wedges – they’re loaded with garlic, herbs, and a perfect blend of spices that make them impossible to stop eating.
- Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying means less oil but maximum crispiness – you won’t believe these weren’t deep-fried!
- Versatile: Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or even as the star of a casual dinner with various dipping sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content is perfect for creating that crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior. Make sure they’re large and fresh!
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor while helping create that crispy coating. Freshly grated works best.
- Cornstarch: The secret weapon for extra crispiness – it absorbs moisture and helps create that perfect crunch.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked provides better flavor than pre-ground, adding a gentle heat.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Use kosher rather than table salt for better distribution.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory depth without actual onion pieces.
- Paprika: Provides beautiful color and mild smoky flavor. Try smoked paprika for an extra dimension!
- Chili Powder: Adds a gentle warmth without making the wedges spicy.
- Oil: Choose high-quality oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil is my favorite, but olive or vegetable oil work well too.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the wedges with irresistible flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip these! They bring brightness and freshness to the rich potato wedges.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Spice Lover’s Wedges
Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix and consider serving with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip.
Mediterranean Style
Use oregano and rosemary as your herbs, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the mix, and serve with tzatziki sauce.
Loaded Wedges
After baking, sprinkle with extra cheese, cooked bacon bits, and green onions, then return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
Sweet and Savory
Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to the spice mix for a subtle sweet-savory balance that’s surprisingly addictive.
How to Make Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Wash your potatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half lengthwise. Cut each half in half again, then slice each quarter in half at an angle, creating eight evenly-sized wedges per potato. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Create Your Seasoning Mix
In a separate small bowl, combine the grated parmesan, cornstarch, black pepper, kosher salt, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly to create your seasoning blend.
Step 3: Season the Wedges
Drizzle oil over the potato wedges and add the minced garlic. Toss until every wedge is evenly coated. Next, sprinkle the cheese and spice mixture over the potatoes along with your fresh herbs. Mix thoroughly until each wedge is coated with this delicious blend.
Step 4: First Bake
Arrange the wedges in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets, making sure they’re not touching each other. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Lower and Finish
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for about 40 minutes, or until the wedges are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Even Sizes Matter: Cut your wedges as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Skimp on Oil: While you don’t want them drowning, make sure each wedge is properly coated to help the seasonings stick and promote browning.
- Give Them Space: Overcrowding the baking sheet leads to steaming instead of crisping. Use two sheets if necessary.
- The Two-Temperature Method: Starting at a higher temperature helps seal the exterior, while the longer, lower-temperature cooking ensures the insides get perfectly tender.
- Try the Soaking Method: For even crispier wedges, soak them in cold water for 45 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
These wedges are fantastic served alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or fish. They also make a great appetizer for game day or casual gatherings.
Dipping Sauces
Take these wedges to the next level with dipping sauces:
- Classic ketchup or sriracha ketchup
- Garlic aioli
- Truffle mayo
- Chipotle dip
- Honey mustard
- Spicy yogurt sauce
Garnish Options
Just before serving, sprinkle with extra fresh herbs, a little more grated parmesan, or even some truffle salt for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled potato wedges in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The airtight container prevents them from becoming stale and soggy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat these wedges in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until they regain their crispiness. If you don’t have an air fryer, a 375°F oven works well too—just place them on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
FAQs
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Why aren’t my potato wedges getting crispy?
The most common culprits are overcrowding on the baking sheet, not using enough oil, or having the oven temperature too low. Make sure your wedges aren’t touching each other, are well-coated with oil, and your oven is properly preheated. Also, try the soaking method mentioned in the pro tips to remove excess starch.
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Can I make these with sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully with this method, though they might need slightly less cooking time. The flavor profile pairs wonderfully with the spices, though you might want to reduce the parmesan slightly as sweet potatoes have their own natural sweetness.
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What’s the purpose of the cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is the secret to extra crispy potato wedges. It absorbs moisture from the surface of the potato and creates a thin, crisp exterior when baked. It’s the same technique used in many restaurant-style crispy potatoes and Asian stir-fries.
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Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
You can cut and season the potatoes up to 2 hours before baking, but I don’t recommend longer as they may oxidize and turn brown. For the absolute best texture, bake them right before serving. If needed, you can bake them earlier in the day and reheat in a hot oven for 5-7 minutes just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Baked Potato Wedges are more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, paired with that irresistible herb and spice blend, makes these wedges disappear from the table in minutes. Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite protein or enjoying them on their own with a variety of dipping sauces, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give them a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!
PrintCrispy Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked potato wedges, seasoned with a blend of spices, parmesan, and fresh herbs, perfect for a healthy side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Potatoes
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- 5 large russet potatoes, rinsed and cut into wedges
Seasoning
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- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika, or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Oil and Garnish
- 1/3 cup oil (avocado, vegetable, or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs of choice (e.g., cilantro, parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Prepare the potatoes. Wash all the potatoes well, then slice in half longways. Cut each half in half again, then cut each quarter in half at an angle to create even-sized wedges. Transfer the wedges into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Mix the seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, combine the parmesan, minced garlic, cornstarch, pepper, salt, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. Set it aside.
- Coat the potatoes. Add the oil and garlic to the potato bowl and toss until all the wedges are coated. Add the cheese/spice mixture and chopped herbs, then mix until all wedges are evenly coated.
- Arrange the wedges on baking sheets. Evenly spread the potato wedges onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure they are arranged side by side without overlapping.
- Bake the wedges. Place the wedges into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat and continue baking. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 40 minutes or until the wedges are crispy.
- Serve. Once baked, remove the potato wedges from the oven and serve them warm with your favorite toppings or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Storing: Store your potato wedges in an airtight container or baggie to keep out the air and help prevent them from turning stale. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the potato wedges in an air fryer to get them crisp again. Air fry leftover wedges for 3 to 4 minutes at 375°F, or until heated through and crispy.
- Freezing: Freeze the potato wedges on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch, until frozen solid. Then place them in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp and heated through.
- Soaking: For an even crispier texture, soak the wedges in cool water for 45 minutes after cutting, to remove starch. Drain the water and thoroughly pat the wedges dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Spacing: Arrange wedges side by side instead of piling them together to allow for quicker and even baking.
- Seasoning: Feel free to use any fresh herbs you enjoy for this recipe. A mixture works great!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg