Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
If you’re anything like me and love a crispy, flavorful side that feels like a hug in potato form, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. Honestly, these wedges come out golden, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness that just melts in your mouth. Stick with me because I’m going to share all the little tricks I’ve picked up so you can nail this every time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Crispness: Baking at 375°F and turning skin-side down ensures each wedge gets that golden, crunchy exterior without being oily.
- Flavor Powerhouse: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese work together to build layers of savory, herby goodness.
- Simple But Flexible: It’s an easy recipe that lets you customize with your favorite herbs or dips, making it great for every occasion.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe plays a key role. Using russet potatoes gives you that starchy, fluffy inside while the olive oil and parmesan help form that irresistible crunchy crust. Keep reading and I’ll share shopping tips to make your wedges absolutely crave-worthy.
- Russet potatoes: They’re your best friend here because their high starch content bakes up fluffy inside and crispy outside.
- Olive oil: Helps those wedges crisp up beautifully without weighing them down like heavier oils.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of cheese and oil.
- Garlic powder: Gives that classic warm garlic flavor without hassle or burning, unlike fresh garlic.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a lovely herby aroma that pairs perfectly with the parmesan.
- Parmesan cheese: This melts and crisps around the wedges adding an unbeatable savory crunch.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens up the dish with a fresh, slightly peppery kick and a pop of color.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Your go-to dipping sauce that makes these wedges even more irresistible.
Make It Your Way
I love to keep this Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe pretty classic, but honestly, it’s such a forgiving dish that you can totally make it your own. Whether you swap the herbs or add a little heat, there’s no wrong way here.
- Variation: Adding smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky twist — one of my favorites for BBQ nights!
- Dietary tweaks: If you want it vegan, just swap parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative; it still tastes amazing.
- Seasonal changes: Toss in some finely chopped rosemary or thyme in the fall to cozy it up.
- Extra crispy: Try soaking the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch — it makes the edges pop with crunch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
Step 1: Prep and slice those potatoes
Start by washing your russet potatoes really well, then slice them into wedges—think eighths for that ideal wedge shape. I like to leave the skin on because it crisps up beautifully and adds great texture. If you want, soak them in cold water for about half an hour to reduce starch and amp the crunch, but it’s totally optional.
Step 2: Coat with oil and seasonings
Pop your wedges in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat thoroughly. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this over the wedges and toss again. Last but not least, sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese evenly over everything. Trust me, this cheesy layer is what makes the flavor explode.
Step 3: Bake to golden perfection
Lay your wedges in a single layer on a greased baking sheet with the skin side down. This helps develop that crispy underside we all love. Slide them into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting at 25 minutes — they’re done when fork-tender and stunningly golden.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Once baked, I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top to add fresh color and a little brightness. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing. These wedges disappear fast, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Cut Evenly: I always try to make my wedges similar in size to ensure they cook evenly—no one wants some burnt edges and some underdone middles!
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly shredded parmesan melts better and crisps up beautifully; the pre-grated stuff tends to be drier and less flavorful.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving those wedges space means crispiness all around, so use a large baking sheet or two if needed.
- Check Early: Oven temps vary, so I start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking or drying out the wedges.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go with fresh parsley because it adds just the right pop of color and freshness to these rich wedges. Sometimes I swap in cilantro if I’m feeling adventurous, which gives a slightly different but equally delicious herbal note. A sprinkle of extra parmesan right out of the oven never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic comfort foods like burgers, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad. When I serve these wedges for dinner parties, I love adding a creamy coleslaw or roasted veggies alongside to balance the flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to mound the wedges in a rustic wooden bowl lined with parchment paper, topping them with a handful of microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Drizzling a little garlic aioli over the wedges right before serving is always a crowd-pleaser too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you do this, you’ll still get great flavor, but they won’t be as crispy right out of the fridge — which brings me to reheating.
Freezing
Freezing potato wedges can be tricky if you want to keep their crispiness. I’ve had the best luck freezing them spread out on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, just bake from frozen at 400°F until heated through and crispy again.
Reheating
I always reheat leftover wedges in the oven or air fryer to revive the crunch. Pop them on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 10 minutes or toss into an air fryer for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier or waxier wedge. Just keep in mind the baking time might change slightly based on the potato’s moisture content and size.
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Do I need to peel the potatoes before making the wedges?
Not at all! Leaving the skin on adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, plus it saves time. Just make sure to wash the potatoes well before slicing.
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Can I make these wedges gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the seasonings you use don’t contain any hidden gluten. Always check your spice blends and parmesan cheese labels just to be sure.
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What’s the best dipping sauce for these potato wedges?
Ranch dressing and blue cheese are classic pairings I love. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy chipotle mayo or garlic aioli to mix things up.
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How do I get the wedges extra crispy?
To get that extra crispy edge, soak the cut wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan and make sure the oven is fully preheated.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe feels like a little slice of heaven every time I make it. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a lively gathering, it’s the kind of side that brings everyone to the table smiling. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, perfect for sharing or devouring solo. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become my go-to potato recipe, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much!
Print
Garlic Parmesan 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 seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with shredded parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or snack, served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3-4 large russet potatoes, sliced into wedges
Seasonings and Coating
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley (or cilantro), chopped
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set it aside.
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the sliced potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to coat all the wedges evenly.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to create a seasoning blend.
- Coat Potatoes: Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the potato wedges and toss them to coat. Then, evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wedges, tossing lightly to distribute.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with the skin sides down to ensure optimal crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the potato wedges are fork-tender inside and golden brown on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and 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 cooking and pat dry thoroughly.
- Feel free to substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste, especially salt if using pre-salted cheese.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in place of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 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
