Baked wedge potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can accompany many different meals. Whether you’re serving them with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian main course, these crispy and flavorful potatoes are sure to be a hit. They have a golden brown exterior and a soft, tender interior, making them the perfect combination of textures.
Making baked wedge potatoes is surprisingly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. To start, you’ll need some potatoes, olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you prefer. You can use russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes for this recipe – whatever you have on hand or prefer. The skin-on potatoes add extra flavor and texture to the dish, so I highly recommend leaving it on.
The first step is to preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, you can cut the potatoes into wedges. Simply slice the potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into three or four equal-sized wedges. Try to make the wedges as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.
Preparation and Ingredients for Baked Wedge Potatoes
Before you start making baked wedge potatoes, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into wedges. Aim for about 8 wedges per potato.
- Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the wedges gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the potato wedges, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned potato wedges to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now that you’ve prepared the potatoes, they are ready to be served as a delicious side dish or a snack. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When it comes to making baked wedge potatoes, choosing the right type of potatoes is crucial. Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to baking, as different varieties have different textures and flavors. Here are some tips to help you choose the best potatoes for your baked wedge potatoes:
- Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a popular choice for baking due to their high starch content and fluffy texture. They have a rough, brown skin and a light, dry flesh that bakes up nicely.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option for baked wedge potatoes. They have a creamy golden flesh and a buttery flavor that adds richness to the dish.
- Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are not typically used for baking, as they have a waxy texture and tend to hold their shape when cooked. However, if you prefer a firmer texture for your baked wedge potatoes, you can give them a try.
When selecting potatoes, make sure to choose ones that are firm and free from any green spots or sprouts. Green spots indicate that the potatoes have been exposed to light and may have a bitter taste. Additionally, avoid potatoes that are too large or misshapen, as they may not cook evenly.
Now that you know the best potatoes to use for baked wedge potatoes, you can head to the grocery store and confidently choose the perfect ones for your recipe.
Preparing the Potatoes
Before making baked wedge potatoes, it’s important to properly prepare the potatoes. Follow these steps to ensure delicious and crispy wedges:
- Start by selecting the right potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choices for making baked wedges due to their high starch content and fluffy texture.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a scrub brush to gently scrub the potatoes if necessary.
- Peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
- Slice the potatoes into wedges. To do this, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. Make sure the wedges are evenly sized for even cooking.
- Place the potato wedges in a large bowl of cold water. This will help remove excess starch and prevent the potatoes from turning brown.
- Let the potatoes soak in the water for about 30 minutes. This step will also help make the wedges extra crispy when baked.
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- At this point, you can preheat the oven to the desired temperature for baking the wedges.
Now that the potatoes are prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next step in making delicious baked wedge potatoes.
Seasoning the Wedges
Once you have cut the potatoes into wedges and rinsed them, it’s time to season them. This step is crucial for adding flavor to your baked potato wedges. Here are a few seasoning options to try:
1. Basic Seasoning
For a simple yet tasty seasoning, sprinkle the potato wedges with salt and pepper. This classic combination enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick.
2. Herb Seasoning
If you prefer more herbs in your seasoning, try a blend of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano. These herbs complement the earthy flavors of the potatoes and give them a fragrant aroma. Mix the herbs together and sprinkle them evenly over the wedges.
3. Spicy Seasoning
If you like some heat in your wedges, consider a spicy seasoning. You can sprinkle a combination of chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a little bit of salt to add a kick to the potatoes. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference.
Whichever seasoning option you choose, make sure to toss the potato wedges gently to ensure that they are evenly coated. This will ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Baking the Potatoes
Once you have prepared the potatoes by cutting them into wedges and seasoning them, it’s time to bake them. Baking the potatoes ensures a crispy and flavorful result.
Preheat the Oven
Before you start baking the potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
Bake on a Lined Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the potatoes from sticking and to make clean-up easier. Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
For extra flavor, you can also drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes before baking.
Roast in the Oven
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the potatoes roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the wedges halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
| Temperature | Time |
|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 30-35 minutes |
Keep an eye on the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your potato wedges.
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy, golden wedges as a delicious side dish or snack!
Serving and Enjoying
Once the baked wedge potatoes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of this delicious dish:
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve baked wedge potatoes. You can serve them as a main dish, as a side dish, or even as an appetizer. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:
- As a main dish: Serve the baked wedge potatoes with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
- As a side dish: Pair the baked wedge potatoes with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or steak, for a flavorful and filling side.
- As an appetizer: Serve the baked wedge potatoes with a selection of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ketchup, or aioli, for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Enjoying the Flavors
Whether you’re enjoying baked wedge potatoes as a main dish or a side dish, don’t forget to savor the flavors. Here are a few tips on how to fully enjoy this dish:
- Take a moment to appreciate the crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior of each potato wedge.
- Season the potatoes with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavors. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.
- Try experimenting with different toppings, such as grated cheese, crispy bacon, or chopped green onions, to add extra layers of flavor.
- Pair the baked wedge potatoes with a refreshing beverage, such as a cold beer or a glass of iced tea, to complement the flavors.
Remember, baked wedge potatoes are best enjoyed while they’re still warm and freshly cooked. So don’t wait too long to dig in and treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal!
