If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges should be at the top of your list. These savory, golden-brown wedges offer the perfect combination of crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the inside, all while being packed with garlic and parmesan goodness.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, preparing a family dinner, or just looking for a satisfying snack, these potato wedges are sure to impress. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to create the best baked garlic parmesan potato wedges from scratch—plus plenty of tips, variations, and frequently asked questions to help you master the recipe.
Why You’ll Love Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
There are so many reasons to love this recipe. First, it’s simple and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or tools. You can whip up a batch in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend parties. Secondly, the flavor is bold and satisfying, thanks to the combination of fresh garlic, grated parmesan, and fragrant herbs.
Plus, baking instead of frying makes this dish a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried wedges. You’ll still get that amazing crunch without all the excess oil.
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of common kitchen staples:
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Russet potatoes (large and firm)
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Olive oil
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Garlic (freshly minced or grated)
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Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
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Dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
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Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a harmony of textures and flavors that are both rustic and comforting.
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Making these potato wedges is easy, and even beginners in the kitchen can pull it off with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Potatoes
Wash and scrub your potatoes thoroughly. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Cut each half into three to four wedges depending on its size. Try to make the wedges as even as possible so they cook uniformly.
3. Season the Wedges
In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well coated.
4. Bake to Perfection
Arrange the wedges skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
5. Add Parmesan
In the last 5–7 minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the wedges. Return them to the oven to melt and slightly crisp the cheese topping.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately, optionally with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, ranch, or sour cream.
Tips for the Best Results
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Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for a crispier texture.
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Soak the cut wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch. This helps them get crispier.
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Don’t skip flipping them halfway for even color and crunch.
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Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor—it melts and browns more beautifully than the pre-packaged kind.
Serving Suggestions
These wedges are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a side dish with burgers, chicken, or grilled vegetables. They’re also great as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Try pairing them with:
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Grilled steak or chicken
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Homemade burgers
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Sandwiches and wraps
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A simple garden salad
Variations to Try
This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
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Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
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Cheesy Blend: Mix parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey finish.
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Vegan Option: Skip the cheese or use a vegan parmesan alternative.
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Lemon Herb: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for a bright twist.
Health Benefits
Although these wedges feel indulgent, they’re healthier than deep-fried options. Baking reduces the fat content, and using olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, making them a great choice when prepared in a wholesome way like this.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prep the wedges ahead of time by cutting and soaking them in water. Just store them in the fridge until ready to bake. After baking, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well but will be softer and slightly sweeter.
2. What type of potatoes is best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture and crispiness when baked.
3. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
4. Is it necessary to soak the potatoes before baking?
It’s optional, but soaking helps remove starch and results in crispier wedges.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. Can I freeze the wedges?
It’s not recommended as they may lose their texture upon thawing and reheating.
8. What dipping sauces pair well with these wedges?
Garlic aioli, ranch, sour cream, or spicy ketchup are excellent options.
9. How do I prevent the wedges from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or grease the baking sheet well with oil.
10. Can I prepare the wedges in advance?
Yes, you can season and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
11. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, keeping the skin adds flavor and texture, plus nutrients.
12. What herbs go best with this recipe?
Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary complement the flavor well.
13. How can I make them extra crispy?
Use a higher oven temperature at the end or broil briefly. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan.
14. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free if all ingredients (especially cheese) are verified gluten-free.
15. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and rotate them in the oven.
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are more than just a side dish—they’re an experience of flavor, texture, and satisfaction. With crispy edges, soft centers, and a savory garlic-parmesan blend, they’re bound to become a regular on your meal rotation. Plus, the fact that they’re baked makes them a healthier yet equally indulgent option.
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