There’s something irresistible about the combination of crispy potato wedges, aromatic garlic, and nutty parmesan cheese. Garlic parmesan potato wedges are the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between casual snack and impressive side dish.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a family dinner, or simply craving something delicious, these wedges deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
What makes these potato wedges special is their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. The exterior develops a golden, crispy crust while the interior remains fluffy and tender.
The garlic adds a punch of flavor that’s mellowed by roasting, while the parmesan creates a savory, cheesy crust that’s absolutely addictive. Best of all, this recipe requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it an easy go-to option for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), scrubbed clean
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Cut each potato lengthwise into quarters, then cut each quarter into 2-3 wedges, depending on the size of your potatoes. Try to keep the wedges relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Place the potato wedges in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and helps the wedges crisp up better in the oven.
After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture left on the potatoes will create steam in the oven, preventing them from getting crispy.
Transfer the dried potato wedges to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the potato wedges and toss until they are evenly coated.
Make sure every wedge gets some of that flavorful oil mixture.
Arrange the seasoned potato wedges on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. Overcrowding the pan will result in steaming rather than roasting.
Sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese over the wedges.
Bake for 30 minutes, then carefully flip each wedge. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the wedges are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the exterior stay crisp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a sweeter taste. However, russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy content, which yields the crispiest exterior and fluffiest interior.
2. How can I make these potato wedges even crispier?
For extra crispiness, make sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes after soaking, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and consider adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the seasoning mix.
The cornstarch helps create an extra crispy exterior.
3. Can I prepare these potato wedges ahead of time?
You can cut and soak the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance (store them in water in the refrigerator). However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to season and bake them just before serving.
Reheated wedges won’t be as crispy as freshly made ones.
4. What dipping sauces go well with garlic parmesan potato wedges?
These wedges pair beautifully with homemade aioli, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, blue cheese dip, or a simple mixture of sour cream and chives. For a quick option, ketchup or honey mustard also works great.
5. Can this recipe be made in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Prepare the wedges as directed, then air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the remaining parmesan during the last 5 minutes of cooking for the perfect cheese crust.
CONCLUSION
Garlic parmesan potato wedges are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with the right technique. The combination of crispy exteriors, fluffy interiors, and the savory blend of garlic and parmesan creates a dish that’s hard to resist.
What makes this recipe a standout is its adaptability—you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, serve with various dipping sauces, or even add additional toppings like bacon bits or fresh herbs.
So the next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare, remember these garlic parmesan potato wedges. They’re proof that sometimes the most delicious foods are also the most straightforward.
