Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a mouthwatering blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. These golden-brown potato wedges strike the perfect balance between comfort food indulgence and easy preparation, making them an irresistible side dish for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a delicious snack, these Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges will elevate your dining experience. You’ll learn how to achieve that restaurant-quality crispiness while keeping the recipe simple enough for weeknight cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are about to become your new favorite side dish for countless reasons. First, they deliver an incredible textural contrast – that satisfying crunch as you bite through the seasoned exterior gives way to a fluffy, tender center that practically melts in your mouth. The aromatic combination of fresh garlic and Italian herbs creates an irresistible fragrance that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before dinner is even served.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. These potato wedges pair beautifully with everything from burgers to roast chicken, or they can stand alone as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re also surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time while your oven does most of the work. The recipe uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it perfect for last-minute meal planning. Best of all, these garlic parmesan wedges offer the satisfying crunch of fried potatoes without the mess or guilt of deep frying.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges, you’ll need:

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), scrubbed clean
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The russet potatoes are key here – their high starch content creates that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior. Fresh garlic is strongly recommended over garlic powder as it provides a more robust flavor that permeates the potatoes during baking. For the Parmesan, choose a block that you grate yourself rather than pre-shredded varieties, as freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and provides better flavor for your potato wedges with garlic seasoning.

Pro Tips

Master the Cut: The secret to perfectly cooked Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges lies in how you cut them. Ensure all wedges are approximately the same size – about ¾-inch thick at their widest point – for even cooking. First, halve each potato lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 equal wedges. Uniformity is key to preventing some wedges from burning while others remain undercooked.

The Soaking Method: For extra crispiness, soak your cut potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This removes excess starch from the surface, allowing the wedges to crisp up beautifully in the oven. After soaking, thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of crispiness! This simple step makes a remarkable difference in achieving restaurant-quality garlic Parmesan potato wedges.

Two-Stage Cheese Application: Rather than adding all the Parmesan at once, use a two-stage approach. Mix half the cheese with the seasonings and oil at the beginning, then add the remaining cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. This prevents burning while ensuring you get both the flavor of Parmesan throughout and that irresistible cheesy crust on top. The high heat of the final few minutes creates perfect browning for your parmesan crusted potato wedges.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior on your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges. While the oven heats, cut your potatoes lengthwise in half, then slice each half into 3-4 even wedges, depending on the size of your potatoes. Remember that uniform sizes ensure even cooking.

Step 2

Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Whisk this mixture together until well combined, creating a fragrant seasoning that will coat every wedge perfectly. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and use your hands to toss them gently, ensuring each wedge is evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan mixture.

Step 3

Arrange the seasoned wedges on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer with the skin side down. Give them enough space – overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than roast, and you’ll lose that wonderful crispiness. Take an extra moment to position each wedge cut-side up to maximize the surface area exposed to the heat.

Step 4

Bake the wedges for 30 minutes, then carefully flip them using a spatula. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the wedges and return them to the oven. This final cheese addition creates that irresistible cheesy crust that makes these Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges so special.

Step 5

Once baked to perfection, remove your potato wedges from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This brief resting period allows them to set up for the perfect texture. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve immediately while they’re still warm and at their crispiest.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Potato Wedges: Add some heat to your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges by incorporating ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture. For an extra kick, sprinkle with a bit of hot paprika along with the Parmesan during the final minutes of baking. This variation creates a delicious contrast between the spicy coating and the creamy interior of the potatoes.

Herb and Garlic Potato Wedges: Create a fresh herb version by replacing the dried Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon each of freshly chopped rosemary and thyme. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. This herb-forward approach transforms these wedges into a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or roasted chicken, offering a garden-fresh flavor profile alongside the garlic and Parmesan base.

Loaded Potato Wedges: Transform your basic Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges into a meal by adding toppings after baking. Once the wedges are done, sprinkle with extra cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese, then serve immediately. This hearty variation works beautifully as an appetizer for game day or casual gatherings.

Storage and Serving

These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at their crispiest, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.

For serving, these wedges are incredibly versatile. Pair them with homemade aioli or ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly. They make an excellent side dish alongside grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or baked fish. For a complete meal, serve them with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potato wedges. They’re also perfect for casual dining – try them alongside burgers or sandwiches as an upgraded alternative to regular french fries.

FAQs

Can I make these potato wedges ahead of time?
You can prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Simply cut and season the wedges, then store them in an airtight container. When ready to cook, arrange on a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why aren’t my potato wedges getting crispy?
This usually happens for three reasons: overcrowding the baking sheet, not drying the potatoes thoroughly after washing, or having your oven temperature too low. Make sure to arrange wedges in a single layer with space between them, pat potatoes completely dry, and verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.

Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content and fluffy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too. They’ll give you a slightly creamier interior with a similar crisp exterior. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t create the same fluffy interior texture.

Is it necessary to flip the wedges during baking?
Yes, flipping ensures even browning on all sides. If you skip this step, you’ll likely end up with wedges that are crispy on one side but softer on the other.

Can I make these without Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! You can omit the Parmesan and still create delicious garlic potato wedges. Consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor that’s dairy-free, or simply enhance the garlic and herb seasonings slightly to compensate for the missing cheese flavor.

Conclusion

These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are comfort food at its finest — crispy, aromatic, and bursting with garlic and cheese flavors that transform the humble potato into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can create spectacular results when prepared with care. Whether served alongside your favorite protein, enjoyed as a satisfying snack, or presented as an impressive appetizer for guests, these wedges deliver restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a versatile side dish that complements countless meals while always drawing compliments from around the table.

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