Baked Potato Wedges – Crispy, Flavorful, and Guilt-Free
If you’re craving the crispy, satisfying bite of potato wedges but want to skip the deep frying, these baked potato wedges are a perfect solution. With just a few ingredients and some time in the oven, you can enjoy golden, seasoned wedges that are not only delicious but also much healthier.
Read on to discover why these baked potato wedges make a smart choice, along with some handy baking tips, serving suggestions, and recipe variations to make them your own.
Why Baked Potato Wedges Are a Healthy Alternative
Traditional fries are typically deep-fried in oil, which means they come loaded with extra calories and unhealthy fats. By baking potato wedges instead, you can reduce the amount of fat while still achieving a crispy texture.
This recipe uses a small amount of margarine for flavor and just enough richness without overloading on fat. And by using fresh ingredients like garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, these wedges are bursting with natural flavor—no need for artificial additives or excessive salt!
Potatoes themselves are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber (especially when you leave the skins on), making these wedges a nutritious side dish or snack.
Baking Tips for Perfect Potato Wedges
- Cut Even Wedges: To ensure even cooking, cut each potato into uniform wedges. Aim for eight wedges per medium potato for the best results.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with nonstick spray. Preheating ensures that your wedges will cook evenly and develop a nice, golden crust.
- Season and Brush Generously: Combine melted margarine, chili powder, basil, garlic, and parsley, then brush this mixture generously over the wedges. This coating is what will give them that irresistible flavor and color. Halfway through baking, turn the wedges and brush on the remaining mixture to make sure every bite is seasoned to perfection.
- Add Parmesan for Extra Crispiness: Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese before baking, then add the rest when you turn the wedges. The cheese will add a savory, crispy crust on each piece—perfect for that final layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Baked potato wedges are wonderfully versatile and go well with just about anything. Here are a few ideas to serve them:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of ketchup, garlic aioli, or a tangy BBQ sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.
- Alongside Grilled Meats: These wedges make a great side for grilled chicken, burgers, or steak.
- In Place of Fries: Use these as a healthier alternative to French fries with your favorite sandwich or wrap.
For a little extra flair, sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or rosemary over the wedges just before serving.
Recipe Variations
This baked potato wedge recipe is easy to customize. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Substitute Parmesan with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesier version. Add the cheese toward the end of baking to avoid burning.
- Herb Lover’s Wedges: Swap basil with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
- Garlic Butter Wedges: Use melted butter instead of margarine and increase the garlic for a richer, more indulgent take on classic wedges.
Baked Potato Wedges – Crispy, Flavorful, and Guilt-Free
4
servings10
minutes1
hour
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these baked potato wedges are a perfect blend of flavor and texture. Seasoned with a mix of chili powder, basil, and garlic, then topped with Parmesan for that extra savory kick, they make a deliciously guilt-free alternative to traditional fries.
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, unpeeled
2 Tbsp margarine, melted
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp crushed garlic
1.5 tsp chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick vegetable spray.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the Wedges: In a small bowl, combine the melted margarine, chili powder, dried basil, crushed garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush half of this mixture over the potato wedges. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the wedges.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the wedges over, brush with the remaining margarine mixture, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over them.
- Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the wedges are golden and crispy.
These baked potato wedges are a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy the flavor and texture of fries without the guilt. Simple to make, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable, they’re sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
While you are here, be sure to check out these other great comfort food recipes!
Family-Approved Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie: A Comfort Food Classic for Your Leftovers
Hearty Hamburger Soup: A Family Recipe That Hits the Spot
Hamburger Hash with Chickpeas: A Versatile, Budget-Friendly Meal
The Best Basic Meatball Recipe: Great for Freezing and Meal Prep
Easy One-Pot Meatball Stroganoff
Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Rediscovering a Family Classic
Classic Oven Baked Porcupine Meatballs
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