Name: Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 large russet potatoes, sliced into wedges.; 4 tablespoons of olive oil.; 2 teaspoons of salt.; 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.; 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.; ½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese.; Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort snack with these Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges. Combining the satisfying crunch of oven-baked potatoes with the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan, this recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion. Perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone snack, these wedges are both delicious and easy to make. Russet potatoes provide the perfect balance of starchy goodness and crisp texture. Olive oil helps achieve a crispy exterior, while garlic powder and Italian seasoning add robust flavor. Shredded parmesan cheese melts over the hot wedges, creating a savory, cheesy coating. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy these wedges hot and crispy straight from the oven.

INGREDIENTS

Russet potatoes (3-4 large, sliced into wedges): The foundation of this recipe, russet potatoes provide the perfect balance of starchy goodness and crisp texture.
Olive oil (4 tablespoons): Essential for coating the potato wedges, ensuring they bake evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and other seasonings.
Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Infuses the wedges with a robust garlic flavor that permeates each bite.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Adds a blend of herbs that complement the garlic and parmesan perfectly, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Shredded parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts over the hot wedges, creating a savory, cheesy coating that’s irresistibly delicious.
Optional: Fresh parsley or cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and color when sprinkled over the baked wedges.
Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping, these dressings add a creamy contrast to the crispy wedges.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a spacious baking sheet to prepare it for the wedges. This ensures that the wedges do not stick to the sheet and cook evenly.
Step 2:: Arrange the potato wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, and mix thoroughly to coat each wedge evenly. The olive oil helps in achieving a crispy exterior while baking.
Step 3:: In a separate small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the potato wedges, ensuring each wedge is well-coated. This seasoning blend adds a robust flavor to the wedges.
Step 4:: Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese generously over the seasoned potato wedges, mixing them gently to ensure an even distribution. The parmesan cheese melts during baking, creating a savory, cheesy crust.
Step 5:: Place the prepared potato wedges on the greased baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the skin sides face down. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the wedges are tender and golden brown. Baking them skin-side down helps in achieving a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Step 6:: Once baked to perfection, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce, whether it’s ranch, blue cheese, or another favorite.

Serving and Storage Tips

Enjoying Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges at their best involves a few simple tips to enhance your dining experience and ensure leftovers stay delicious:

Serving Suggestions: Serve the potato wedges hot and crispy straight from the oven for optimal flavor and texture. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or even ketchup for added zest and variety.
Garnish Options: Enhance presentation and taste by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color.
Storage Instructions: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the wedges on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain their crispy exterior.
Freezing Advice: While these wedges are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for a satisfying snack or side dish.

Helpful Notes

Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe even more versatile:

Alternative Seasonings: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, paprika, or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Cheese Options: Try using different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Chef's Tip: "Achieving the perfect crisp on potato wedges requires proper spacing on the baking sheet," says Chef Gordon Ramsay. "Ensure the wedges are placed in a single layer and not overcrowded, allowing hot air to circulate and crisp up each wedge evenly."
Pasta Choice: While any pasta works, shorter varieties like rotini, penne, or fusilli are best as they hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.

Following these tips ensures that your Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges remain irresistible and ready to enjoy whenever you crave their savory goodness. Remember to avoid overcooking to keep them al dente and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust the salt carefully if using salted butter or regular chicken broth to avoid an overly salty dish. Proper cooling before storing ensures even freezing and reheating, preserving the dish's quality and taste.