Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
If you’ve been dreaming about the perfect snack that combines crunch, savory garlic, and cheesy goodness, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges recipe. These wedges come out golden and crisp on the outside while tender inside, infused with bold flavors of garlic and freshly grated Parmesan that make them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a side, a party snack, or a comfort food craving, these wedges bring simple ingredients together in a way that feels special every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Crispy Texture: Achieve perfectly crunchy potato wedges with a simple baking technique that anyone can master.
- Bold Flavor Combination: Garlic and Parmesan create a savory punch that stands out without overwhelming your taste buds.
- Versatile Snack or Side: Pairs wonderfully with burgers, dips, or as a satisfying solo snack.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand for quick preparation.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: A universally loved treat kids and adults devour eagerly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that build on each other to create that unmistakable crispy, cheesy, and garlicky magic.
- Russet potatoes: The best choice for crispy edges and fluffy interiors thanks to their high starch content.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden finish while enhancing flavor with its fruity notes.
- Fresh garlic: Minced or finely chopped to infuse every wedge with robust, aromatic flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that crisps beautifully when baked.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to add subtle earthiness and depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the potatoes’ natural sweetness and balance flavors.
- Paprika: Gives a slight smoky warmth and enhances color for visually stunning wedges.
Variations for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is—feel free to tailor your wedges depending on what you have available or your personal dietary preferences. Here are some delicious twists to try out!
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for wedges with a bold heat.
- Herbed Delight: Use fresh rosemary or thyme for a garden-fresh flavor instead of dried herbs.
- Vegan Version: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free yet cheesy.
- Double Garlic: Roast additional garlic cloves and mash them into the potatoes before baking for intense garlic lovers.
- Lemon Zest: Add grated lemon zest to the topping for a bright, zesty punch that complements the richness.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing your russet potatoes well. Leaving the skin on provides texture and added nutrients. Cut each potato into even wedges so they cook uniformly — usually about eight wedges per medium potato works perfectly.
Step 2: Parboil for Tenderness
To ensure the insides are perfectly soft, boil the potato wedges in salted water for about 5 minutes or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and let them cool slightly before the next step.
Step 3: Season the Wedges
In a large bowl, toss the parboiled wedges with olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each wedge is evenly coated to guarantee maximum flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The high heat helps form those irresistible crispy edges.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Finish
Five minutes before baking is done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously over the wedges and return to the oven until cheese melts and turns golden crisp. This final step locks in the signature flavor while adding crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content is key for a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
- Don’t Skip Parboiling: This step jumpstarts cooking, ensuring tender wedges with less baking time.
- Even Sizing: Cut your wedges uniformly so everything cooks evenly and crisps up at the same rate.
- High Heat Baking: Baking at 425°F allows for browning and crisping without drying the potatoes.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the wedges midway promotes even color and texture on all sides.
- Grate Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds unbeatable flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Garnishes
Finish these potato wedges with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A squeeze of lemon or a dusting of extra Parmesan creates an impressive final touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these wedges with classic dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or marinara for dipping perfection. They also complement grilled chicken, burgers, or a hearty salad for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the wedges stacked high on a rustic wooden board or layered in a basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy, restaurant-style vibe. For parties, offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside for extra fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain flavor but may lose some crispness, which we can fix easily.
Freezing
Flash freeze cooked and cooled wedges in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to freezer bags. They freeze well for up to 1 month, perfect for quick snacks later.
Reheating
Reheat leftover wedges in a hot oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture while warming the cheese and garlic back to deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well but may yield a slightly creamier texture; however, russets are best for that classic crispy finish.
Is it necessary to parboil the potatoes?
While not mandatory, parboiling ensures the inside becomes soft quicker and helps achieve the perfect crispy exterior without drying out the wedges.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Parmesan cheese and check that your spices have no additives containing gluten.
How do I keep the wedges crispy when reheating?
Reheating in an oven or air fryer rather than microwave will keep them crispy by removing excess moisture and reheating evenly.
What dipping sauces pair best with Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges?
Classic choices include garlic aioli, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy marinara that balances the richness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are more than just a snack; they’re a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable. Once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back to it for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you crave something crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. So grab your potatoes, preheat your oven, and let’s make some wedges that are truly unforgettable.
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PrintCrispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory garlic and freshly grated Parmesan flavors. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or party treat, these wedges combine simple pantry ingredients to deliver a deliciously satisfying experience that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Potatoes and Oil
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
Cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Leave the skin on for texture and nutrients. Cut each potato into about 8 even wedges for uniform cooking.
- Parboil for Tenderness: Boil the potato wedges in salted water for approximately 5 minutes, until they are slightly tender but still firm. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Season the Wedges: In a large bowl, toss the parboiled wedges with olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure each wedge is evenly coated to maximize flavor.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, to achieve golden, crispy edges.
- Add the Parmesan Finish: About five minutes before baking is complete, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the wedges. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden and crisp, locking in the signature flavor.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best crispy outside and fluffy inside texture.
- Parboiling the wedges helps achieve tender interiors without overbaking.
- Cut wedges evenly for uniform cooking and crispness.
- Bake at a high temperature of 425°F to brown and crisp without drying out the potatoes.
- Flip wedges halfway through baking to ensure even color and texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup of wedges)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: potato wedges, crispy potatoes, garlic parmesan, baked potato wedges, snack, appetizer, party food, gluten free, cheesy potatoes
