Best EVER Potato Wedges
Table of Contents
The aroma of freshly baked potato wedges wafts through the kitchen, bringing with it a flood of memories from childhood evenings spent around the dinner table. These Best EVER Potato Wedges are not just a side dish; they’re a comforting embrace on a chilly evening, a nostalgic nod to simpler times, and a delightful way to bring family and friends together. As they bake to golden perfection, the anticipation builds, reminding us of how the simplest ingredients can create the most cherished moments.
These potato wedges are a love letter to the humble potato, transforming it into a crispy, paprika-spiced delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy edges and tender, fluffy insides, they’re a testament to the magic of home-cooked meals. The recipe is as easy as pie, making it a breeze for even the busiest of families to whip up a batch. They’re baked in the oven, offering a healthier twist without compromising on flavor. And let’s not forget the joy of using everyday spices—garlic and onion powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of sea salt—each one contributing to a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Best EVER Potato Wedges deserve a spot on your table for several delightful reasons:
Crispy Perfection: Achieving the ideal balance of crunch and softness, these potato wedges deliver a satisfying texture with every bite. The secret lies in baking them at a high temperature, which creates that irresistible crunch on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Healthier Choice: Baked instead of fried, they offer all the crispy goodness without the added guilt, making them a heart-healthy choice for your family. By using a low-fat cooking spray or a modest amount of olive oil, you can enjoy this favorite treat without compromising on your dietary goals.
Flavorful Simplicity: Infused with the warm, earthy tones of paprika and the comforting aroma of garlic and onion powder, each wedge is a flavor explosion wrapped in a humble potato. These spices not only enhance the natural taste of the potatoes but also add depth and complexity to every bite.
Family Favorite: Perfect for pleasing both kids and adults alike, these wedges are guaranteed to become a staple at family gatherings and weeknight dinners. They are simple enough for a casual meal yet delicious enough to serve at a festive occasion.
Easy to Make: With simple, easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks, ensuring success every time. The straightforward preparation ensures that even on the busiest of days, you can put together a delicious side dish with minimal fuss.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much—just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading the wedges in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness. Opt for a large, rimmed baking sheet to accommodate all the wedges without overcrowding them, which is key to getting that golden-brown finish.
Mixing Bowl: Ideal for tossing the potatoes with spices, ensuring each wedge is coated with flavor. A large bowl gives you ample space to mix everything thoroughly without spilling any precious spices.
Sharp Knife: Necessary for cutting the potatoes into even wedges, making sure they cook uniformly. A quality knife will help you achieve precise cuts, which is crucial for even cooking.
Paper Towels: Helpful for drying the potatoes after washing, which is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness. Moisture on the surface of the potatoes can prevent them from crisping up, so don’t skip this step!
Cooking Spray or Brush: Useful for lightly coating the potatoes with oil, promoting even baking and preventing sticking. Whether using a spray or a brush, ensure each wedge is lightly coated for the best results.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 32 oz waxy potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- low-fat cooking spray (or olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
- Wash the potatoes to get rid of any dirt (there’s no need to peel them) and pat dry with paper towels. Then in a small bowl, mix the spices together.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place each half flat-side down and cut each half lengthwise again. For larger potatoes, cut each wedge in half again (lengthwise) giving you a total of eight wedges.
- Add the wedges to a large mixing bowl. Spray with low-fat cooking spray (or if using olive oil, drizzle with about two tablespoons of olive oil), then toss with the spice mix to coat. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Spread the wedges in a single layer over a large baking sheet lined with nonstick foil.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and while they are still hot, season with salt to taste.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the potato wedges at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The wedges should be golden and cooked through.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes • Total Time: 45-50 minutes • Calories: 150 per serving • Servings: 4
Note: For extra crispy wedges, try baking on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around the potatoes. This method ensures that the heat reaches every part of the wedges, resulting in an even crispness.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Best EVER Potato Wedges not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
Waxy Potatoes: Lower in starch, these potatoes hold their shape well, making them perfect for wedges, and provide a good source of vitamins C and B6. This variety is also less likely to fall apart during cooking, ensuring your wedges maintain their structure and texture.
Paprika: Adds a warm, peppery flavor and is rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system. Its vibrant color also adds an appealing visual element to the dish, making it as attractive as it is delicious.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory taste and is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Its concentrated flavor means you get all the garlicky goodness without overpowering the dish.
Olive Oil (optional): A healthier fat option, olive oil is heart-friendly and adds a subtle flavor to the wedges. Its monounsaturated fats are linked to numerous health benefits, including better heart health and reduced inflammation.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These wedges are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
Homemade Aioli: A creamy, garlicky dip that complements the crispy texture and spices of the wedges beautifully. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your aioli for a refreshing tang that pairs perfectly with the rich spices.
Grilled Chicken: The smoky, charred flavors of grilled chicken pair perfectly with the warm, earthy spices of the wedges. For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before grilling.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, comforting wedges. Choose a mix of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers for a refreshing, palate-cleansing accompaniment.
Cold Beer: The crisp, coolness of a light beer enhances the spicy, savory notes of the potato wedges. Choose a mild lager or pilsner to keep the flavors balanced and refreshing.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
These potato wedges are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you find yourself with leftovers, fear not. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 375F/190C for about 10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy once again.
For a quick snack, you can even enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge. They’re also delicious when chopped up and tossed into a breakfast hash or used as the base for a hearty potato salad. The possibilities are endless, and each one is an invitation to relive the joy of homemade cooking.
There’s something truly special about gathering in the kitchen to create something from scratch. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the laughter, the stories, and the warmth that fills the room. These Best EVER Potato Wedges are more than just a recipe—they’re a celebration of those cherished moments. So, whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying them as a cozy snack, remember that every bite is a reminder of the joy and comfort found in homemade meals.
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Best EVER Potato Wedges
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
- Wash the potatoes to get rid of any dirt (there’s no need to peel them) and pat dry with paper towels. Then in a small bowl, mix the spices together.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place each half flat-side down and cut each half lengthwise again. For larger potatoes, cut each wedge in half again (lengthwise) giving you a total of eight wedges.
- Add the wedges to a large mixing bowl. Spray with low-fat cooking spray (or If using olive oil, drizzle with about two tablespoons of olive oil), then toss with the spice mix to coat. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Spread the wedges in a single layer over a large baking sheet lined with nonstick foil.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and while they are still hot, season with salt to taste.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the potato wedges at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The wedges should be golden and cooked through.
