Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

This humble garlic Parmesan potato wedge recipe transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs creates an irresistible flavor profile that pairs perfectly with almost any main dish.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet impressive to serve alongside grilled steaks. My family devoured them so enthusiastically that they have become our Sunday dinner tradition.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: Their high starch content creates the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior. Look for firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve golden crispiness. Choose a good quality oil for the best flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture out for extra crispiness.
• Garlic powder: Provides even garlic flavor throughout without burning like fresh garlic might.
• Italian herb seasoning: Creates a wonderful aromatic quality. A blend typically containing basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Parmesan cheese: Forms a crispy savory crust when baked. Freshly grated provides the best flavor and melting properties.
• Fresh parsley: Adds bright color and fresh flavor contrast. Choose vibrant green bunches with perky stems.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 375°F and give it plenty of time to reach full temperature. This ensures even cooking and proper crisping. While waiting, lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut each potato lengthwise into quarters, then cut each quarter in half again to create eight wedges per potato. The uniform size ensures they cook at the same rate. Place all wedges in a large bowl.

Create the Coating:

Drizzle the olive oil over the potato wedges and use your hands to toss them ensuring each piece is evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning. In a separate small bowl combine salt, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, mixing well.

Apply Cheese and Seasonings:

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the oiled potatoes and gently toss to coat each wedge. The cheese will create a crispy crust as it bakes. Follow with the seasoning mixture ensuring even distribution over all potato surfaces.

Arrange for Baking:

Place each potato wedge on the prepared baking sheet with the skin side down and the cut sides up. Avoid overcrowding the pan as this will cause steaming instead of crisping. Leave space between each wedge for proper air circulation.

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and test doneness by inserting a fork which should slide in easily. For extra crispiness consider an additional 3 to 5 minutes of baking time.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley which adds color and a fresh herbal note. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

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My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the Parmesan cheese. When baked it develops a nutty umami flavor that elevates simple potatoes to restaurant quality side dish status. The way it forms a golden crust around each wedge reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where crispy potatoes were always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Perfect Pairings

These garlic Parmesan potato wedges are incredibly versatile. They shine alongside grilled steaks, burgers, or roasted chicken. For a complete meal try serving them with a simple green salad and grilled salmon. The crispy texture also makes them perfect for dipping into aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat avoid the microwave which will make them soggy. Instead place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. For meal prep you can parboil the potatoes up to a day ahead then season and bake when ready to serve.

Flavor Variations

While this classic garlic Parmesan version is my family's favorite, you can easily customize the flavor profile. Try using smoked paprika and cayenne for a spicy twist, or substitute rosemary and thyme with lemon zest for a Mediterranean approach. For a loaded potato experience top the baked wedges with shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon.

Achieving Maximum Crispiness

The secret to achieving restaurant quality crispiness lies in properly drying the potatoes after washing and before adding oil. Any excess moisture will create steam during baking preventing proper browning. For even crispier results place the wedges on a wire rack over the baking sheet which allows hot air to circulate completely around each piece. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking helps remove excess starch resulting in an even crispier exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make my potato wedges crispy?

To achieve crispier potato wedges, bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate evenly, making the potatoes crisp all over.

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, while Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the wedges cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the potato wedges with seasoning and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Bake fresh for the best results.