Crispy Potato Wedges are a classic comfort food that never fails to please. With a golden-brown, crunchy exterior giving way to a fluffy and tender interior, these potato wedges are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side dish or a crowd-pleasing snack, these potato wedges are sure to steal the show.
Origin and History
Potato wedges are believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s, during a culinary wave that popularized casual dining and comfort foods. They quickly became a staple in diners, pubs, and fast-food chains. Potato wedges can be seasoned in countless ways, making them a customizable canvas for flavors from around the world. From simple salt and pepper to spicy seasonings or herbs, there’s a potato wedge variation to suit every palate.
Ingredients and Flavor Profile
The beauty of potato wedges lies in their simplicity. All you need are some starchy potatoes- russets if you can get them- a drizzle of oil, and your favorite seasonings to create a dish that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The key to achieving the perfect texture is in the seasoning and cooking technique. Whether you prefer a classic blend of salt and paprika or want to spice things up with cayenne pepper and garlic powder, the possibilities are endless.
Cooking Techniques
To achieve that coveted crispy exterior, it’s essential to give the potato wedges enough space on the baking sheet. Crowding them will result in steaming rather than crisping, so spread them out evenly for optimal browning. Preheating the baking sheet and flipping the wedges halfway through baking will ensure even cooking and a uniform crunch. For an extra crispy finish, a sprinkle of cornstarch or a light dusting of flour can work wonders. The key is to strike a balance between a golden crust and a fluffy interior that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Make Perfectly Crispy Potato Wedges at Home
Description
Golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potato wedges are a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
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Washing and Cutting Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut the potatoes into wedges by first slicing them in half lengthwise, then cutting each half into 2-3 wedges depending on the size of the potato. -
Soaking Potatoes
Soak the potato wedges in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch for crispier wedges.
Seasoning and Coating
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Seasoning Mix
In a bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other desired seasonings. -
Coating Potatoes
Drain the soaked potato wedges and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Toss the wedges in oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Ensure all wedges are well coated.
Baking
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Preheating Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Baking Potato Wedges
Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wedges are golden brown and crispy. -
Optional Broiling
For extra crispiness, broil the potato wedges for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Serving
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Garnishing
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potato wedges for added flavor. -
Dipping Sauces
Serve the crispy potato wedges hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 291kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.43g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.117g1%
- Sodium 605mg26%
- Potassium 1587mg46%
- Total Carbohydrate 66.05g23%
- Dietary Fiber 8.6g35%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 7.76g16%
- Vitamin C 72.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For extra crispy potato wedges, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before drying and baking.
- Feel free to season the wedges with your favorite herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary.
- To make the wedges spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier twist on this recipe.
- Serve the crispy potato wedges with a side of sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Leftover potato wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
