Crispy Baked Potato Wedges

There is better than crispy baked potato wedges when it comes to healthy side dishes. They can be seasoned up in any way you like and the golden exterior is hard to beat. Potato lovers also won't want to miss these Baked Potato Chips.

Last week we were having chicken burgers for dinner and all I wanted on the side were crispy, crunchy potato wedges. At first, all I had in mind were the delicious version they make at my local grocery store but I wanted something that wasn't deep fried so I set out to make my own.

With a little patience, you can make wedges that taste just as good at home. The key to making a super crispy potato wedges is cutting them nice and thin and giving them plenty of time in the oven to crisp. Flipping them too early or over-crowding the pan will leave you with less than crispy potatoes but if you are willing to wait - you can make something every one will love.

How do cut potatoes into wedges?

Start by scrubbing the potatoes well to remove any excess dirt or debris. Then slice the potato in half lengthwise. Then cut in half again and then slice diagonally to create the wedges.

Personally, I find smaller wedges get crispier, so for large potatoes, consider slicing the wedges in half (like you see in the photos) to create smaller wedges. They don't look quite as pretty, but I find they get much crispier.

Seasoning and Flavor Ideas

There are so many different options when it comes to seasoning, spices, and flavors.

• Garlic and herb: While the potatoes bake, cook down some minced garlic with olive oil or butter. Toss the hot wedges with the cooked garlic and some chopped fresh parsley for the best garlic fries around.
• Parmesan: Finish the fries with a healthy dose of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley or basil. 
• Buffalo Ranch: Before baking, toss the potato wedges with some ranch seasoning. Then when they come out of the oven, drizzle them with buffalo sauce. You could also use a dry buffalo seasoning.
• Cajun: Coat the wedges in a Cajun seasoning blend for a sweet, spicy, and smoky option.
• Sour cream and onion: Grab some store-bought dry sour cream and onion seasoning and then finish with some chopped fresh chives or green onions.
• Taco spice: Add some Mexican flavors with taco seasoning. No one would blame you for melting some cheddar cheese on top before serving.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Although this recipe will work with any potatoes, I find there are three options that work best.

• Russet potatoes: This is the most common potato used for fries and wedges. It cooks up crispy and has a soft, pillowy texture on the inside. 
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are my personal favorite for crispy potato wedges since the golden interior gets super crispy when baked and the interior stays soft and tender. 
• Red Potatoes: Another solid option and my favorite option when it comes to the size of the wedges. The smaller, more circular shape of red potatoes is perfect for wedges.

How to make sure they get crispy?

The most important secret to getting super crispy baked potato wedges, fries, or chips is to make sure the pan isn't overcrowded. The potatoes need to have space to roast and get crispy. When they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast and you won't get the same delicious, crispy exterior.

You also want to make sure they are coated with enough oil that they can brown on the pan. To help this process without adding lots of extra fat or calories, I like to coat the cooking sheet and potatoes with cooking spray as well. 

What to serve with potato wedges?

Although burgers and sandwiches are the first thing that comes to mind, there are so many options for serving these crispy wedges. Here are some favorites:

• Instead of a traditional burger, try making a Tilapia Fish Burger, Black Bean Burger, or Cowboy Turkey Burger.
• If you love Steak Frites, consider making your own at home with this Roasted Flank Steak.
• Buffalo Chicken makes a restaurant inspired meal that pairs perfectly with crispy potato wedges.
• Make some Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders to have a healthier version of chicken nuggets and fries.

Do I need to soak the potatoes first?

As long as you cut the potatoes into thin wedges, I find they don't need to be soaked as well. However, soaking can help create extra crispy potato wedges by removing some of the starch. To soak, first cut the potatoes in wedges and add to a bowl of ice water. Soak for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the potatoes and make sure to dry them extremely well before baking.