These potato wedges are a delightful combination of soft, fluffy potato interiors and a crispy, flavorful coating of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. They are a perfect side dish for any meal or a satisfying snack on their own. This recipe is designed to be simple and easy to follow, ensuring you get perfectly crispy potato wedges every time.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- This includes washing, peeling, and cutting the potatoes, as well as preparing the coating.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- This is the baking time for the potato wedges.
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 3 large yellow potatoes (about 700-800g)
- 60 grams Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 30-40 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 50 grams olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Directions:
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the potatoes will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. You can also leave the peels on for a rustic touch if desired, but be sure to scrub them well.
- Cut the potatoes into wedges. First, slice each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into wedges. The thickness of the wedges will affect the cooking time, so aim for uniform slices.
-
Prepare the Coating:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix well using a spoon or whisk to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture. This will guarantee each potato wedge is coated with the same amount of flavor.
-
Coat the Potatoes:
- In another bowl, pour the olive oil and add the minced garlic.
- Toss the potato wedges in the olive oil and minced garlic mixture, ensuring each wedge is thoroughly coated. This will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the potatoes and add a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Take each potato wedge and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Make sure each side is well coated.
- Place the coated potato wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Parchment paper prevents the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
-
Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, turn the potato wedges over using a spatula to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown and crispy texture on all sides.
- Continue baking until the potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can test the tenderness by piercing a wedge with a fork; it should go through easily.
-
Serve:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the potato wedges cool slightly for a few minutes. This will allow them to crisp up further.
- Serve the crispy Parmesan and garlic baked potato wedges hot as a delicious side dish or snack.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 4-5g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
Baked potato wedges are a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed in various forms throughout history. The combination of potatoes, breadcrumbs, and cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The addition of garlic and spices enhances the flavor profile, making these wedges a popular choice for family meals and gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe and the use of readily available ingredients have contributed to its widespread popularity. The ease of baking, compared to frying, also makes this a healthier and more accessible option for many home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- They are incredibly crispy and flavorful.
- They are easy to make with simple ingredients.
- They are a versatile side dish or snack.
- They are a healthier alternative to fried potato wedges.
Health Benefits:
- Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion.
- Parmesan cheese adds protein and calcium.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats.
- Baking instead of frying reduces the amount of added fat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with burgers, chicken, or steak.
- Enjoy as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or aioli.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Use them as a base for loaded potato wedges with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Tips:
- Cut the potatoes into uniform wedges for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this will prevent the potatoes from crisping up.
- Turn the wedges halfway through baking to ensure they are crispy on all sides.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Use good quality Panko breadcrumbs for the best crispy texture.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Wedges: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herbaceous Wedges: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheesy Wedges: Use a blend of different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Pecorino Romano.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Substitute sweet potatoes for yellow potatoes.
- Vegan Wedges: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
These crispy Parmesan and garlic baked potato wedges are a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple preparation and customizable flavors, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
- Yes, but Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture.
- Can I use a different type of potato?
- Yes, russet or red potatoes will also work well.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- It’s best to serve them fresh, but you can prepare the wedges and coating ahead of time and bake them when ready.
- How do I store leftover wedges?
- Store leftover wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- How do I reheat leftover wedges?
- Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best crispy texture.
- Can I freeze cooked wedges?
- Yes, cooked wedges can be frozen. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I add other spices to the coating?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, any hard cheese that melts well will work.
- How do I make sure the potatoes are cooked through?
- Pierce a wedge with a fork; it should go through easily.
- Can I use olive oil spray instead of pouring olive oil?
- Yes, olive oil spray will work, but pouring the oil helps the breading adhere better.