These Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges are seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices and finished with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Paired with a deliciously simple Roasted Pepper Tomato Sauce, they make the perfect appetizer or side dish. The combination of crispy potatoes and flavorful sauce is sure to please any crowd!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the Potato Wedges:
- 1 kg potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 40g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
For the Roasted Pepper Tomato Sauce:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Directions:
For the Potato Wedges:
- Boil the potatoes: Place the potato wedges in a large pot, fill with water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then let cook for 12 minutes, until just tender.
- Dry the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). In a large mixing bowl, add the dry potato wedges, olive oil, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan and parsley: Grate 40g of Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and add the chopped parsley. Mix again to combine.
- Bake the potatoes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Finish: Once baked, remove from the oven, season with additional salt if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley.
For the Roasted Pepper Tomato Sauce:
- Cook the onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add peppers and tomatoes: Add the chopped red peppers and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Simmer with tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cover the skillet, and let the mixture cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the crispy wedges as an appetizer with the roasted pepper tomato sauce as a dip.
- Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty side dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for added flavor.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for additional dipping options.
- Pair with a green salad for a lighter meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Boil first for softness: Boiling the potatoes before baking helps achieve a soft interior and a crispy exterior.
- Dry the potatoes well: Ensure the potatoes are well-dried before baking to prevent sogginess.
- Add spice to your taste: Adjust the amount of paprika, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Use parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent the wedges from sticking and aids in even browning.
- Blend sauce to your liking: For a chunkier sauce, pulse the blender a few times instead of blending until completely smooth.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in fiber from the potatoes, which helps with digestion.
- Rich in vitamin C from the red peppers, which supports immune health.
- Antioxidants from the cherry tomatoes, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Protein and calcium from the Parmesan cheese, supporting bone health.
- Healthy fats from olive oil, which contribute to heart health.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Can be made vegan by omitting Parmesan or using a vegan cheese alternative.
- Nut-free making it safe for those with nut allergies.
- Low sugar as there is no added sugar in the recipe.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover potato wedges and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the potato wedges in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (356°F) until crispy.
- Freeze: The sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and flavorful: The combination of cornstarch, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan ensures perfectly crispy wedges.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
- Perfect pairing: The roasted pepper tomato sauce complements the wedges, adding tanginess and richness.
- Versatile: Serve as a snack, side dish, or appetizer to suit any occasion.
- Healthy twist: Baked instead of fried, making it a healthier option for crispy potatoes.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges with Roasted Pepper Tomato Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside wedges with a delicious homemade dipping sauce. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a special occasion, they’re sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy a flavorful, crispy bite with every dip!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a sweeter and healthier alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed. - How do I make the wedges extra crispy?
Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before baking and do not overcrowd the baking sheet. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil and season the potatoes ahead of time. Bake just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness. - Is there an alternative to Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or a vegan Parmesan substitute for a similar flavor. - Can I skip the cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps make the wedges crispier, but you can skip it or substitute it with all-purpose flour if needed.