1. Prepare the Potatoes:
1.1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
1.2. Cut the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges, depending on the size of your potatoes. Aim for evenly sized wedges to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Season the Wedges:
2.1. Coat with Olive Oil:
- Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the wedges and toss to coat them evenly.
2.2. Mix the Seasonings:
- In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes as well.
2.3. Season the Potatoes:
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potato wedges, ensuring each wedge is well-coated with the garlic-Parmesan mixture. Toss the wedges again to make sure the seasoning sticks.
3. Bake the Wedges:
3.1. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
- Place the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, with the skin side down and the cut side up. This positioning helps the wedges crisp up nicely.
3.2. Bake Until Golden:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning the wedges halfway through the baking time. The wedges should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Baking times may vary depending on the size of your wedges, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
4. Garnish and Serve:
4.1. Add Extra Flavor:
- Once the wedges are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. This step adds a bit more cheesy goodness to your wedges.
4.2. Garnish with Fresh Parsley:
- For a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the wedges.
4.3. Serve Hot:
- Serve the Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges hot, straight from the oven. They’re perfect on their own or served with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or aioli.
Tips for Perfect Potato Wedges:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a starchy texture that bakes up crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Yukon gold potatoes are also a good option for a slightly creamier texture.
- Soak the Potatoes: For extra crispy wedges, soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning them. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the potato wedges are in a single layer and not touching each other on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than bake, leading to less crispy wedges.
These Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are a perfect side dish for burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, or even as a tasty snack. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold garlic-Parmesan flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!