How to Create Crispy Baked Potato Wedges with Dipping Sauce
Who doesn’t love crispy potato wedges? They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, baked potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, baking them instead of frying makes them a healthier option. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make crispy baked potato wedges and pair them with a simple yet delicious dipping sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the potato wedges:
– 4 medium-sized potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– Optional: ½ teaspoon chili powder for a spicy kick
For the dipping sauce:
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– Optional: ½ teaspoon hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Since you’ll be leaving the skin on (it adds great texture and flavor!), make sure no dirt or debris is left behind. Once clean, pat them dry with a towel.
Next, cut the potatoes into wedges. To do this, slice the potato in half lengthwise. Then, lay the halves flat-side down and cut into quarters or eighths, depending on the size of your potato. Aim for evenly sized wedges so they bake evenly.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt (plus chili powder if you want a bit of spice). Toss the wedges until they’re evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Tray
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Spread the potato wedges out in a single layer on the tray. Make sure there’s enough space between each wedge so they crisp up nicely rather than steam.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the potato wedges in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time. They should turn golden brown and crispy.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be careful not to let them burn!
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the wedges are baking, whip up the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. If you’d like more heat, add hot sauce or chili flakes to spice things up.
Taste-test your sauce and adjust the flavors to your liking. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little more lemon juice. If you love garlic, sprinkle in a pinch more garlic powder. This is your sauce, so make it taste great for you!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your potato wedges are crispy and golden, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them on a plate or platter with the dipping sauce on the side. For extra flair, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top of your wedges.
These crispy baked potato wedges are best enjoyed while they’re warm and fresh. Grab one, dunk it in the sauce, and enjoy the perfect combination of crunch and flavor.
Tips for Success
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Pick the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal because they crisp up beautifully, but Yukon Gold potatoes give a richer flavor. Both work well, so pick what you prefer!
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Cut Uniform Wedges: Even wedge sizes ensure they’ll cook at the same rate. If some pieces are too thick, they may end up undercooked.
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Don’t Skimp on Oil: While baked wedges are healthier, you still need a little oil to achieve that crispy texture. Olive oil adds flavor, but you can experiment with other oils like avocado or vegetable oil.
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Season Generously: Good seasoning makes all the difference. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices!
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Flip Halfway: Flipping the wedges ensures both sides crisp evenly, so don’t forget this step.
Final Thoughts
Baked potato wedges are simple to make, taste amazing, and are healthier than deep-fried alternatives. Pair them with a homemade dipping sauce that’s quick and easy to customize, and you’ve got a recipe that works for any occasion. Whether it’s game night, movie night, or just a snack craving, crispy baked potato wedges will hit the spot every time.
So, next time you’re wondering what to do with potatoes sitting in your kitchen, give this recipe a try. Happy cooking and eating! 😊
