Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 large Russet potatoes, rinsed
- ⅓ cup finely grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- ½ pound cooked and crumbled beef or shredded chicken (for added protein, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Step 2: Wash and Cut the Potatoes
Thoroughly rinse and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. Since we are leaving the skins on for extra crispiness, make sure they are clean. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Place a potato on a cutting board and slice it in half lengthwise. Lay each half flat-side down and cut it again into quarters. If the potatoes are particularly large, cut each quarter in half again to create 8 wedges per potato. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
Step 3: Season the Wedges
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoned oil over the wedges and toss until they are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Spread the seasoned wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure there is space between each piece—this helps them crisp up rather than steam.
Sprinkle three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese over the wedges before baking. The cheese will add extra flavor and help create a crispy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Wedges
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through cooking. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender inside.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the wedges. If desired, add crumbled cooked beef or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- er on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will trap steam and make them soft rather than crispy.
- Flipping for Even Browning: Turn the wedges halfway through baking to ensure both sides develop a golden-brown crust.
- Testing for Doneness: A fork should slide easily into the potatoes, but they should still hold their shape. Overcooking can make them too soft.
- Troubleshooting Overcooked or Undercooked Potatoes: If your wedges are getting too dark before they cook through, reduce the oven temperature slightly and bake for a few extra minutes. If they are too soft, increase the oven temperature for the last 5 minutes to help crisp them up.
- Efficient Prep: To save time, you can cut the potatoes in advance and store them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Just be sure to dry them well before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes