Crispy and Flavorful Oven-Baked Potato Wedges – A Healthier, Delicious Alternative to Fries!
Oven-baked potato wedges are a go-to dish in my kitchen. It’s hard to believe that after nearly 3 years of blogging, this recipe hasn’t made its way here yet. So, here it is—the ultimate potato wedges: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and infused with a touch of garlic and herbs!
These baked potato wedges make the perfect vegan side dish and are especially great when served with a vegan burger. So delicious!
I know many of you may think potatoes aren’t the healthiest option. Let me explain why that’s a misconception.
Health Benefits of Potatoes
Potatoes are often seen as just carbs, but they’re much more than that. They are packed with vitamin C, potassium (especially when you leave the skin on), vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. And unlike many other foods, they are fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free.
Potatoes are an excellent source of energy, which fuels both your body and brain. They’re easy to digest, making them a great option for young children who need energy but aren’t yet able to digest more solid foods.
Thanks to the fiber they contain, potatoes promote heart health by helping reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Additionally, the vitamin C and B6 in potatoes, along with the minerals they provide, support healthy skin. You can even apply potato slices directly to your skin! Potatoes are known for their soothing, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties, and they can also help with sunburns and insect bites.
However, it’s important to note that fried potatoes are not the healthiest way to prepare them. But don’t worry—baked potato wedges are a fantastic alternative that still offers all the benefits without the extra fat and calories!
Healthy Ways to Cook Potatoes
To maximize the health benefits, it’s best not to peel your potatoes. Simply scrub them clean and remove any dark spots. Avoid deep-frying them, as this method destroys most of the nutrients and adds unhealthy fats. A single portion of fries every once in a while won’t ruin your healthy diet, but make sure it’s an occasional treat rather than a habit.
There are three healthy ways to cook potatoes: boiling, steaming, and baking. Each method preserves the nutrients in different ways, but baking is particularly delicious and perfect for potato wedges.
How to Make Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Start by choosing the right potatoes. For wedges, I recommend waxy potatoes with a low starch content, such as Red Bliss, New Potatoes, or Yukon Gold. These varieties hold their shape better and are perfect for baking.
Wash your potatoes well, leaving the skin on for added fiber. Cut them into wedges (small potatoes can be cut into quarters, medium potatoes into 6–8 wedges).
In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to evenly coat the wedges with the seasonings.
Spread the wedges out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Add a few sprigs of rosemary for extra flavor.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip the wedges and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Enjoy!
Serve these crispy baked potato wedges with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s ketchup, vegan mayo, buffalo sauce, or something else.
These oven-baked potato wedges are not just a healthier alternative to French fries, but also one of the most delicious ways to enjoy potatoes. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’ll quickly become your go-to side dish!
Recipe Overview:
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: 198 per serving
Ingredients:
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1.5 lb (700 g) potatoes
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
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3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
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Wash and scrub the potatoes, removing dirt and dark spots. Cut into wedges.
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Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Flip and bake for another 25 minutes or until golden.
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Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.