These crispy baked potato wedges are packed with flavor! Topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions, they’re perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack.
I’m always tempted to eat them all myself! Pair them with sour cream for dipping and you have a delicious treat that is hard to resist. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baked potato wedges because they become fluffy inside and crispy outside. If you don’t have russet potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold, but they will have a slightly different texture.
Olive Oil: It gives the wedges a nice crisp. If you prefer, you can use canola or vegetable oil. For a richer flavor, try bacon fat, especially if you’re using it from cooking the bacon!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika provide flavor depth. You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you like less smokiness, or add a bit of cayenne for a spicy kick!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds melty goodness. If you’re looking for alternatives, Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheeses work well. For a lighter option, try a reduced-fat cheese.
Bacon: Cooked bacon gives a lovely crunch and saltiness. If you want a vegetarian version, try using crispy chickpeas or mushrooms cooked until crispy!
How Can You Make Sure the Wedges are Crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy baked potato wedges, follow these important steps:
- Cut Uniformly: Cut your potatoes into even wedges to ensure they cook at the same rate. Aim for pieces about 1-inch thick.
- Coat Evenly: Make sure every wedge is well coated with olive oil and spices. This helps them to crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Single Layer: Arrange the wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid steaming them. If they are too crowded, they won’t crisp up.
- Don’t Rush: Bake until the edges are golden and crispy—about 30-35 minutes. Turn the wedges halfway to ensure even cooking.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Wedges?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wedges:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 40 minutes for baking, for a total of about 55 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these tasty potato wedges in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give the russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to clean them. Then, slice them into wedges—aim for about 6-8 wedges per potato, depending on their size.
3. Toss with Seasoning:
In a large bowl, add the potato wedges along with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the wedges are evenly coated with the oil and spices. This step is key for flavor!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the seasoned wedges out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping; this helps them get nice and crispy.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Make sure to turn the wedges halfway through cooking for even crispiness. They should look golden brown and be tender on the inside when they’re done.
6. Add the Cheese:
Take the baking sheet out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot potato wedges. The cheese will melt as it bakes!
7. Melt the Cheese:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
8. Top with Bacon and Onions:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top of the cheese. Yum!
9. Add the Finishing Touch:
Drizzle sour cream or ranch dressing over the loaded wedges. This is where the magic happens!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your loaded baked potato wedges warm, and dig in! They make for a fantastic snack or side dish. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes will give a slightly different flavor and texture but will still taste great! Just keep an eye on the baking time, as sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon to Make it Vegetarian?
If you’re looking to make it vegetarian, try using crispy roasted chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or even vegetarian bacon. These will add a nice texture and flavor without the meat!
How Do I Store Leftover Wedges?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Prepare the Wedges in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cut the potatoes and toss them with the oil and spices a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake to prevent them from browning.
