Growing up, one of my favorite memories was spending summer afternoons at my grandparents’ house, where we would gather in the kitchen to cook together. My grandmother had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something magical, and her crispy baked wedge fries were always a hit. She believed that the secret to perfect fries was in the preparation, and I can still remember the delightful sizzle as the potato wedges hit the hot baking sheet. These fries bring back those warm memories, and I’ve made a few tweaks over the years to make them even better.
Crispy baked wedge fries are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. They’re healthier than traditional fried potatoes, thanks to baking instead of deep-frying. The trick to achieving that perfect crispiness lies in a few key steps: preheating the baking sheet, boiling the wedges briefly, and ensuring they are well-coated with oil. The result is fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a combination that’s simply irresistible.
One variation I enjoy is adding a head of garlic to the mix. Roasting garlic along with the fries infuses them with a rich, savory flavor that elevates the dish. If you’re a fan of spices, try sprinkling some chili flakes or your favorite herbs on the wedges before baking. Rosemary and thyme are excellent choices that add a fragrant touch.
When serving these crispy baked wedge fries, don’t forget the finishing touch of kosher salt. It enhances the flavor and gives them that perfect savory edge. They’re a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and a go-to in my kitchen when I want to whip up something quick and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these fries are sure to become a favorite in your home as well.
Making Crispy Baked Wedge Fries
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large potatoes (approximately 1½ to 2 pounds)
- 1 small head of garlic (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and place a baking sheet inside to heat. This ensures the fries won’t stick to the sheet. You should hear a sizzle when placing the fries on the hot sheet.
- Boil a large pot of salted water (around 2-3 quarts). Clean the potatoes and cut them into thick wedges. Add the wedges to the boiling water and cook them for exactly 3 minutes. Drain the water from the potatoes.
- Toss the potato wedges in canola oil, salt, and pepper. You can include additional seasonings such as herbs or chili flakes for extra flavor, but they are delicious with just salt and pepper.
- Place the potato wedges in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet. Bake them at 425°F for roughly 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.
- Once the wedges are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven, sprinkle with kosher salt, and serve immediately.
FAQs:
How can I ensure my potato wedges are crispy?
To ensure your potato wedges are crispy, make sure to preheat the baking sheet in the oven. This prevents the potatoes from sticking and promotes crispiness. Also, boiling the potatoes for 3 minutes helps create a crispy outer layer.
Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes. Follow the same steps, but keep an eye on the cooking time as sweet potatoes might cook faster than regular potatoes.
What other seasonings can I add to the potato wedges?
Besides salt and pepper, you can add a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, or chili flakes. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you don’t need to peel the potatoes. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting into wedges.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
It’s best to serve these fries immediately after baking for optimal crispiness. However, you can prepare the wedges and boil them ahead of time, then toss them in oil and seasonings before baking when ready to serve.
What should I do if my fries are not browning?
If your fries are not browning, make sure the oven is fully preheated to 425°F. Also, ensure the wedges are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet and not overcrowded. You might also need to bake them for a few extra minutes.
Crispy Baked Wedge Fries
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes (about 1½ to 2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive or canola oil
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 small garlic head (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat. The fries should hit a hot sheet to prevent sticking. If you hear a sizzle when placing the fries, it's perfect. Return the sheet to the oven quickly.
- Boil 2-3 liters of salted water. Wash the potatoes and slice them into thick wedges. Add the wedges to the boiling water and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Drain the potatoes and coat them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can add extra seasonings like herbs or chili flakes, but they taste great with just salt and pepper.
- Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the hot baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through. Once done, sprinkle with kosher salt and serve.
