Who can resist a pile of crispy potato wedges, smothered in gooey cheese, savory toppings, and a drizzle of delicious sauces? Loaded potato wedges are the ultimate comfort food—the perfect appetizer to share, a crowd-pleaser for game nights, or even a satisfying solo indulgence when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The best part? They’re incredibly straightforward to make at home, and you can customize them however you like. Get ready to dig into a plate of pure happiness with this easy-to-follow recipe!
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Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create a batch of irresistible loaded potato wedges:
For the Wedges:
- 4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed and cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
- 4 strips of cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Optional Dips/Sides:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Guacamole or avocado salsa
- Barbecue sauce
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Slice each potato into 6-8 wedges, depending on their size. You want them thick enough to hold all those glorious toppings! Pat the wedges dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this is the key to achieving crispy edges.
2. Season and Bake
Place the potato wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the wedges. Toss again to ensure every piece is seasoned to perfection.
Spread the wedges out evenly on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if possible. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Add the Cheese and Bake Again
Once your wedges are beautifully roasted, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. Pop the tray back into the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, delicious blanket.
4. Load Them Up!
Transfer the cheesy wedges to a large serving platter. Sprinkle over the crispy bacon bits, drizzle sour cream in zigzag patterns (or serve a dollop on the side), and finish with freshly sliced green onions and parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your loaded potato wedges immediately while they’re hot and gooey. Pair them with your favorite dips to take the indulgence to the next level!
Customization & Tips
What’s so amazing about loaded potato wedges is how versatile they are. You can tweak the toppings to match your cravings or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:
- Mexican-Inspired: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese, add a sprinkle of taco seasoning, and top with diced jalapeños, fresh salsa, and a scoop of guacamole.
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Skip the bacon and load up on sautéed bell peppers, black beans, and corn. Add avocado chunks for a creamy twist.
- Buffalo-Style: Drizzle the wedges with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Finish with some crumbled blue cheese for extra tang.
- Breakfast-Inspired: Add fried or scrambled eggs, diced ham, and a sprinkle of hot sauce. Breakfast for dinner has never looked better!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Loaded potato wedges shine in any setting. Host a game night? Make a big tray to share with friends. Planning a backyard barbecue? These make a great side dish to burgers or hot dogs. Feeling snacky but don’t want to cook a full meal? These wedges are a satisfying treat that takes minimal effort. You can even prepare different topping variations on the same tray to please everyone’s taste buds.
Bonus Tip for Extra Crispy Wedges
If you’re a true potato lover, you’ll know that crunch is king. To make your wedges extra crispy, soak the raw potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. This removes excess starch, ensuring super-crunchy edges.
Now that you’ve got the perfect loaded potato wedges recipe, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking. Whether you’re serving them to friends or keeping them all to yourself, one thing’s for sure—they won’t last long on the plate. Enjoy!
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