Growing up, I fondly remember the day my mom first made her Italian potato wedges. They weren’t just any potato dish; they were an experience – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor from a blend of herbs and spices. Even today, as I recreate her recipe, I can’t help but smile at the memories it brings back. These potato wedges truly are the best!

Whether served plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings, these wedges make a perfect side dish for any meal. Read on to discover how to make these delightful morsels at home!

Ingredients

• 6 large russet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into wedges
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and either lightly spray a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the potato wedges.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and rosemary (if using) over the wedges.
4. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated.

Baking the Wedges

5. Spread the seasoned potato wedges onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the wedges.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the wedges are golden brown and crispy. The baking time may vary based on the thickness of your potato slices.
8. For an extra crunch, you can turn the wedges halfway through the cooking time.

Why You Should Try Mom’s Italian Baked Potato Wedge Side Dish

1. Delicious Alternative: Potato wedges are a heartier, more flavorful alternative to traditional French fries.
2. Versatile Cooking Methods: Wedges can be baked, fried, or even boiled before seasoning.
3. Customizable Seasonings: Use a variety of herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking, or keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
4. Perfect Texture: The thick wedges create a wonderful contrast with a crunchy exterior and pillowy soft interior.
5. Great for Any Occasion: These wedges can serve as a delightful side dish or snack when paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
6. Nutritious Skins: Leaving the skin on not only enhances flavor but also adds to the nutritional value!

Optional Toppings (After Baking)

1. Cheese: Top with melted shredded cheese of your choice.
2. Greens: Sprinkle on some sautéed fresh spinach mixed with feta cheese.
3. Chili: Add your favorite meat or bean chili, and top with cheddar cheese.
4. Vegetable Medley: Mix in some steamed broccoli and cauliflower topped with shredded cheese.
5. Stir Fry: Use any fresh or roasted vegetables for a tasty stir-fry finish.
6. Chicken: Leftover shredded chicken tossed in buffallo wing sauce, ranch, or blue cheese makes a hearty topping.
7. Classic Topping: Creamy sour cream garnished with crisp fried bacon bits is always a hit!
8. Looking for dipping options? Explore a variety of dipping sauce recipes to complement your potato wedges!

Cooking Methods Tips

• For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with cooking oil, season and brush the potato wedges with either butter or cooking spray. Air fry for 25 to 30 minutes until crispy.
• For Boiling: Boil the potato wedges in salted water. After boiling, dress them with herbs, seasoning, and cheese for a delightful finish.
• For Microwaving: Brush raw potato wedges with butter and sprinkle with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Potatoes As a Whole Meal

If you’re searching for an easy recipe that works as a side dish or a full meal, these potato wedges will definitely impress any potato enthusiast! Play with different topping suggestions throughout the week to repurpose leftovers. For example, topping them with chili, stir-fry, or roasted veggies transforms these simple wedges into a complete meal.