Get ready to revolutionize your potato game with a recipe that will make traditional french fries seem boring and bland! These "Better Than Fries Baked Potatoes" are not just another side dish – they're a crispy, golden, flavor-packed sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine potato wedges so perfectly seasoned and crunchy that they'll become the star of every meal, without the guilt of deep-frying.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the potatoes into thin, uniform wedges, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the wedges as consistent in size as possible for even cooking.
- Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring each wedge is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. Toss the wedges gently but thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between each wedge to allow for crispy edges.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check the potatoes at the 35-minute mark. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. If needed, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the potato wedges rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly and crisp up.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or aioli.
Tips
- Pat the potatoes completely dry before cutting to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a sharp knife to create uniform wedge sizes for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each wedge breathing room for crisp edges.
- Flip the wedges exactly halfway through cooking to achieve all-around golden browning.
- For extra crunch, consider using a convection setting if your oven has one.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, herbs de Provence, or cajun spice for variety.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the perfect crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 321kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
