There's something so comforting about perfectly crisp and flavorful potato wedges fresh from the oven. This Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is one I come back to time and again because it brings that ideal balance of crispy edges, tender insides, and that smoky, garlicky kick that just feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe hits all the right notes when you're craving that perfect side or snack. I love how it's simple, uses basic pantry ingredients, and yet yields wedges with a flavor punch that feels anything but ordinary.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, making it a no-fuss choice any day of the week.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside every time.
- Flavor Boost: Garlic and smoked paprika add just the right smokiness and depth that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak the seasonings or add your favorites to make it truly your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a special role — from giving flavor to creating the perfect wedge texture. Here’s a quick look so you know why we choose what we do, plus some tips for picking them out.
- Russet potatoes: These are ideal because they bake up fluffy on the inside while crisping nicely on the outside. Look for firm, blemish-free spuds.
- Olive oil: Adds just enough fat to get that golden crust forming without being greasy.
- Garlic cloves (or garlic powder): Fresh garlic brings vibrant aroma and flavor, but powder is a handy shortcut if you’re pressed for time.
- Onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the garlic and paprika wonderfully.
- Smoked paprika: The star spice here, it gives that wonderful smoky warmth; don’t skip it!
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Grated vegan parmesan (optional): I love adding a sprinkle on top for a cheesy vibe—Violife brand works beautifully and melts nicely.
Make It Your Way
I’ve played around with this recipe a lot, and that’s part of the fun—you can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Variation: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of cayenne for some heat, which takes these wedges to spicy-sweet heaven. You might love this little twist if you enjoy a bit of kick.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking can elevate the wedges with a fragrant earthy note.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap vegan parmesan for grated cheddar or sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy.
- Air Fryer Option: For a quicker version, these wedges crisp up beautifully in an air fryer at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F to ensure those wedges get nice and crispy. Lightly grease a large baking pan with a bit of olive oil or spray to keep the wedges from sticking and help them brown evenly.
Step 2: Cut Your Potatoes Just Right
Give your russet potatoes a good scrub to remove dirt but keep the skins on for extra texture and flavor—plus, they’re packed with nutrients. Slice each potato in half lengthwise, then cut those halves into thirds or fourths at an angle. I like wedges that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Toss With Seasonings
Place the wedges in a large resealable bag (or bowl if you prefer). Add olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to coat every wedge in that gorgeous seasoning mix. This step ensures maximum flavor and an even coating.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the wedges evenly on your prepared pan in a single layer—crowding can lead to soggy wedges, so give them space. Bake for about 35 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they're golden, crispy on the edges, and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
If you’re using vegan parmesan, sprinkle it over the wedges just before serving so it melts slightly without losing that lovely texture. Serve piping hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup is a classic choice, but I also love garlic aioli or a tangy vegan ranch.
Top Tip
Making these wedges crisp just right can feel tricky at first, but I’ve learned some easy tricks that have saved the day every time.
- Dry Your Potatoes Thoroughly: After washing and cutting your potatoes, pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. This step helps the oil and seasoning stick better and avoids steaming.
- Single Layer Is Key: Avoid crowding the baking sheet so each wedge gets proper airflow and crispness. I usually use two pans if needed.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning the wedges midway ensures they crisp evenly on all sides and prevents burning on one side.
- Use High Heat: Baking at 425°F may seem hot, but it’s essential for that perfect golden crust without drying out the wedges.
How to Serve Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the wedges right before serving to add a fresh burst of color and subtle flavor. A light drizzle of vegan parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up wonderfully, too.
Side Dishes
These wedges pair beautifully with juicy burgers, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. For a cozy dinner, I often serve them alongside some smoky BBQ jackfruit or crispy tofu bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the wedges in a big circular platter with little bowls of different sauces—ranch, chipotle mayo, and ketchup—scattered around for dipping fun. Another idea is to pile them high in a mason jar or cup and offer as handheld snacks for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover wedges in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I recommend patting them dry if they seem a bit soggy, which helps them crisp back up.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze baked potato wedges for convenience. Spread cooled wedges on a baking sheet, flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven to keep the crispiness intact.
Reheating
My favorite way to revive these wedges is in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes—this strategy restores the crisp exterior without making the insides dry and crumbly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While russet potatoes are great because of their starch content and ability to crisp, you can experiment with Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind these might have a different texture, and cooking time may vary slightly.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since potatoes and the seasonings used don’t contain gluten. Just be sure any optional toppings or sides you serve alongside are gluten-free to keep the meal safe.
Yes! You can cut and season the potatoes up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container or bag. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy—this helps keep them crispier.
Classic ketchup is always a winner, but I also love pairing these wedges with garlic aioli, vegan ranch, or even a smoky chipotle mayo. They complement the smoky and garlicky flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is one of those comforting classics that always makes me feel a little more at home in my own kitchen. It's reliable, easy, and downright addictive. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over — it’s just that good!
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Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These crispy and flavorful baked potato wedges are seasoned with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Perfectly golden on the outside and tender inside, they're an easy homemade side dish that rivals restaurant-quality wedges. Optional vegan parmesan adds a cheesy touch, and they pair wonderfully with ketchup for dipping.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 russet potatoes
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Grated vegan parmesan, such as Violife brand
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a large baking pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes clean under running water. On a cutting board, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into thirds or fourths lengthwise at an angle, depending on the potato size, to create evenly sized wedges.
- Season Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes into a large resealable bag or a large bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic (or garlic powder), onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Seal the bag or mix well in the bowl, shaking or stirring thoroughly to coat all wedges evenly with the seasoning.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, flipping the wedges once halfway through to ensure even crisping and browning.
- Check for Doneness: The wedges are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and have a golden, crispy exterior. Remove from the oven.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated vegan parmesan over the hot wedges. Serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
- If you prefer, these wedges can also be cooked in an air fryer for about 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking halfway through.
- Using fresh garlic cloves imparts a more robust garlic flavor than garlic powder.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve with vegan sour cream or your favorite dipping sauces as alternatives to ketchup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 137 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 394 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg

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