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Crispy Baked Potato Wedges with Cheesy Sauce

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potato Wedges:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges, depending on the size of the potato. Try to keep the wedges as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.

Place the potato wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

2. Bake the Potato Wedges:

Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping. This will help them crisp up evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer extra-crispy wedges, you can bake them for a few additional minutes.

3. Make the Cheesy Sauce:

While the potato wedges are baking, make the cheesy sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux).

Gradually whisk in the milk (or cream), making sure to whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm on low heat while you finish the potatoes.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the potato wedges are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Arrange the wedges on a serving platter and drizzle the warm cheesy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the wedges are hot and crispy. You can also serve extra cheese sauce on the side for dipping.


Tips for Perfect Crispy Potato Wedges:

  • Use Russet Potatoes: Russets are ideal for making crispy wedges because of their high starch content, which gives them a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but they might not get as crispy.
  • Don’t Skip the Soaking Step (Optional): For extra crispy wedges, soak the cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes. Just be sure to pat them dry before baking.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. You can also serve the cheesy sauce with a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix it up by using other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Double the Sauce: If you love cheese sauce (who doesn’t?), feel free to double the sauce recipe. You can also use it as a dip for other snacks like nachos, pretzels, or even steamed vegetables.

Why These Crispy Baked Potato Wedges Will Be Your New Favorite Snack:

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy, golden potato wedges and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The crispy texture of the baked potatoes is the perfect contrast to the smooth and gooey cheese sauce, making every bite a comforting delight. Plus, since the wedges are baked instead of fried, you can indulge without the extra calories of deep-frying.

These potato wedges are incredibly versatile—serve them as a side dish with a juicy burger, enjoy them on their own as a hearty snack, or impress your guests with a fun and delicious appetizer at your next party. Whatever the occasion, crispy baked potato wedges with cheesy sauce are sure to be a hit.

So go ahead, try this recipe today and experience the crispy, cheesy goodness for yourself.

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