Herby Roasted Potato Wedges: A Flavorful & Crispy Delight

Roasting potato wedges is a simple pleasure, but infusing them with herbs takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. These herby roasted potato wedges are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with aromatic flavors. They’re the perfect side dish for almost any meal, a great addition to a snack board, or even a satisfying snack on their own. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to use your favorite herbs and seasonings to create a personalized flavor profile. Get ready to elevate your potato game!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and spices creates a vibrant and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
* **Crispy Texture:** Roasting at a high temperature ensures that the wedges develop a beautifully crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Herby roasted potato wedges pair well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to sandwiches and salads.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the herbs and spices to your liking.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are the best choice for roasting because they have a high starch content, which contributes to their fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Yukon gold potatoes can also be used but will result in a slightly less crispy wedge.
* **Fresh Herbs:** A mixture of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley adds a burst of fresh flavor. Feel free to use other herbs like oregano, sage, or chives.
* **Garlic:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Use fresh garlic cloves, minced or grated, for the best results. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh garlic is preferred.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil helps to crisp up the potatoes and distribute the herbs and spices evenly. Use a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Salt enhances the flavor of the potatoes, while pepper adds a touch of spice. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best results. Freshly ground black pepper is also recommended.
* **Optional Spices:** Paprika, garlic powder (if not using fresh garlic), onion powder, or chili flakes can be added for extra flavor and heat.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the potato wedges with the herbs and spices.
* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is needed to roast the potato wedges in a single layer.
* **Parchment Paper (Optional):** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* **Sharp Knife:** For cutting the potatoes into wedges.
* **Cutting Board:** A sturdy cutting board for preparing the potatoes.
* **Garlic Press or Microplane (Optional):** For mincing or grating the garlic.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect herby roasted potato wedges:

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

1. **Wash and Scrub:** Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Many people prefer the taste and texture of the skin when roasted.
2. **Cut into Wedges:** Place the potato on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into wedges, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking. Thicker wedges will take longer to cook, while thinner wedges may burn.

**Step 2: Prepare the Herb Mixture**

1. **Chop the Herbs:** Finely chop the fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley. The finer the herbs are chopped, the better they will adhere to the potatoes and release their flavor during roasting.
2. **Mince the Garlic:** Mince or grate the garlic cloves. Use a garlic press or a microplane for the easiest and most efficient method.
3. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the chopped herbs, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices, such as paprika or chili flakes. Mix well to create a fragrant herb mixture.

**Step 3: Toss the Potatoes with the Herb Mixture**

1. **Add the Potato Wedges:** Add the potato wedges to the bowl with the herb mixture.
2. **Toss to Coat:** Toss the potato wedges thoroughly to ensure that they are evenly coated with the herb mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the potatoes until they are all coated.

**Step 4: Arrange the Potatoes on a Baking Sheet**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Line the Baking Sheet (Optional):** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper also helps to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet.
3. **Arrange in a Single Layer:** Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in less crispy wedges. If necessary, use two baking sheets.

**Step 5: Roast the Potatoes**

1. **Roast:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through. The exact roasting time will depend on the size and thickness of the wedges and your oven. The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and have a crispy exterior.
2. **Flip Halfway:** After about 15-20 minutes, carefully flip the potato wedges using a spatula. This ensures that both sides of the wedges become crispy and evenly cooked.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Remove from Oven:** Once the potatoes are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
2. **Season (Optional):** Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the herby roasted potato wedges immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

## Tips for the Best Herby Roasted Potato Wedges

* **Use the Right Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are the best choice for roasting because they have a high starch content, which contributes to their fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
* **Cut the Potatoes Evenly:** Cut the potatoes into uniform wedges to ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and ensure crispy results. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Roast at a High Temperature:** Roast the potatoes at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
* **Flip Halfway Through:** Flip the potato wedges halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a more vibrant and intense flavor than dried herbs. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Customize the herbs and spices to your liking. Try different combinations of herbs, such as oregano, sage, or chives, or add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Soak the Potatoes (Optional):** For extra-crispy potatoes, soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. This helps to remove excess starch.
* **Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly:** Before tossing the potatoes with the herb mixture, make sure they are completely dry. This will help them to crisp up in the oven.
* **Use Enough Oil:** Make sure the potato wedges are well coated with olive oil to help them crisp up and prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet.

## Serving Suggestions

Herby roasted potato wedges are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **With Grilled Meats:** Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Pair them with other roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **With Sandwiches:** Add them to a sandwich plate along with your favorite sandwich or wrap.
* **With Salads:** Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a more substantial meal.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy them on their own as a delicious and satisfying snack.
* **With Dips:** Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, or ranch dressing.

## Variations

* **Spicy Herby Roasted Potato Wedges:** Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the herb mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Garlic Parmesan Herby Roasted Potato Wedges:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potato wedges during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a cheesy and flavorful twist.
* **Lemon Herb Roasted Potato Wedges:** Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the herb mixture for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Sweet Potato Wedges:** Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more nutritious option. Note that sweet potatoes will require a slightly shorter cooking time.
* **Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potato Wedges:** Use rosemary and garlic as the primary herbs for a classic and aromatic flavor combination.
* **Vegan Herby Roasted Potato Wedges:** Ensure that the olive oil used is vegan-friendly and omit any non-vegan ingredients in the dipping sauce.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover herby roasted potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the potato wedges for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker and crispier result. Alternatively, microwave them for a faster but less crispy option.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 2-4g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

These herby roasted potato wedges are a simple yet flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and versatile dish that everyone will love. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try and elevate your potato game!

Enjoy!