Cheddar Bacon Potato Wedges are crispy and cheesy goodness! These fries are loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions. Yum!
These wedges are perfect for snack time or as a side at dinner. Trust me, once you start munching, it’s hard to stop! I always save some for movie night! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baking because they create a fluffy interior. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and vibrant color.
Bacon: Use your favorite bacon, whether it’s traditional pork or turkey bacon for a leaner choice. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider using tempeh or plant-based bacon alternatives that mimic the flavor and crunch.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese packs a punch, elevating the dish. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese works well too, or nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps crisp the wedges, but you can also use avocado oil or melted butter for a different flavor. If you want to cut calories, cooking spray is another option.
Smoked Paprika: For a smoky flavor, this spice is ideal. If unavailable, regular paprika or even paprika mixed with a bit of cumin can add a nice depth.
How Do I Get Crispy Potato Wedges?
Creating perfectly crispy potato wedges requires a few simple steps. First, ensuring the potatoes are coated well with olive oil and seasoning is key. Cutting them into even wedges will help them cook uniformly.
- After washing, cutting the potatoes into 8 wedges will expose more surface area, allowing for better crisping.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Give them space to breathe and crisp up evenly.
- Flipping the wedges halfway through promotes even browning, making them golden and crunchy all around.
How to Make Cheddar Bacon Potato Wedges
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wedges:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Serving:
- Sour cream or ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have tasty, crispy Cheddar Bacon Potato Wedges ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature will help the wedges get nice and crispy. While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Then, cut each potato into 8 wedges by slicing them lengthwise into quarters and cutting each quarter in half. Keeping the skin on adds flavor and texture, so don’t peel them!
3. Coat the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the wedges are evenly coated. This will give them a fantastic flavor as they cook.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the coated potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching each other, as this will help them crisp up nicely.
5. Bake the Wedges:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. At the halfway point, remember to flip the wedges to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Look for them to be golden and crisp when done.
6. Cook the Bacon:
While the wedges are baking, cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they’re crisp. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and chop the strips into small pieces.
7. Add Cheese:
Once the potato wedges are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot wedges, then return them to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Add Toppings:
When the cheesy goodness is ready, remove the wedges from the oven, and immediately sprinkle on the chopped bacon and fresh parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cheddar Bacon Potato Wedges hot, alongside a tasty dip like sour cream or ranch dressing. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delicious treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their fluffiness and crispness, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of potato.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you prefer a meatless option, consider using vegetarian bacon or tempeh bacon. You can also add smoky flavor by incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar taste without the meat.
How Can I Store Leftover Wedges?
Store any leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the potato wedges up to a day in advance. Just cut and coat them with oil and seasonings, then store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
