Potato Wedges: Crispy Delights with a Unique Twist

Welcome to all potato wedges fans! This less-popular side or snack sometimes plays second fiddle to fries and chips, but they’re easy to make at home and (we reckon) just as delicious. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative for your burgers or just want to figure out how to get that much-coveted crispy outside, you’re in the right place.

Potato Wedges vs. Fries or Chips: What’s the Difference?

Potato wedges, fries, and chips may all belong to the potato family, but they each have distinct characteristics:

1. Shape and Size: Potato wedges are thick, wedge-shaped cuts of potato, while fries are thin and elongated. Chips, on the other hand, are thinly sliced rounds of potato. Chips might be called crisps or potato chips in some places.

2. Texture: Potato wedges offer a delightful combination of soft interiors and crispy exteriors. Fries tend to be crispier throughout, while chips are typically thin and crispy all the way through. 

3. Preparation: Potato wedges are often baked or roasted, fries are commonly deep-fried or oven-baked, and chips are traditionally deep-fried until crispy.

Which is healthier, fries or potato wedges?

When comparing the healthiness of potato wedges, potato chips, and French fries, it’s important to consider their preparation methods and nutritional profiles. In the end, they’re all made with the same base ingredient of potato. So how they’re cooked is what really matters when it comes to nutritional profiles. 

Let’s explore the differences.

Potato wedges are typically made from fresh potatoes that are cut into wedge shapes and seasoned before being baked or roasted. Compared to other options, potato wedges are generally considered healthier because they are often cooked with less oil and retain more of the potato’s natural nutrients.

French fries are thinly cut potatoes that are deep-fried until crispy. Here’s how they compare in terms of health.

1. Cooking Method: French fries are deep-fried, which results in a higher fat content compared to potato wedges. The deep-frying process can lead to more oil absorption, increasing the calorie content.

2. Texture: French fries are usually thinner and have a crispier texture compared to potato wedges, thanks to the deep-frying method.

3. Sodium Content: Similar to potato chips, commercially prepared French fries may have added salt or seasoning, contributing to a higher sodium intake.

It’s worth noting that homemade oven-baked fries, using minimal oil or using an air fryer, can be a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries. These methods reduce the overall fat content and retain more nutrients compared to deep-frying.

Typical Dishes to Serve Potato Wedges with

Potato wedges are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some popular dishes to enjoy with potato wedges:

1. Burgers and Sandwiches: Serve potato wedges alongside your favorite burgers (like this smash burger) or sandwiches for a satisfying and filling meal.

2. Summer Barbecues: Potato wedges are an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, such as barbecued chicken, ribs, or steak.

3. Fish and Seafood: Enjoy crispy potato wedges with fried or grilled fish, shrimp, or other seafood dishes.

4. Dips and Sauces: Potato wedges are perfect for dipping into tangy sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, or spicy aioli.

Do You Have to Boil Potatoes Before Baking Potato Wedges?

Boiling potatoes before baking them is an optional step. While boiling can help soften the potatoes slightly and shorten the baking time, it’s not necessary for achieving crispy potato wedges. You can achieve excellent results by directly baking seasoned raw potato wedges in the oven.

Why Are My Potato Wedges Not Crispy?

If your potato wedges are not as crispy as you were hoping for, consider whether any of these steps might make a difference:

1. Proper Seasoning: Make sure the potato wedges are adequately seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you might want. This helps enhance the flavor, of course, but this step also helps get the wedges crispy.

2. Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C) before baking the wedges. A hot oven is crucial if you want that crispy crunchy exterior. 

3. Evenly Spaced and Single Layer: Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Crowding the wedges can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in wedges which are soggy or soft.

4. Parchment Paper or Oil: Consider using parchment paper or brushing the baking sheet with a thin layer of oil to prevent the wedges sticking. You don’t want the crispy skin to stay stuck on the sheet when you take the potato wedges off!

5. High Heat Blast: Towards the end of the baking time, you can briefly increase the oven temperature or switch to the broil (grill) setting to give the wedges an extra crispy finish.