Why You’ll Love these Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect side dish that delivers both comfort and flavor, these Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges are about to become your new obsession.
I mean, what’s not to love? The contrast of golden crispy exteriors with fluffy, tender insides makes these wedges irresistible.
The secret? Leaving the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
Plus, that sour cream and cheese mixture creates a tangy, rich dipping sauce that perfectly complements the salty wedges.
They’re deceptively simple to make but look impressive enough for company.
Can you think of anything better alongside burgers or steaks? Neither can I.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges?
These Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges require just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—just a few quality ingredients coming together to create something truly mouthwatering.
And while the ingredient list is short, the flavor payoff is anything but small.
- 4 medium-sized new potatoes
- Cooking oil (enough to cover the base of your baking dish)
- Salt (to taste)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
When shopping for ingredients, try to select firm, unblemished new potatoes for the best results. They’ve thin skins that crisp up beautifully without peeling.
For the cheese, while the recipe doesn’t specify a type, a sharp cheddar or a tangy Gruyère works wonderfully in the dipping sauce.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of garlic powder or paprika sprinkled over the wedges before baking can add an extra dimension of flavor.
How to Make these Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges
Making these potato wedges couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by preheating your oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375°F).
While the oven heats up, thoroughly wash your 4 medium-sized new potatoes, making sure to scrub away any dirt or debris. Now here’s an essential step that many folks overlook—dry those potatoes completely with a clean kitchen towel. Any residual moisture will prevent that gorgeous crispy exterior we’re aiming for.
With your potatoes prepped, leave those skins intact (that’s where so much flavor and nutrition hides) and cut each potato into 4 equal wedges. Pour enough oil to cover the base of your baking dish, then arrange the wedges in a single layer—crowding leads to steaming rather than crisping, and nobody wants soggy potatoes. For an even more consistent browning, you could use a premium electric griddle instead of a baking dish.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven for 30 minutes, then carefully turn each wedge over, sprinkle generously with salt, and continue baking for another 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides are golden and crispy, while the insides remain fluffy and tender. For perfect doneness, use a Thermapen thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 210°F, ensuring your wedges are cooked through.
While your wedges finish baking, prepare the cheesy dipping sauce by combining 3/4 cup of sour cream with 1/4 cup of grated cheese in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until well blended. The residual heat from the freshly baked wedges will slightly melt the cheese in the sauce when served, creating the perfect consistency.
Once the wedges are beautifully golden and crisp, transfer them to a platter or bowl, and serve alongside your creamy cheese sauce. The contrast between the hot, crispy wedges and the cool, tangy sauce creates a perfect bite every time.
Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges Substitutions and Variations
Although sticking to the classic recipe creates perfectly delicious potato wedges, there’s a whole world of exciting variations waiting to be explored.
I love swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich dip. Not a fan of regular cheese? Try feta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a sophisticated twist. Russet potatoes work beautifully if you don’t have new potatoes on hand.
For flavor adventures, I recommend sprinkling wedges with paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary before baking.
Feeling indulgent? Add crumbled bacon to your cheese dip. The possibilities are endless, wouldn’t you agree?
What to Serve with Crispy Cheesy Potato Wedges
While these crispy cheesy potato wedges shine as a star appetizer, they truly come into their own when paired with complementary dishes.
I love serving them alongside juicy burgers or grilled chicken for a complete meal that satisfies every craving. They’re also perfect with dips beyond the sour cream and cheese mixture – think ranch, aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
For a more elevated dinner, pair them with a simple green salad and roasted vegetables.
The contrast between the crispy, salty wedges and fresh, crisp greens creates texture magic on your plate.
Hungry yet?
Final Thoughts
These crispy cheesy potato wedges have become my go-to recipe whenever I need something that’s both impressive and deceptively simple.
The combination of crispy exteriors with that creamy, cheesy sour cream topping creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Who can resist that golden crunch giving way to fluffy potato inside?
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Casual weeknight dinner? Perfect. Weekend gathering with friends? Absolutely.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—just potatoes, oil, salt, and that heavenly sour cream-cheese mixture. Sometimes the most basic ingredients create the most memorable dishes.
If you have leftovers, they make an excellent base for a fried rice dish the next day, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
For another simple comfort food option, try making creamy mac and cheese with a blend of cheddar and American cheeses for maximum flavor.
