Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges during a family barbecue. We needed a quick, delicious snack, and after some experimenting, I perfected this recipe that combines all the flavors I love. Now, it's a staple at every gathering and continues to be a hit with friends and family. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together!"

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade perfecting American cuisine, specializing in comfort food and snacks. His passion for cooking began in his grandmother's kitchen, where he learned to appreciate simple yet delicious flavors. With numerous recipes under his belt, Chef Mitchell is dedicated to sharing his love for food with others.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy potato wedges serve as a fantastic base for the melted cheese and crispy bacon, making every bite satisfying. Seasoned to perfection, they deliver that classic comfort food experience in an easy-to-make dish.

The technique used ensures that the potatoes are cooked evenly and develop a crispy exterior while remaining fluffy inside. Baking at a high temperature allows the cheese to melt beautifully without becoming greasy, resulting in a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will love.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, soak the potato wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps achieve extra crispy wedges. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the potato wedges ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just ensure they are well-coated in oil and seasonings to keep them flavorful. When ready, bake them as directed but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute bacon with crispy fried shallots or tempeh bacon. For a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative, which will still add a nice crunch and flavor.

The wedges are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check if they are cooked through by piercing a wedge with a fork; it should be tender inside. The cheese should be bubbly and melted.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked potato wedges after they have cooled completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again.

These delicious wedges pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, sour cream, or even barbecue sauce. They also complement burgers, grilled meats, or can be enjoyed alone as a hearty snack.

When stored in an airtight container, Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before baking. This allows you to have fresh, hot potato wedges in less time. Just make sure to keep the unbaked wedges covered in the fridge.

The best way to reheat these wedges is to place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your potato wedges are dry, they may not have been coated enough in oil before baking.

Solution: Ensure that the wedges are well-coated with olive oil and seasonings before baking to prevent them from drying out.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Potato wedges can become soggy if they are crowded on the baking sheet.

Solution: Make sure to arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each wedge to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the wedges are burnt or overly crispy, they may have been left in the oven too long.

Prevention: Keep an eye on the wedges as they bake, and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the wedges is still hard, they may need more cooking time.

Recovery: You can recover by returning the wedges to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring they cook through without burning.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside of the wedges is burnt, they may have been exposed to too much direct heat or cooked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: Adjust your oven temperature or check the positioning of the baking sheet in the oven to avoid burning the exterior.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the wedges taste too sweet, reduce the amount of paprika and onion powder next time.

Too Salty: If they are too salty, balance by adding a bit of sour cream or serving with a dip.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, try increasing the amount of seasoning, especially garlic powder and salt.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges

The key ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges include fresh russet potatoes, which provide a fluffy interior and crisp exterior when baked. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon offers a delightful richness, while seasonings like garlic and paprika enhance the flavor profile.

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving the best results. Opt for fresh potatoes and good quality bacon to ensure your wedges turn out delicious. When it comes to cheese, freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties, making a noticeable difference in texture and taste.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for making wedges because they have a high starch content, which helps achieve a crispy texture. When selecting potatoes, look for ones that are firm with no blemishes or sprouts.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor of your wedges, giving them a rich and savory taste. For the best melting quality, shred your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the potato wedges. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy before crumbling it over the wedges to ensure it stays crunchy even after baking.
Cooking process for Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges is a straightforward process. Start by preparing the potatoes and tossing them in oil and seasonings. Then, bake them until they’re golden and crispy. Adding cheese and bacon just before the final bake ensures that everything melds together beautifully.

To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to spread the wedges out evenly on the baking sheet and resist the urge to overcrowd them. This allows for proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges

The key technique for perfect Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges lies in the baking method. Start with a high oven temperature and spread the wedges out in a single layer. This maximizes heat exposure, allowing the potatoes to crisp up while keeping the insides fluffy. Flipping them halfway through ensures even cooking.

Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
    For dipping
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
    Optional

For the Sauce

  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
    Freshly washed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    Sharp for best flavor
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
    Crispy
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    For coating
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
    For color
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    For seasoning
  • 2 green onions, chopped
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Prepare Potatoes

    Wash and cut the potatoes into wedges. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

  3. Season Potatoes

    In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet

    Spread the potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  5. Bake Potatoes

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

  6. Add Cheese and Bacon

    Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top.

  7. Melt Cheese

    Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To properly store Cheesy Bacon Potato Wedges, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, place them back in the oven for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These wedges are perfect as a standalone snack but can also be served as a side dish with burgers or grilled chicken. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for an extra flavor boost.

Recipe Variations

For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or sprinkle some chili flakes on top. You can also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or add assorted toppings such as avocado or salsa for a twist on the classic recipe.