Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges: The Ultimate Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges: Prepare to meet your new favorite side dish! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly roasted sweet potato wedge, its natural sweetness enhanced by a savory blend of garlic and parmesan. These aren’t your average fries; they’re a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Sweet potatoes themselves boast a rich history, originating in Central and South America thousands of years ago. They’ve since become a beloved staple in cuisines worldwide, celebrated for their nutritional value and versatility. While often enjoyed in sweet preparations, pairing them with savory elements like garlic and parmesan elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes these Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the sweet potato is beautifully complemented by the salty, umami-rich parmesan and the pungent aroma of garlic. The roasting process creates a delightful crispness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights or elegant enough for a special occasion. I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated is best!
• Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme)
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Sweet Potato Wedges:

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the sweet potatoes will roast evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like to leave the skin on for added nutrients and texture. It also gives them a rustic look!
3. Cut into wedges: Now, carefully cut each sweet potato lengthwise into ½-inch thick wedges. Try to keep the wedges relatively uniform in size so they cook at the same rate. A sharp knife and a stable cutting board are your best friends here.
4. Soak the wedges (optional but recommended): This is a little trick I learned that really helps with crispiness. Place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier wedges. After soaking, drain the wedges thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step!

Making the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

1. Mince the garlic: While the sweet potatoes are soaking (or after you’ve dried them), mince your garlic cloves. Freshly minced garlic is key for that intense garlic flavor.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This is your flavor bomb!

Coating and Roasting the Sweet Potato Wedges:

1. Coat the wedges: Add the dried sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the garlic Parmesan mixture. Toss them well to ensure each wedge is evenly coated. You want every nook and cranny covered in that deliciousness. You can use your hands for this to really get in there and make sure they’re well coated.
2. Arrange on a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the wedges from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange the coated sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
3. Roast the wedges: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the wedges over and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them to be nicely browned but not burnt.
4. Check for doneness: To check if the wedges are done, pierce one with a fork. It should be tender and easily pierced. The edges should be crispy and golden brown.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Garnish: Once the sweet potato wedges are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve immediately: These garlic Parmesan sweet potato wedges are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They make a fantastic side dish for burgers, chicken, steak, or even as a snack on their own.
3. Dipping sauces (optional): If you like, you can serve these wedges with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, aioli, or even a simple ketchup are all great options.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges:

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: This is crucial for achieving crispy wedges. If the wedges are too close together, they will steam instead of roast.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and can affect the overall texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a richer flavor.
• Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, Parmesan cheese, or herbs to suit your taste preferences. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan mixture.
• Soaking is key for crispiness: Don’t skip the soaking step! It really makes a difference in the texture of the wedges.
• Pat dry thoroughly: After soaking, make sure to pat the sweet potato wedges completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of their crispiness.

Variations:

• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan mixture for a little heat.
• Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges: Use fresh rosemary instead of dried Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges: Use vegan Parmesan cheese and nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this recipe.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the sweet potato’s natural sweetness, the savory garlic, and the salty parmesan is simply irresistible. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every single bite. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Why are these a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a satisfying snack, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering, these wedges have got you covered. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing taste. Even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds!

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick? Absolutely! A dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth? Go for it! You could even try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of dips and sauces. I personally love them with a creamy garlic aioli, a tangy ranch dressing, or even a simple ketchup. For a healthier option, try dipping them in Greek yogurt or hummus.

Looking for some variations? Consider these ideas:

* Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick.
* Herb-Infused Wedges: Toss the wedges with fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano before roasting for an aromatic twist.
* Vegan Sweet Potato Wedges: Substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan-friendly alternative.
* Loaded Sweet Potato Wedges: Top the baked wedges with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives for a decadent treat.
* Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges: For an even quicker and crispier result, try cooking these in your air fryer! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

I truly believe that this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these amazing wedges. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and what dips you paired them with. Leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or simply tell a friend about your newfound love for these Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges. Happy cooking!

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