Amazing Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Oh, get ready for a flavor explosion! There’s nothing quite like the smell of perfectly crispy potato wedges fresh from the oven, and when you load them up with gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and all your favorite toppings? Pure magic. Seriously, I’ve made these Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges more times than I can count, and they disappear faster than you can say ‘second helping!’ They’ve become our go-to for game days, casual get-togethers, or honestly, just because we need a serious comfort food fix. They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, making them a total win-win for deliciousness and minimal kitchen stress!

Why You’ll Love These Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

These wedges are just the best, seriously!

• Super Easy: If you can cut a potato and turn on your oven, you’ve totally got this.
• Fast & Delicious: Ready in about 45 minutes, which is perfect for when those cravings *really* hit.
• Totally Customizable: Load ’em up with whatever your heart desires – cheese, bacon, sour cream, you name it!
• Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: They’re a total slam dunk for game days, parties, or just a seriously satisfying snack any night of the week.

Gather Your Ingredients for Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Alright, to whip up these glorious loaded wedges, you’ll want to snag these goodies from your kitchen:

• 4 large russet potatoes, cut into nice 1-inch wedges (make sure they’re even so they cook perfectly together!)
• 2 tablespoons of good olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt (don’t skip this, it’s key!)
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for that little bit of color and warmth
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – get the good stuff!
• 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon (because bacon makes everything better, right?)
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives or green onions for a pop of freshness
• And hey, don’t forget your optional faves like sour cream, salsa, or some spicy jalapeños!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Okay, let’s get these amazing wedges into your oven. It’s way simpler than you might think, and trust me, the payoff is HUGE!

Preparing the Potato Wedges

First things first, you really want to get those potatoes ready. If you’ve got a little extra time and want those wedges extra crispy, give ’em a quick soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Just pop your wedges into a big bowl, cover ’em with cold water, and let them hang out. Then, drain ’em really well and pat them super dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels – this is key! Now, toss those beauties in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure every single wedge is coated in that yummy seasoning. You want them looking like they’re dressed for a party already!

Baking for Perfect Crispy Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Grab a baking sheet and spread those seasoned potato wedges out in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan, okay? Give them space so they can get nice and crispy instead of steaming themselves. Pop them into your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Let them bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. About halfway through, give ’em a little flip so they brown up evenly on all sides. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and they should feel tender when you poke them. It’s kind of like getting your veggies perfectly roasted – patience pays off!

Adding the Cheesy Toppings

Once your wedges are looking perfect and golden, carefully pull that baking sheet out of the oven. Now for the best part: sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Go ahead and be generous! Pop the baking sheet right back into the hot oven for just another 2-3 minutes. You just want enough time for that cheese to melt into a glorious, bubbly blanket over your wedges. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Finishing Touches and Serving

As soon as that cheese is perfectly melted, pull the wedges out one last time. Sprinkle your crumbled bacon and that fresh chopped chives or green onions right over the top. This is your moment to shine! Serve these loaded cheesy potato wedges immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still gooey. If you’re feeling extra fancy, have your sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños ready for folks to add on.

Tips for the Ultimate Crispy Loaded Potato Wedges

Okay, friends, listen up! I’ve made a TON of these loaded wedges in my kitchen, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure yours turn out absolutely perfect every single time. You want that crunch, right? Here are my secret weapons:

First off, choose the right potato.

Russets are your best bet here! They have that perfect starchy texture that gets wonderfully crispy. And when you cut them, try your best to keep those wedges pretty uniform in size. It sounds like a small thing, but it really helps them cook evenly so you don’t have some mushy and some burnt. Trust me on this one!

Next, don’t shy away from the oil and seasoning.

Make sure every single wedge is coated! That oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven, and the spices? Well, they’re where all the flavor comes from. Don’t be afraid to experiment here, maybe add a little garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for some heat!

And for the absolute BEST crisp? Give them space on the baking sheet. Seriously, don’t pile them up. If they’re all crammed together, they’ll steam instead of roast. I usually use two baking sheets if I’m making a big batch. It’s worth it for that incredible crunch. You could also totally try these in your air fryer if you have one – they come out incredibly crispy, like these Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges I love!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec! Russet potatoes are awesome for getting that super crispy exterior, but if you can’t find them, Yukon Golds can work too – they might just be a little creamier. For the cheese, cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, a spicy Pepper Jack, or even a mix works wonders! If you don’t have pre-cooked bacon, just fry up a few strips until crispy and crumble ’em up. And those chives? Perfectly replaceable with sliced green onions for that fresh bite. Totally flexible!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Cheesy Potato Wedges

You know, these wedges are honestly best served fresh and hot right out of the oven, all melty and crispy. But if you’re planning a party or just want to get a head start, you can totally prep some things ahead! You can cut and season the potatoes a few hours beforehand and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add a little extra oil and seasoning if they look dry before baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheating them is key to getting some crisp back – pop them in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through and a little crispy again!

Frequently Asked Questions about Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some things people often ask about making these amazing loaded potato wedges:

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can totally prep the potatoes a few hours ahead of time – cut ’em and toss ’em with the oil and seasonings, then just keep ’em covered in the fridge. But honestly, for the best crispy texture, I really recommend baking them fresh! If you do have leftovers, reheat them in a hot oven (like 375°F/190°C) for about 5-10 minutes to get some crisp back.

What are the best cheese options for loaded potato wedges?

Cheddar is my go-to because it melts so beautifully and has that classic flavor. But seriously, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a little heat, Colby, or even a shredded mozzarella blend work fantastically. Use what you love! Just make sure it’s shredded for the best melt.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Ah, the secret to the crunch! A few things help: First, use russet potatoes and cut them evenly. Second, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before drying them *really* well. Third, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – give them space to breathe and get crispy! And fourth, if you’re really serious about crisp, using an air fryer is fantastic. You can check out my Crispy Loaded Potato Wedges recipe which has air fryer tips!

Can I use different toppings besides bacon?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of these wedges – they’re a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Try cooked crumbled sausage, pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms and onions, or even some fresh pico de gallo. Sour cream and chives are classic for a reason, but get creative!

Nutritional Information for Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info can totally bounce around depending on exactly what you put on your wedges and how big your portions are. But, as a general idea, one serving of these glorious loaded potato wedges usually comes in around:

Calories: Approx. 350

Fat: Approx. 18g (with about 7g saturated)

Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g

Protein: Approx. 12g

Sodium: Approx. 600mg

Sugar: Approx. 2g

Yeah, they’re more of a fun treat than a health food, but totally worth it!

Share Your Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges Creations!

I absolutely LOVE seeing your culinary adventures! Did you try these Loaded Cheesy Potato Wedges? What were your favorite toppings, or did you discover a new cheese combination that blew you away? Please drop a comment below and tell me all about it! I also adore seeing your photos – feel free to share them on social media and tag me! Your creations inspire others, and I always love to see them. For more kitchen tips and tricks, check out our About Us page!

Print