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Loaded Potato Wedges are the perfect game day or party appetizer. Tender potatoes loaded with bacon, cheese and drizzled with rich sour cream. A winner for any occasion!
Table of Contents
- A Crowd Pleaser
- Potato Wedge Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make the Best Potato Wedges
- Tips & Suggestions for Perfect Potato Wedges
- Fun and Creative Variations
- Questions About Loaded Potato Wedges
- How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- What to Serve with Loaded Potato Wedges
- Loaded Potato Wedges Recipe
- More Loaded Potato Recipes
A Crowd Pleaser
If there’s one appetizer that steals the show at my family’s game nights, tailgate parties, and even casual weeknight dinners, it’s Loaded Potato Wedges. These crispy, golden-brown potato wedges are everything you love about a loaded baked potato—melty cheese, crispy bacon, and cool, tangy sour cream—all in a perfectly bite-sized form.
Sometimes, I even make a big batch and serve them as a main dish with a fresh green salad. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive into how to make the best loaded potato wedges that will impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors.
- Perfect for game nights, parties, or a satisfying snack.
- Easy to make and completely customizable.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Potato Wedge Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Loaded Potato Wedges, you’ll need:
- Small russet potatoes – Idaho russets work best for their crispy texture.
- Oil – Helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crisp.
- Johnny’s Seasoning Salt (or your favorite seasoning salt) – Adds incredible flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – I recommend Tillamook for the best melt and taste.
- Bacon – Cooked and crumbled for a satisfying crunch.
- Sour cream – Cool and tangy, perfect for drizzling.
- Chives – Or substitute with Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How to Make the Best Potato Wedges
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and cut the potatoes into wedges.
Optional, if you aren’t rushed for time, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier! - Season & Bake: Toss the wedges with oil and seasoning salt. Arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet (this prevents sticking) and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add the Toppings: Once crispy, sprinkle on shredded cheese and bacon. Return to the oven for a couple more minutes until the cheese is melty.
- Finish with Garnishes: Drizzle or pipe sour cream over the wedges and sprinkle with chives.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Tips & Suggestions for Perfect Potato Wedges
- Pick the perfect potato! We love good Idaho russets for this recipe but you could use Yukon golds if that’s what you have on hand.
- Line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil. This is a necessary step to keep the potatoes from sticking and burning on the pan.
- Be sure to use good cheese! We love Tillamook brand which just melts and tastes so much better than anything else we’ve tried.
- Speaking of cheese, it is totally worth the extra work to buy a brick and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t have the same strong flavor and is coated so it doesn’t clump together, which doesn’t allow for proper melting.
- You can use pre-packaged crumbled bags of bacon (not bacon bits!) but I also recommend cooking and crumbling your own bacon. It just tastes better.
- Cool off all that cheese and bacon with delicious, rich sour cream. I like to spoon some into a sandwich bag, cut a small hole in one corner, and pipe it out like frosting so it looks pretty. You can also serve the sour cream on the side for dipping.
- Not a sour cream fan? These potato wedges taste delicious with ranch dressing too!
- Garnish these potato wedges with a sprinkle of chives.
Fun and Creative Variations
One of the best things about Loaded Potato Wedges is how easy they are to customize. Here are some delicious variations:
- Chili Cheese Loaded Wedges: Spoon your favorite chili over the potato wedges, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Mexican-Inspired Loaded Wedges: Top the potato wedges with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Wedges: Pile on tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a smoky and savory combination.
- Greek-Style Loaded Wedges: Layer on crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, chopped red onions, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Loaded Wedges: Toss the potato wedges in buffalo sauce, then top with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Tex-Mex Loaded Wedges: Combine seasoned ground beef or turkey with black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a squeeze of lime for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Breakfast Loaded Wedges: Create a breakfast-inspired version by topping the wedges with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of salsa or sour cream.
- Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Wedges: Sauté thinly sliced steak with bell peppers and onions, then layer on provolone or Cheez Whiz, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Questions About Loaded Potato Wedges
Russet potatoes are the best choice because they crisp up beautifully, but Yukon golds work well too if you prefer a creamier texture.
Soaking the potatoes in cold water before baking removes excess starch, helping them crisp up. Also, make sure they are well-coated in oil and bake at a high temperature (over 400°F) for the best results.
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes. Add the cheese and bacon, then cook for another minute until melted.
Yes! Simply ensure that all your ingredients, including seasoning salt and toppings, are gluten-free. Many pre-packaged seasonings and bacon bits may contain hidden gluten, so check the labels carefully.
Sure! Bake the wedges in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, then add the toppings and bake for a few more minutes until everything is melted and crispy.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover potato wedges, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
What to Serve with Loaded Potato Wedges
- Main Dishes: These wedges pair perfectly with burgers, BBQ ribs, or grilled chicken.
- Lighter Sides: Serve them with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Try ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or creamy guacamole to enhance the flavors.
Loaded Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 5 small potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- 2 Tablespoons Johnny’s Seasoning Salt or any kind of seasoning salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons chives or italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes well, slice into wedges and place in a large plastic bag or in a large bowl.
- Add a little oil and toss to coat then transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet with the skin side down.
- Sprinkle potatoes generously with seasoning salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes (or until cooked through and golden brown). Do not stir while cooking.
- Sprinkle on cheese and crumbled bacon and bake for 2 more minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt.
- Drizzle sour cream over the top and sprinkle with chives or italian seasoning.
Notes
Recipe Tips:
- Use the right potatoes. Idaho russets give the best crunch, but Yukon golds work too.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Homemade bacon crumbles taste better. Packaged bacon crumbles work in a pinch, but fresh bacon adds unbeatable flavor.
- Piping sour cream is a game changer! Spoon it into a sandwich bag, snip a corner, and drizzle it over the wedges for an Insta-worthy look.
- Not a sour cream fan? Try ranch dressing or even guacamole for a tasty twist!
Nutrition Information
More Loaded Potato Recipes
If you love loaded potato wedges, you might also enjoy:
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Twice Baked Potatoes – A baked potato with double the deliciousness.
- Loaded Potato Soup – A cozy and comforting soup packed with all the best toppings.
- Loaded Potato Skins – Similar to the wedges but a bigger potato boat to hold the toppings.
Loaded Potato Wedges are always a hit in my house, and I know they will be in yours too. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because you’re craving something cheesy and delicious, these wedges won’t disappoint. Enjoy! And if you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you topped your wedges!
Can I use a bag of frozen potato wedges if thawed out?
Yes, but don’t thaw the frozen potato wedges. Bake them according to the package directions from frozen, then add the cheese and crumbled bacon and bake for 2 more minutes. Remove the wedges from the oven and top with sour cream, chives, etc. Thank you for asking!
These were crispy potato perfection. I will definitely be making these again.
So addicting and so delicious! The family loves this recipe and always a great snack!
Talk about addicting & delicious! They are loaded with everything we love!
I love this recipe. My husband loves it too. It’s always requested at my house.
My husband will love these, I am going to make them today they look wonderful cant wait!