Potato wedges make a tasty and versatile side dish or snack. Their crisp exterior and fluffy interior pair well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. When planning a meal featuring potato wedges, it’s helpful to consider what will best complement their potato flavor and texture. The most important factors are contrasting flavors, textures, and colors. Savory, creamy, crunchy, spicy, and acidic ingredients all make great pairings for potato wedges. With so many options, you can serve potato wedges as an everyday side or make them the star of a special meal. Read on to learn more about the best pairings for potato wedges.
What are potato wedges?
Potato wedges are thick potato slices cut into wedges or steak fry shapes. They are usually lightly coated in oil or seasoning and then baked or fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The inside remains soft and fluffy. Potato wedges have more surface area than regular fries or potato slices, so they get extra crispy. Their shape also gives them little nooks and crannies for holding sauces and seasoning.
Compared to regular fries, potato wedges are:
- Thicker – cut in 1/2 to 1 inch sections
- Wider – usually around an inch across
- Wedge shaped – straight or diagonal sides
- Crispier – more surface area = more crunch
- Fluffier – thick shape keeps interior pillowy
- Heartier – stands up well to bold flavors
The potato type, oil, seasoning, and cooking method can all vary based on preference. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are common choices because they get light and fluffy inside. Potato wedges pair well with so many flavors because they are relatively neutral in taste compared to seasoned fries. Their fluffy interior soaks up sauce or seasoning while the crispy exterior provides textural contrast.
What flavors pair well with potato wedges?
When pairing ingredients and flavors with potato wedges, you want to look for contrasting textures and flavors. Crunchy, creamy, acidic, spicy, and bold ingredients all complement the soft, mild potato wedge. Here are some examples of excellent flavor pairings:
Savory meats: Potato wedges pair well with hearty meats like chicken, beef, pork, turkey, sausage, bacon, etc. The potatoes provide a neutral base for soaking up meat juices, sauces, and seasonings. Grilled meats with char or smoke flavors also complement potato wedges’ earthy potato flavor.
Cheese: Melted cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, etc. make a great pairing for potato wedges. Cheese adds creaminess and rich flavor. Options like nacho cheese sauce take it over the top.
Dips and sauces: Cool, creamy dips and sauces lend moisture and flavor to crispy wedges. Options like ranch, blue cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese sauce, etc. are perfect matches. Spicy sauces like buffalo or sriracha also work well.
Vegetables: Fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and flavor variety. Options like tomatoes, onions, peppers, broccoli, etc. complement potato wedges nicely.
Herbs and spices: Lively seasonings like paprika, garlic, onion, chili powder, rosemary, oregano, etc. are excellent potato wedge toppings. They liven up the mild potato flavor.
Eggs: Eggs pair perfectly with potato wedges at breakfast or dinner. The runny yolk acts as an instant sauce. Eggs can be fried, poached, scrambled, etc. Top with hot sauce for extra flavor.
Seafood: Fried fish, shrimp, or calamari served alongside potato wedges make a filling meal. Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce or remoulade pair nicely with the seafood and wedges.
Pizza toppings: Heap potato wedges with all your favorite pizza toppings – pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, bacon, peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc. The varied flavors and textures take potato wedges to the next level.
Sandwich fillings: Use potato wedges as the base for nachos or pulled pork, philly cheesesteaks, french dip sandwiches, or anything else you crave. The wedges support hearty fillings and soak up delicious juices.
What textures pair well with potato wedges?
Crispy potato wedges need contrasting textures to play off their crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Here are some ingredients that provide complementary textures:
Crunchy: Raw vegetables, nuts, crackers, tortilla chips, croutons, etc.
Creamy: Cheese, sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise-based sauces, guacamole, hummus, etc.
Smooth: Mashed or pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, applesauce, etc.
Chunky: Beans, chopped tomatoes, salsa, coleslaw, etc.
Tender: Pulled, shredded or cubed cooked meats like chicken, beef, pork, etc.
Juicy: Fresh fruits like berries, citrus, peaches, etc.
Chewy: Caramelized onions, roasted veggies, bacon pieces, etc.
Try combining potato wedges with toppings from multiple texture categories. For example, serve them with shredded barbecue chicken (tender), coleslaw (creamy, crunchy), and diced mango (juicy, chunky) for the ultimate textural experience. Playing with contrasting textures elevates potato wedges from boring to exceptional.
What colors pair well with potato wedges?
Golden brown potato wedges look best when paired with a variety of vibrant ingredients representing the colors of the rainbow:
Red: Tomatoes, red onion, peppers, radishes, strawberries, raspberries, ketchup, salsa, etc.
Orange and yellow: Cheese, corn, peppers, pineapple, mango, lemon, etc.
Green: Lettuce, herbs, broccoli, green onions, guacamole, green apples, etc.
Blue and purple: Blueberries, red cabbage, purple onions, eggplant, grapes, etc.
A mix of bright produce, sauces, and proteins will make potato wedges look as appealing as they taste. If you want to take their visual appeal up another notch, consider these serving suggestions:
- Use colored potato varieties like purple or red potatoes
- Coat wedges in cajun seasoning or paprika for orange color
- Drizzle crema, honey mustard, or tatziki sauce over the top
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or chives
Vibrant colors make any dish more enticing. Put some rainbow-colored toppings on those potato wedges for maximum eye appeal.
What are the best protein pairings for potato wedges?
Hearty potato wedges demand equally hearty protein partners. Here are some of the best meat pairings:
Steak: A juicy grilled steak is a classic pairing. The potato wedges soak up the beef juices and seasoning beautifully.
Burgers: Top your burger with all the fixings and serve alongside seasoned wedges for a satisfying meal.
Chicken wings and fingers: Crispy, saucy wings and tenders match perfectly with potato wedges. Give them both a toss in your favorite wing sauce.
Pulled pork or chicken: Heap tender pulled pork or shredded bbq chicken onto those potato wedges for an instant party hit.
Sausages and hot dogs: Grilled sausages and hot dogs – whether italian, bratwurst, kielbasa, etc. – pair great with potato wedges. Add sauerkraut and spicy mustard.
Bacon: Chopped bacon tops potato wedges beautifully. The saltiness plays off the potato flavor.
Shrimp: Crispy breaded shrimp or blackened shrimp skewers make a delicious pairing. Dip everything in spicy cocktail or remoulade sauce.
Fried fish: Beer battered fish with potato wedges screams classic pub food. Add malt vinegar for an extra punch.
Pile those potato wedges high with your favorite meaty toppings and proteins for a hearty, comforting meal. The options are endless!
What are the best vegetable pairings for potato wedges?
For a hearty vegetarian potato wedge meal, consider these flavorful veggie pairings:
Grilled veggies: Charred eggplant, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, etc. bring great flavor. Brush with olive oil and grill to perfection.
Roasted veggies: Toss cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, etc. in olive oil. Roast at high heat until crispy on the edges.
Caramelized onions: Slow cooked caramelized onions are sweet and jammy. Heap them on top of the wedges for flavor overload.
Avocado: Fan slices of fresh avocado over the top or mash it into guacamole for a creamy pairing.
Coleslaw: A crisp, vinegary coleslaw complements the potato wedges wonderfully.
Caprese salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar atop the wedges makes for an easy veggie dinner.
Pico de gallo: This fresh Mexican salsa adds a pop of color, flavor and texture.
Hummus: Chickpea hummus is a creamy, protein-packed dip for potato wedges. Goes great with a Mediterranean salad.
Fire up the veggies to go with your potato wedges. Grilling, roasting and sauteing are all great cooking methods to try.
What are the best sauce and dip pairings for potato wedges?
It’s hard to beat potato wedges with an array of dipping sauces for snacking and appetizers. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
Ranch – This creamy, herbaceous dip is arguably the most popular for potato wedges and veggies.
Blue cheese – The bold flavor of blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with crispy potato wedges.
Buffalo – Give those wedges a spicy kick with classic buffalo or hot wing sauce. Great with celery sticks too.
BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce delivers big flavor to wedges.
Honey mustard – The combo of honey, mustard, mayo, and sometimes ranch makes a crave-worthy dipping sauce.
Tzatziki – Cool and refreshing cucumber yogurt dip complements potato wedges nicely.
Guacamole – Creamy, seasoned guacamole adds fresh flavor and richness as a dip.
Salsa – Tomato or corn salsa deliver a chunky, acidic topping to cut through the richness.
Queso – Nothing satisfies quite like melty, cheesy queso sauce for dipping wedges.
Horseradish mayo – Spicy horseradish and cool mayonnaise pair perfectly with fried potato wedges.
Mix and match your favorite sauces for a homemade potato wedge dipping station. Whip up a few options or buy pre-made dip to simplify weeknight dinners.
What are the best cooking methods for potato wedges?
To achieve the perfect balance of a crispy coating and fluffy interior, potato wedges need the right cooking technique. Here are some top cooking methods:
Baked – This is the easiest and healthiest technique. Toss wedges in oil and seasoning. Bake at 425oF for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air fried – Air frying yields similar results to baking. Toss in oil then cook at 400oF for 15-20 minutes, shaking basket occasionally.
Deep fried – Submerge wedges in 350oF oil for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season.
Grilled – Toss wedges in oil and seasoning then grill in a grill basket over med-high heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Skillet fried – Heat 1/4 inch oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Fry wedges in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
No matter which cooking method you choose, allow the potato wedges to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps loosen their texture. Garnishing just before eating also helps maintain that essential crispness we all crave. Now go cook up some potato wedges and experiment with all the delicious pairing possibilities!
Easy Potato Wedge Pairing Ideas
Here is a quick reference table summarizing some of the tastiest potato wedge flavor pairings:
| Pairing Idea | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Nacho potato wedges | Chili, cheese, salsa, guacamole |
| Pulled pork potato wedges | Pulled pork, bbq sauce, coleslaw |
| Philly cheesesteak wedges | Shaved steak, peppers, onions, cheese sauce |
| Surf and turf wedges | Steak, shrimp, chimichurri |
| Chicken club wedges | Chicken, bacon, tomato, lettuce, ranch |
| Caprese wedges | Tomato, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze |
| Greek wedges | Chicken, feta, red onion, tzatziki |
| Buffalo chicken wedges | Fried chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, celery |
Potato Wedge Pairing Inspiration
When pairing ingredients with potato wedges, think about contrasting:
Flavors – Pair rich, savory, spicy, tangy, herby, creamy
Textures – Pair crunchy, smooth, tender, crispy, fluffy, juicy
Colors – Use ingredients with vibrant colors
Some top flavor pairings include:
Proteins – Beef, chicken, pork, bacon, sausage, shrimp, fish
Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, blue cheese, queso
Sauces – Ketchup, bbq, ranch, buffalo, honey mustard, salsa
Veggies – Onion, tomato, lettuce, roasted veggies, grilled veggies
Seasonings – Ranch, cajun, paprika, garlic, onion, chili powder
Cooking methods like baking, air frying, grilling, and pan frying all yield delicious crispy potato wedges. Allow to cool briefly before serving with toppings for the perfect crunch. With so many pairing possibilities, potato wedges make a fantastic side to complement any meal!
Conclusion
Potato wedges are the ultimate blank canvas for creative flavor pairings. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior soaks up and balances a variety of tastes and textures beautifully. Pair them with saucy meats, melted cheese, flavorful veggies, creamy dips, and zesty seasonings. Playing with contrasting flavors, colors, and textures takes potato wedges from boring to sensational. They make a hearty standalone snack or the perfect accompaniment to complete any plate. So next time you make potato wedges, experiment with fun new toppings and ingredient mashups. The possibilities are endless!