Ingredients:
- 4-6 medium russet potatoes (or as many as you need to serve your group; about 1 potato per person)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best, but store-bought also works)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (for a burst of savory flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked for a bit more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (adds warmth and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (for a light citrusy note)
- 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika is fantastic for extra flavor, but regular works too)
- Cooking spray (to ensure the potatoes crisp up without sticking)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the potatoes get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub 4-6 medium russet potatoes thoroughly. You want to make sure there’s no dirt or debris left on the skins, as you’ll be leaving them on for extra flavor and texture.
- Cut each potato lengthwise into 6 wedges. Be sure to keep the wedges a consistent size so they bake evenly. If your potatoes are large, you may want to cut each one into 8 wedges.
- Tip: If you want them to cook more quickly, you can cut the wedges a bit thinner, but keep in mind that thicker wedges will hold up better to the seasoning and crisp up more evenly.
3. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
- In a gallon-size Ziploc bag, combine:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: This will give the potatoes a crispy, cheesy coating that turns golden brown as they bake.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: For that classic, savory, and slightly salty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor of the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a rich, earthy warmth with a subtle smoky undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander: A bit of citrusy brightness that balances the spices.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Paprika not only adds color but also a smoky, mildly sweet flavor that’s perfect for roasted potatoes.
- Tip: If you prefer more heat, you can swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Coat the Potatoes:
- Add the potato wedges into the Ziploc bag with the seasoning mix. Seal the bag and give it a good shake. You want to make sure every wedge is evenly coated with the Parmesan and spices.
- Tip: Shake the bag gently but thoroughly, pressing out any air so the seasoning sticks well to the potatoes. You can also open the bag and give the potatoes a quick toss by hand if you feel like you need more even coverage.
- The cheese and spices will coat the potatoes beautifully, giving them a golden, flavorful crust when baked.
5. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them, as this can cause them to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy potatoes.
- Tip: If you need more space, consider using two baking sheets, or rotate them halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.
6. Spray with Cooking Spray:
- Lightly spray the tops of the potato wedges with cooking spray. This ensures they get an extra crispy, golden exterior.
- Tip: For a slightly healthier option, you can use olive oil spray or avocado oil spray, which adds a richer flavor to the potatoes.
7. Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Halfway through, flip the potato wedges to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. This also helps to achieve that golden-brown crispiness.
- If you want extra crispy wedges, you can bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Tip: If you’re cooking a large batch, you can rotate the pans if they’re stacked to ensure even heat distribution.
8. Serve:
- Once they’re golden, crispy, and fully cooked, remove them from the oven. You can garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese if you like, or serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, garlic aioli, or ketchup).
- Tip: Serve them alongside your grilled burgers, steaks, or even as a snack on their own. These wedges are also great for dipping in sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Pro Tips:
- Crispy Potatoes: If you want your tater boats to be even crispier, consider baking them on a cooling rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around all sides of the potatoes.
- Extra Flavor: To make the potatoes even more flavorful, you can sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Meal Prep: These wedges are great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Just reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 400°F to crisp them back up.
With these extra details, your Tater Boats should come out perfectly crispy, well-seasoned, and ready to complement whatever you’re serving them with. Enjoy your meal!