Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potato Wedges
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cut Potatoes: Cut each potato into 8 wedges. First, cut the potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 wedges.
- Season Potatoes: Place the potato wedges in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat the wedges evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the potato wedges out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Smoky Chipotle Ketchup
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the tomato ketchup, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce if you prefer a smokier and spicier flavor.
Step 3: Serve
- Plate Wedges: Once the potato wedges are baked to crispy perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve with Ketchup: Serve the crispy baked potato wedges hot, alongside the smoky chipotle ketchup for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Potato Wedges:
- Crispiness: To ensure maximum crispiness, make sure the potato wedges are well-coated with oil and spices, and that they are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Uniform Size: Cut the potato wedges into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Soak Potatoes: For extra crispy wedges, you can soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. This helps to remove excess starch.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs based on your preference.
Enjoy these crispy baked potato wedges with smoky chipotle ketchup for a delicious and healthier side dish or snack!