Spicy Grilled Cajun Potato Wedges
Savor the robust flavors of the South with these Spicy Grilled Cajun Potato Wedges. Perfectly seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend and grilled to perfection, these crispy potato wedges are not just a side dish; they're a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. The smoky aroma from mesquite wood chips adds a depth of flavor that complements the spices beautifully. Serve them at your next barbecue or as a delicious appetizer to share with friends and family!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes
3 large (washed and scrubbed)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (for tossing)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried leaves)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried leaves)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Ground Red Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)
Mesquite Wood Chips
2 cups (soaked in cold water)
Instructions
1
Prepare your barbecue grill for direct cooking by cleaning the grates and setting it to medium heat.
2
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the potato wedges get a head start on cooking.
3
Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly without peeling them. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and then cut each half into four wedges, resulting in a total of 24 even wedges.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato wedges with olive oil and minced garlic, tossing well to ensure every wedge is coated.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and ground red pepper to create your Cajun seasoning blend.
6
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potato wedges, tossing again to ensure they are evenly coated.
7
Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on a shallow roasting pan. Reserve the remaining oil and garlic mixture for later.
8
Bake the potato wedges in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to get them started on their cooking process.
9
While the potatoes are baking, soak the mesquite wood chips in cold water for 20 minutes to enhance the smoky flavor.
10
After soaking, drain the mesquite wood chips and sprinkle them over the hot coals on the grill.
11
Carefully place the baked potato wedges on their sides on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and grill them for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once with tongs halfway through the cooking time.
12
While grilling, brush the potato wedges with the reserved oil mixture, adding moisture and flavor.
13
The wedges are done when they are golden brown and fork-tender. Remove them from the grill and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Grilled Cajun Potato Wedges?
They are russet potato wedges seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, partially baked in the oven, and then finished on a grill with mesquite wood chips for a smoky flavor.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe because their high starch content results in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 large russet potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you should wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly but leave the skin on for the best texture.
How should I cut the potatoes into wedges?
Cut each potato in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into four even wedges to get a total of 8 wedges per potato.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
What ingredients make up the Cajun seasoning blend?
The blend consists of salt, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and ground red pepper.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil to coat the wedges.
How long do the potatoes bake in the oven?
The wedges should be baked for 20 minutes before they are moved to the grill.
Why are the potatoes baked before grilling?
Baking them first ensures the centers are cooked through without burning the outside on the high heat of the grill.
How do I prepare the mesquite wood chips?
Soak 2 cups of mesquite wood chips in cold water for 20 minutes before use.
When do I add the wood chips to the grill?
Drain the soaked chips and sprinkle them over the hot coals just before you start grilling the potatoes.
What grill setting should I use?
Set your barbecue grill to medium heat for direct cooking.
How long do the wedges stay on the grill?
Grill the wedges for 15 to 20 minutes.
Should I close the grill lid while cooking?
Yes, close the grill lid to trap the smoke from the wood chips and ensure even cooking.
Do I need to turn the potatoes while grilling?
Yes, turn the wedges once with tongs halfway through the grilling time.
What should I do with the reserved oil and garlic mixture?
Brush the potato wedges with the reserved mixture while they are on the grill to add moisture and flavor.
How do I know when the potato wedges are finished?
The wedges are done when they are golden brown on the outside and fork-tender on the inside.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, these Spicy Grilled Cajun Potato Wedges are vegetarian.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the recipe?
You can adjust the amount of ground red pepper to make the wedges more or less spicy according to your preference.
What kind of wood chips are recommended?
Mesquite wood chips are recommended to provide a distinct smoky aroma that complements the Cajun spices.
How many total wedges does this recipe produce?
The recipe produces approximately 24 potato wedges.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but you will need to increase the quantities as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
What are some suggested dipping sauces?
These go well with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, or even a simple ketchup.
Is it necessary to wash the potatoes?
Yes, scrubbing them removes dirt and excess starch from the surface.
Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic?
While fresh minced garlic is preferred, you can substitute with garlic powder in the spice blend if necessary.
What type of grill heat is best?
Direct medium heat is best for achieving a crispy exterior without burning the spices.
Can I make these without wood chips?
Yes, but you will miss out on the smoky flavor that the mesquite chips provide.
Should the potato wedges be in a single layer in the roasting pan?
Yes, arranging them in a single layer ensures they bake evenly.
Are these wedges served hot or cold?
They are best served hot immediately after being removed from the grill.