Crispy Baked Potato Wedges with Cheesy Sauce

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice the potatoes into wedges—cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3–4 wedges, depending on the size of the potato. Try to make them as even as possible to ensure they cook uniformly.

#### 2. **Season the Potato Wedges:**
In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure each wedge is well-coated with the oil and seasoning mix. For an even crispier texture, you can let the seasoned wedges sit for about 10–15 minutes before baking.

#### 3. **Bake the Wedges:**
Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure there’s some space between each wedge to allow air circulation and achieve a crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through the baking time, until the wedges are golden, crispy, and tender inside. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can bake them for an additional 5–10 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.

#### 4. **Prepare the Cheesy Sauce:**
While the potato wedges are baking, it’s time to prepare the cheesy sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux (a thick paste). Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you like a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the potato wedges are perfectly baked and crispy, remove them from the oven and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle or dip the wedges in the warm cheesy sauce, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

– **Crispy Perfection**: These baked potato wedges are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—just the right texture for a satisfying snack or side dish. The seasoning blend adds bold flavor without being overpowering.

– **Cheesy Goodness**: The rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy wedges. It adds a luxurious, comforting element to the dish that makes it irresistible.

– **Versatile**: These crispy potato wedges are perfect for any occasion—whether served as an appetizer at a party, a side dish with dinner, or even as a standalone snack. You can also customize the seasoning and cheese sauce to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a bit of ranch seasoning, chili powder, or grated Parmesan cheese for a different twist.

– **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a great option for anyone looking to whip up a quick, satisfying dish. Plus, the cheesy sauce can be prepared in just a few minutes while the wedges bake.

– **Kid-Friendly**: This is a dish that both kids and adults will love. The crispy potato wedges and gooey cheese sauce are a combination that’s always a hit with families.

### Final Thoughts:
**Crispy Baked Potato Wedges with Cheesy Sauce** are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The golden, crispy wedges paired with the velvety, cheesy sauce make for a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, these wedges are guaranteed to steal the show. So grab some potatoes, get baking, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!