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Crispy Potato Triangle Magic: Turn $2.50 Into a Family Feast Everyone Loves
Crispy potato triangle saved our dinner plans last Tuesday when I realized I only had $10 left in the grocery budget for the week. Standing in my kitchen, staring at three lonely russet potatoes, half a block of cheddar cheese, and some basic seasonings, I decided to channel that resourceful spirit my grandmother always preached about. “Waste not, want not,” she’d say while transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Little did I know that this budget-driven experiment would become our family’s new obsession!
My kids gathered around the kitchen island as the golden, crispy triangles emerged from the oven, filling our home with the most incredible aroma. “Mom, these are better than restaurant food!” my youngest declared, and honestly, I had to agree. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re working with what you have.
Crispy Potato Triangle
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- * Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- * Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes cut into triangular wedges
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch thick triangular wedges and pat dry completely.
- Toss potato wedges with olive oil and all seasonings in large bowl.
- Arrange in single layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until edges turn golden.
- Sprinkle cheese over triangles and bake 8-10 minutes more until cheese melts.
- Cool for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking
Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in oven to restore crispiness
What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Total cost: approximately $2.50):
- 3 large russet potatoes ($1.20)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($0.80)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.20)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ($0.10)
- 1 teaspoon paprika ($0.10)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ($0.05)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ($0.05)
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Potatoes: Wash and peel potatoes, then cut into 1/2-inch thick triangular wedges. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Season and Toss: In a large bowl, combine potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange for Success: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange potato triangles in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- First Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 20 minutes until edges start turning golden.
- Add the Magic: Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheese over each crispy potato triangle, and return to oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Rest and Serve: Let cool for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set slightly.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret to perfect crispy potato triangles lies in three key factors: proper drying removes excess moisture for maximum crispiness, high heat creates that golden exterior while keeping the inside fluffy, and timing the cheese addition prevents burning while ensuring that perfect melted topping. The triangular shape also provides more surface area for seasoning and creates those irresistible crispy edges kids love.
Make It Your Own
Loaded Style: Add crumbled bacon bits and green onions after the cheese melts for a loaded potato experience.
Herb Garden: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, and parmesan cheese for an elevated flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper and top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Sweet Variation: Use sweet potatoes and add a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
What to Serve With
These crispy potato triangles pair beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or as a side to grilled chicken. For a complete comfort meal, serve alongside homemade coleslaw and your favorite dipping sauce. They’re also fantastic as an afternoon snack with ranch or garlic aioli.
Money-Saving Tips
Buy in Bulk: Purchase potatoes in 5-pound bags rather than individually – they’re often 30% cheaper per pound.
Cheese Strategy: Buy block cheese and shred it yourself instead of pre-shredded varieties, saving about $1 per pound.
Seasonal Shopping: Potatoes are typically cheapest in fall and winter months when they’re harvested.
Leftover Magic: Use any remaining cheese for other budget-friendly meals like quesadillas or mac and cheese.
Oil Investment: Buy larger bottles of olive oil – the per-ounce cost decreases significantly with larger sizes.
From My Family to Yours
There’s something special about creating delicious memories from simple, affordable ingredients. Every time I make these crispy potato triangles, I’m reminded that the best family recipes don’t require expensive ingredients or complicated techniques – they just need love, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. My grandmother would be proud to see how a few humble potatoes can bring such joy to our dinner table, proving once again that the simplest foods often create the most lasting memories.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make these crispy potato triangles ahead of time? A: While best served fresh, you can prep the seasoned potato wedges up to 4 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add a few extra minutes to the initial baking time.
Q: What’s the best potato variety to use? A: Russet potatoes work best for crispy potato triangles due to their high starch content, which creates the perfect fluffy interior and crispy exterior combination.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Try mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for heat, or even a blend of your favorites. Just ensure you use about 1 cup total for proper coverage.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers to maintain crispiness? A: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave to restore that crispy texture we all love.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
• One-Pan Vegetarian Taco Skillet
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends looking for budget-friendly family dinner ideas!
