Vesuvio Potato: How to Make Perfect Wedges

Introduction to Authentic Vesuvio Potato Recipe with Garlic and Oregano

Have you ever tried vesuvio potato? This classic Italian-American side dish features golden, crispy potato wedges roasted to perfection with garlic, oregano, white wine, and savory chicken broth. These delicious roasted potatoes are a staple in Chicago’s Italian restaurants and make an incredible accompaniment to almost any main course. Furthermore, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare at home with just a few basic ingredients.

Vesuvio potatoes originated in Chicago’s Italian-American community and are traditionally served alongside Chicken Vesuvio. However, these flavorful, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside potatoes deserve the spotlight as a standalone side dish. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about making perfect vesuvio potato, from choosing the right potatoes to achieving that ideal balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Whether you’re looking to recreate this classic restaurant favorite or simply want to elevate your potato side dish game, this vesuvio potatoes recipe will become your new go-to. Moreover, I’ll cover storage tips, variations, and answers to common questions about this delectable dish.

What Makes Starchy Vesuvio Potato Special as a Perfect Side Dish

What sets vesuvio potato apart from other roasted potato recipes is the unique two-stage cooking process. First, the potato wedges are roasted in olive oil with garlic and herbs until they begin to crisp. Then, white wine and chicken broth are added to create a flavorful sauce that the potatoes absorb as they continue to roast. As a result, you get potatoes that are crispy yet infused with incredible flavor.

The name “vesuvio” comes from Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and these potatoes certainly deliver a flavor explosion worthy of their volcanic namesake. Additionally, the combination of herbs, garlic, and white wine creates an aromatic profile that’s distinctly Mediterranean.

For the best vesuvio potatoes recipe, you’ll want to use starchy potatoes like russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Russets will give you a fluffier interior, while Yukon golds hold their shape better and offer a naturally buttery flavor. Either way, you’ll end up with a hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, or fish.

Essential Ingredients to Make Vesuvio Potato with Lemon Juice and Garlic

To make classic vesuvio potatoes, you’ll need several key ingredients that contribute to their distinctive taste and texture:

Primary Ingredients for Perfect vesuvio potato​ Wedges in Vesuvio Style

• Potatoes: 2½-3 pounds of Yukon gold or russet potatoes, cut into thick wedges
• Olive Oil: ¼ cup olive oil for roasting
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves, freshly minced or thinly sliced
• Herbs: 1-1½ teaspoons dried oregano, with optional thyme
• White Wine: ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well)
• Chicken Stock: ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• Seasonings: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice added at the very end brightens the flavors

The quality of your ingredients matters significantly for this simple potato recipe. Therefore, use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced, good quality olive oil, and fresh herbs when possible. Furthermore, the white wine doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be something you’d enjoy drinking, as the flavor will concentrate during cooking.

Step-by-Step Vesuvio Potato Recipe Card: Creating the Perfect Starchy Potato Side

Now let’s walk through the process of making these delicious vesuvio potato:

Preparation and Initial Seasoning of Potato Wedges

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into uniform, thick wedges. Place the potatoes cut into wedges in a large mixing bowl.
2. Season the Potatoes: Drizzle ¼ cup olive oil over the potato wedges. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat until all the potatoes are evenly seasoned.

The Perfect Roasting Technique for Crispy vesuvio potato

3. Initial Roasting Phase: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the potatoes will steam rather than roast. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to turn golden brown and develop crispy edges.
4. Add the Flavor-Enhancing Liquids: In a small bowl, briefly whisk together the white wine and chicken stock. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour the wine sauce mixture evenly over the potatoes.
5. Final Roasting: Return the pan to the oven and continue roasting for another 25-30 minutes. The potatoes should become fork-tender, deeply golden brown, and most of the liquid should be absorbed or reduced to a light glaze. Gently turn the potatoes once halfway through this stage if desired.
6. Optional Extra Crisping: If you want even crispier potatoes, you can switch the oven to the Broil setting for the last 1-3 minutes. However, watch very carefully to prevent burning.

Finishing Your Vesuvio Potato with Butter and Lemon Juice

7. Rest and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest in the pan for a few minutes. Before serving, add the lemon juice and toss gently to incorporate. For extra richness, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of butter along with the lemon juice. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

For a complete meal, these potatoes pair beautifully with chicken vesuvio, roast chicken, steak, or fish. Additionally, they’re substantial enough to serve as the star of a vegetarian meal alongside a simple green salad.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vesuvio Potato Every Time

To ensure your vesuvio potato turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, here are some essential tips and tricks:

1. Choose the Right Starchy Potato: While both work well, use russet potatoes for a fluffier interior or Yukon gold potatoes for potatoes that hold their shape better with a creamy texture.
2. Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry the potatoes completely. Excess moisture will cause them to steam rather than roast and prevent them from getting crispy.
3. Cut Uniform Wedges: For even cooking, cut the potatoes into wedges of similar size. Aim for thick wedges that will hold up to the two-stage cooking process.
4. Single Layer is Key: Always arrange the potatoes in a single layer on your baking sheet. If necessary, use two pans rather than crowding one.
5. Don’t Skimp on Oil: The olive oil helps the potatoes brown and crisp up. Make sure each wedge is well-coated before roasting.
6. Add the Wine and Broth Carefully: When adding the liquid midway through cooking, pour it around the potatoes rather than directly on top to preserve some of the crispiness.
7. Let Them Rest: Allowing the potatoes to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven helps the flavors meld and allows the potatoes to absorb any remaining liquid.

Using these tips will help you make vesuvio potato that rival any restaurant version. Additionally, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences—more garlic or herbs can be added for an even more robust flavor profile.

Creative Variations of Traditional Vesuvio Potato Recipes with Chicken Vesuvio

While the classic vesuvio potatoes recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to put your own spin on this Italian-American favorite:

Herb Variations for Different Flavor Profiles

• Rosemary Vesuvio: Add 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary along with the oregano for an aromatic twist.
• Lemon-Herb: Increase the lemon juice and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
• Spicy Vesuvio: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a touch of heat.

Ingredient Adaptations for Dietary Needs

• Vegetarian Version: Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth.
• Butter-Enhanced: Add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil for added richness.
• Wine-Free: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with additional chicken stock and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar.

For a complete meal in one pan, you can also add chicken thighs to make chicken vesuvio with potatoes. To do this, simply sear seasoned chicken thighs in the same pan before adding the potatoes, then roast everything together. The chicken will add even more flavor to the potatoes as they cook.

These variations maintain the essence of traditional vesuvio potato while offering different flavor experiences to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Moreover, they demonstrate the versatility of this classic potato side dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Vesuvio Potato Successfully

Vesuvio potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at their crispiest. However, they can be stored and reheated if you have leftovers:

Proper Storage to Maintain Quality of Leftover Vesuvio Potato

1. Cool Completely: Allow leftover vesuvio potato to cool to room temperature.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Best Methods to Reheat Vesuvio Potatoes for Maximum Crispiness

1. Oven Method (Recommended): Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
2. Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispier results.
3. Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving will make the potatoes soggy, so it’s not recommended if you want to maintain their texture.

Make-Ahead Tips for Entertaining

If you want to prep ahead for a dinner party or gathering:

1. Partial Make-Ahead: Complete the first roasting stage, then cool and refrigerate the partially cooked potatoes. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature, add the wine and broth, and complete the second roasting stage.
2. Prep-Ahead: You can wash, cut, and store the potato wedges in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before cooking, drain thoroughly and dry completely with paper towels.

These storage and make-ahead tips help you enjoy vesuvio potatoes even when you’re short on time or want to prevent food waste. Furthermore, having a plan for leftovers means you can easily incorporate them into another meal the next day.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Chicken Vesuvio with the Ultimate Potato Side Dish

Vesuvio potatoes make an excellent side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some inspired pairings:

Classic Pairings for Traditional Italian Meals

1. Chicken Vesuvio: The most traditional pairing is, of course, chicken vesuvio—chicken pieces roasted with the same flavorful combination of garlic, white wine, and herbs.
2. Italian Roasted Meats: Vesuvio potatoes complement any Italian-style roasted meat, such as porchetta or lamb.
3. Beef or Pork Roasts: The richness of the potatoes stands up well to hearty meat dishes.

Lighter Options for Balanced Meals

1. Grilled Fish: The bright flavors in the potatoes pair beautifully with delicate fish like sea bass or branzino.
2. Vegetable Medley: For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables and a protein like white beans.
3. Mediterranean Salad: Balance the hearty potatoes with a light Greek or Mediterranean salad.

To create a complete Italian-American feast, consider serving vesuvio potatoes alongside other classic dishes like an antipasto platter, Caesar salad, and tiramisu for dessert. Additionally, a medium-bodied Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino makes an excellent beverage pairing.

For more delicious potato ideas that complement vesuvio potato, check out our Vesuvio potatoes recipes easy: garlic roast.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations of Vesuvio Potato Recipes

While vesuvio potato are undeniably delicious, it’s also helpful to understand their nutritional profile:

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving

A typical serving of vesuvio potatoes (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 200-250 calories
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 3-4g
• Fat: 8-10g (primarily from olive oil)
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sodium: varies based on salt added

Dietary Accommodations and Restrictions

Vesuvio potatoes are naturally:

• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free (in their traditional form)
• Vegetarian (when made with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth)
• Vegan (when made with vegetable broth)

For those watching their sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt and use low-sodium broth. Additionally, the olive oil used in vesuvio potatoes provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making them a better choice than fried potato dishes.

It’s worth noting that potatoes themselves are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese. Moreover, leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Therefore, vesuvio potato can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in reasonable portions alongside protein and vegetables.

Common Questions About Vesuvio Potatoes Recipe and Potato Wedges Tips and Tricks

Troubleshooting Your Vesuvio Potatoes Recipe

Q: Why aren’t my vesuvio potatoes getting crispy? A: Several factors could be at play. Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before roasting, your oven is hot enough, and the potatoes aren’t overcrowded on the baking sheet. Also, adding too much liquid during the second phase can prevent crispiness.

Q: Can I make vesuvio potatoes without wine? A: Absolutely! While the white wine adds distinct flavor, you can substitute additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Q: What’s the best potato to use for vesuvio potatoes? A: Both Yukon gold and russet potatoes work well. Use russet potatoes for a fluffier interior or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer potatoes that hold their shape better with a creamier texture.

Q: How thick should I cut the potato wedges? A: Cut them into thick wedges, about 6-8 wedges per medium potato. Thin wedges might overcook or fall apart when the liquid is added.

For more advanced tips on creating the crispiest vesuvio potato, check out our detailed guide on Crispy Vesuvio Potatoes: Best Roasted Side Dish Ever.

Explore More Italian Potato Recipes and Side Dish Inspiration

Looking for more delicious potato dishes and Italian sides? Check out these related resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to Italian Roasted Vegetables
• 10 Classic Italian Side Dishes You Can Make at Home
• Mediterranean Potato Recipes for Every Occasion

Frequently Asked Questions About Vesuvio Potatoes

What does Vesuvio mean in cooking?

In cooking, “Vesuvio” refers to a style of preparation originating in Chicago’s Italian-American community. Named after Mount Vesuvius in Italy, Vesuvio-style dishes typically feature meat or potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic, white wine, and herbs. The signature characteristic is the combination of crispy exteriors with tender, flavorful interiors. Additionally, the white wine sauce created during cooking gives these dishes their distinctive taste.

Where did vesuvio potato come from?

Vesuvio potatoes originated in Chicago’s Italian-American restaurants in the mid-20th century. They were traditionally served as part of the famous Chicken Vesuvio dish, which became a staple in Chicago’s Italian restaurants. The side dish eventually gained popularity on its own merits and is now considered a classic Italian-American recipe. Furthermore, many Chicago restaurants still feature these potatoes as a signature side dish on their menus.

What is a tuscan potato?

A Tuscan potato is a style of preparation inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy. Similar to vesuvio potatoes, Tuscan potatoes are typically roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and sage. However, unlike vesuvio potatoes, they don’t usually incorporate white wine in the cooking process and rely more heavily on olive oil and fresh herbs for flavor. Both are excellent examples of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary starchy potato side dishes.

What potatoes does Gordon Ramsay use?

Gordon Ramsay typically uses Yukon gold potatoes for most of his roasted and mashed potato recipes because of their buttery flavor and creamy texture. For dishes requiring more starchy potatoes, such as chips (fries) or gnocchi, he often uses russet potatoes. When making his version of crispy roast potatoes, Ramsay has been known to par-boil the potatoes first, then rough them up before roasting to create extra crispy exteriors—a technique you could adapt for vesuvio potatoes as well.

What is the meaning of Vesuvio?

Vesuvio is the Italian name for Mount Vesuvius, the active volcano near Naples, Italy, famous for destroying the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. In culinary terms, the name likely references the “eruption” of flavors in dishes prepared this way. Additionally, the name may allude to the dish’s origins in Italian-American cuisine, particularly in Chicago, where many Italian immigrants settled and brought their culinary traditions.

What does osso buco mean in cooking?

Osso buco, which translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, refers to a Milanese specialty of cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth. The dish is characterized by the marrow in the bone center, which adds richness to the sauce during cooking. While unrelated to vesuvio potatoes, both dishes exemplify the Italian cooking tradition of transforming simple ingredients into complex flavors through careful cooking techniques. Osso buco is typically served with risotto alla Milanese or polenta rather than potatoes.

Why is it called chicken Vesuvio?

Chicken Vesuvio is named after Mount Vesuvius in Italy, possibly because the presentation of the dish—with the chicken and potatoes rising from the sauce—resembles the famous volcano. The dish was created in Chicago’s Italian-American community and became popular in the mid-20th century. Traditional chicken vesuvio features chicken pieces and potato wedges roasted with garlic, white wine, and herbs. The vesuvio potatoes in this recipe are essentially the side dish component of the complete chicken vesuvio dish.

Did Italians have potatoes?

Potatoes were not native to Italy or even Europe. They were introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century but weren’t widely adopted in Italian cuisine until the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Initially, there was resistance to potatoes in Italy, as they were considered food for animals rather than humans. However, over time, they became integrated into Italian cooking, particularly in northern regions. Today, many classic “Italian” dishes featuring potatoes are actually Italian-American creations, including vesuvio potatoes.

What is Vesuvio style steak?

Vesuvio style steak applies the same cooking principles as chicken vesuvio but with beef instead. It typically features a good quality steak (often ribeye or New York strip) that’s seared and then roasted with the classic vesuvio accompaniments: garlic, oregano, white wine, and potatoes. The result is a flavorful steak with a wine-infused sauce and those signature crispy-yet-tender vesuvio potatoes. This variation became popular in Chicago steakhouses as an Italian-influenced alternative to traditional steak preparations.

What is a fancy French steak called?

A fancy French steak is often called “Filet Mignon,” which is a tender cut from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin. Other upscale French steak preparations include Entrecôte (ribeye) with Béarnaise sauce, Steak au Poivre (pepper-crusted steak with cognac cream sauce), and Châteaubriand (a thick cut from the center of the tenderloin, typically served for two). Though unrelated to vesuvio potatoes, these French preparations demonstrate how different culinary traditions approach beef preparation, compared to the Italian-American vesuvio style.

What is a Viking steak?

Viking steak is less commonly known but generally refers to a thick-cut steak (often ribeye) prepared with Nordic-inspired seasonings and cooking methods. This might include ingredients like juniper berries, dill, or aquavit (a Scandinavian spirit). Some interpretations involve flame-cooking over open fire to mimic ancient Viking cooking methods. The term isn’t standardized in the culinary world and can vary depending on the restaurant or region. Unlike vesuvio-style preparations, Viking steak doesn’t typically incorporate white wine or Italian herbs.

What is the steak called at Chipotle?

At Chipotle Mexican Grill, the steak option is called “Steak” or “Carne Asada” depending on the specific offering at the time. Their regular steak is grilled beef marinated in a blend of spices including chipotle peppers, cumin, and oregano. When available, Carne Asada is a different preparation featuring grilled steak seasoned with lime and various Mexican spices. This Mexican-inspired preparation is quite different from Italian-American vesuvio style, highlighting how beef can be prepared in various ways across different culinary traditions.