I grew up grabbing snacks from the deli at Fred Meyer and Safeway. While I loved Freddy’s for its variety, Safeway’s deli stood out for its ready-to-go treats. One of my favorites as a kid was jojo’s — the crispy, seasoned potato wedges served in a paper bag and sealed with a sticker. They were a special reward after being well-behaved in the store. As I started remembering old favorites, I also thought about Safeway’s fried rice and sesame chicken, but those are for another day. Meanwhile, if you’re craving similar flavors, try a sweet-and-sour or orange-style chicken recipe or a bacon fried rice to recreate that deli comfort at home.
If you didn’t grow up calling potato wedges “jojo’s,” that’s fine — regional names vary. Regardless of what you call them, jojo’s are irresistible: crisp on the outside, soft and warm inside, and full of flavor. Sometimes we’d get corn dogs or chicken strips, too. If you ever had jojo’s from the deli or grabbed a quick snack in the store, you know the nostalgia they bring.
In a few weeks I’m heading to Idaho with the Idaho Potato Commission, and I can’t stop thinking about potatoes. I’m excited for several reasons: my parents recently moved to Rexburg — a place where I once lived while finishing part of my degree — and I love Idaho’s wide open spaces, friendly people, and slower pace. It even smells a little like farms, which I actually enjoy. If you want a tasty tip, try drizzling a little honey on these potatoes instead of dipping them in ketchup — it’s surprisingly good.
What Is a Jo Jo?
Jojo’s are potato wedges, typically seasoned and either deep-fried or oven-baked until the exterior is crisp and the inside remains tender. They’re often served as a side with fried chicken, coleslaw, and baked beans, or enjoyed on their own as a snack.
Best Potato for Jo Jo’s
For the ideal texture — golden-brown and crisp outside with a fluffy interior — high-starch potatoes like Russets (also known as Idaho potatoes) are best. Their starch content helps create that satisfying contrast between crunchy exterior and soft center.
Are Potatoes Good for You?
Potatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber, and when prepared without excessive added fat, they can be a relatively low-calorie, filling component of a meal.
Jo Jo’s Recipe
Jo Jo’s Recipe
By Sweet Basil
Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 15 mins • Total: 25 mins • Serves: 6
Jo jo’s are crisp on the outside, soft and warm on the inside — perfect roasted potato wedges.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 6 russet baking potatoes, washed and cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with foil.
- In a large resealable bag, combine the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Pour the melted butter into a shallow pan and warm it slightly.
- Add the potato wedges to the flour mixture a handful at a time. Seal the bag and shake to coat the wedges evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Arrange the coated potatoes on the prepared baking sheets, skin side down. Use a spoon to scoop and drizzle some of the melted butter over the wedges.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
The longer the potatoes rest in the flour mixture, the more pronounced the coating will be. To reheat leftovers: preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place jojo’s on a baking sheet, and reheat for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 217 kcal • Carbohydrates: 32 g • Protein: 6 g • Fat: 8 g • Fiber: 6 g • Sodium: 864 mg • Potassium: 887 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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