If you have ever dreamed of a side dish that’s both comforting and elegant, look no further than this Delmonico Potatoes Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy marvel that turns simple russet potatoes into a golden-baked masterpiece full of rich flavor and irresistible texture. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish combines the heartiness of tender potatoes with the savory warmth of a luscious cheese sauce, making it a beloved classic that deserves a spot on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Delmonico Potatoes Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and creamy texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender potatoes acting as a hearty base to the blend of cheeses that adds that perfect savory punch.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature provides the ideal texture for creamy, tender slices that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for a flavor base.
- Olive oil: A subtle fruity note that balances the butter’s richness and prevents sticking when sautéing.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that layers into the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Brings a punch of savoriness and warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Heavy cream: The key to that silky, luxurious sauce that coats every potato slice evenly.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melts into the sauce for a gooey, comforting texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that rounds out the cheese blend perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch as a garnish to brighten the final dish.
How to Make Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Heat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your potatoes won’t stick and helps the cheese sauce caramelize on the edges for extra flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a skillet, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing gently for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation for the cheesy cream sauce that will coat your potatoes.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheeses along with salt and pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce thickens slightly. This velvety sauce is what transforms simple potatoes into a decadent side dish.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange the peeled and thinly sliced russet potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the slices overlap slightly for even cooking. Then, pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure each slice is generously coated for maximum flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This last step helps develop a golden-brown, slightly crisp top that contrasts delightfully with the soft potatoes beneath.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve your Delmonico Potatoes Recipe warm, where the creamy, cheesy layers melt in your mouth, making it the perfect comforting accompaniment to any meal.
How to Serve Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish, lending a subtle brightness and a splash of green that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy surface. You could also try finely chopped chives for a mild onion note or even a sprinkle of paprika for a tiny smoky kick and color.
Side Dishes
This Delmonico Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like beef or chicken, grilled vegetables, or even a crisp salad. It holds its own as a hearty side that complements a wide range of main courses, bringing warmth and creamy satisfaction to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the potatoes in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets to keep portions warm and give a rustic, elegant touch. You can also layer in bits of cooked bacon or caramelized onions between the potatoes for an extra flavor boost that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so your next-day Delmonico Potatoes will taste just as delightful, if not more, when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. After baking, allow the potatoes to cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the refrigerated or thawed leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to refresh the golden crust. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power, covered, in short intervals while stirring to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture that soaks up the creamy sauce, you can experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly waxier texture and buttery flavor. Just expect a bit less cream absorption.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use dairy-free cheese substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary but it can still be delicious!
How thinly should I slice the potatoes?
Try to slice them about 1/8 inch thick. Thin, even slices ensure the potatoes cook through evenly and absorb the sauce nicely without becoming mushy.
Can I add herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme or rosemary can be stirred into the sauce for an earthy note. A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce also complements the cheese beautifully, adding warmth and depth.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce gets too thick while cooking, simply add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer over low heat to let it reduce and thicken before pouring over the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Making this Delmonico Potatoes Recipe is like treating yourself to pure comfort with every bite. It’s simplicity transformed into something special by honest ingredients and a bit of love in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it soon — once you do, it might just become your new favorite side for special dinners and cozy nights alike.
Print
Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously creamy and cheesy Delmonico Potatoes, made with layers of tender russet potatoes baked in a rich sauce of butter, olive oil, garlic, onions, heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make cheese sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated cheddar, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potatoes, making sure all slices are well coated.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Bake uncovered for browning: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly sliced potatoes to ensure uniform cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a non-vegetarian version with extra flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice nutty flavor; do not skip for authentic taste.
