If you’re looking for a comforting side that’s downright irresistible, you’ve got to try this Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe. Picture tender, perfectly cooked potatoes enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that bakes to golden bubbly perfection. This dish brings together simple ingredients but delivers such a rich, smooth texture and a harmonious blend of flavors that it easily steals the show at any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these potatoes are guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, combining to create that silky sauce and tender potato bites with a golden crust. These straightforward components not only keep things uncomplicated but also highlight the classic richness and comforting nature of this dish.
- 4 cups diced cooked potatoes: The foundation of the dish, ideally cooked just until tender to hold their shape but still soft.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and forms the base for the creamy roux that thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for creating the roux, it helps thicken the cream sauce to perfection.
- 1 cup milk: Enhances creaminess while keeping the sauce smooth and velvety.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s richness and silky texture, making every bite indulgent.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the potatoes and cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice to complement the creamy richness.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melty goodness that infuses the sauce with savory depth.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a beautifully crisp, nutty crust that finishes the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky warmth on the surface.
How to Make Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sauce Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquid and slightly bubbly. This sets the stage for your roux, which is key to that velvety sauce.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring constantly. You’ll want to cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes—this removes the raw flour taste and builds a smooth, thick base for the sauce. Stir steadily to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Whisk in the Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continually. This slow addition is essential for a silky texture. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses and Season
Turn off the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely, resulting in a smooth, rich cheese sauce that cradles every potato chunk with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Combine with Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold your cooked diced potatoes into the cheese sauce. Make sure the potatoes are coated evenly—this is where the magic happens as each piece gets enveloped in creamy cheese heaven.
Step 6: Transfer and Top
Grease a baking dish lightly and pour in your potato mixture. For the golden finishing touch, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese followed by a dusting of paprika. This will create a gorgeous crust during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and bubble enticingly. When it’s ready, you’ll know it by the inviting aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the potatoes a few minutes to rest. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier, so you get the perfect creamy texture in every scoop.
How to Serve Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness that contrasts the richness beautifully. For a little extra flair, cracked black pepper on top can bring in a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. Adding a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables alongside helps balance the indulgence with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You could also layer the creamy potatoes in a casserole with caramelized onions or crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and actually taste great as the flavors settle together even more.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend to preserve the bubbly topping—just cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for around 20 minutes, then remove the foil for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the top. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but it won’t have the same golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work beautifully — Yukon Golds have a buttery texture that blends well, while Russets give a fluffier bite. Just make sure the potatoes are cooked until tender but not falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and find dairy-free cheese alternatives. The sauce may be a bit different in texture, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I add to make the dish more flavorful?
Consider mixing in sautéed onions, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme before baking. For some smoky goodness, try stirring in crispy bacon bits or smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
How do I get a crispy top on my Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe?
The combination of Parmesan cheese and paprika sprinkled on top will crisp up beautifully in the oven. If you want extra crunch, you could also add a breadcrumb topping mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that combines simplicity with pure comfort, and this Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe does just that. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked to golden perfection. I can’t recommend trying it enough—once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to sides that friends and family just can’t get enough of. Go ahead and dive into this cheesy, comforting goodness—you’re going to love every bite!
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Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Delmonico Potatoes is a comforting baked casserole featuring tender diced potatoes coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with butter, milk, heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make side dish is baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 cups diced cooked potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream into the roux, continue cooking and stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheddar is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Combine with Potatoes: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked diced potatoes with the creamy cheese sauce until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and transfer the potato and cheese mixture evenly into it.
- Top with Parmesan and Paprika: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese across the top, then dust with paprika for color and a hint of spice.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Notes
- Use cooked potatoes that are slightly firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with more heavy cream.
- You can add a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs for extra flavor if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Ensure to stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking or burning during preparation.
