Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The harmonious blend of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese creates a luxurious sauce that envelops each potato slice, offering a decadent taste experience.
- Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks, making it a go-to for both special occasions and everyday meals.
- Versatility: Delmonico Potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables, enhancing any meal with their savory presence.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 medium to large potatoes
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- Generous dash of pepper and nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided into 6 slices
- Paprika for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes with their skins on until they are fork-tender but slightly undercooked. Once cooled, peel and shred them into a generously buttered 8×8-inch casserole dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, kosher salt, dry mustard, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk to blend and heat until almost boiling. Reduce the heat, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the shredded potatoes in the casserole dish. Allow it to cool slightly. Dot the top with the butter slices and sprinkle with paprika for color and flavor.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Refrigeration Time: 12 hours (overnight)
- Total Time: Approximately 13 hours
Variations
- Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the cheese sauce for an aromatic twist.
- Herb Accents: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary between the potato layers to introduce earthy flavors.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with a mix of cheeses, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, to create a more complex flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a baking dish and warm in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the original baking dish to prevent over-browning of residual sauce.
FAQs
What are Delmonico Potatoes?
Delmonico Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy potato casserole that originated from Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City in the 19th century. The dish typically features shredded or sliced potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce until golden and bubbly.
Can I use pre-shredded potatoes?
Yes, using pre-shredded potatoes, such as Simply Potatoes, can save time and effort. Ensure they are thawed and drained if previously frozen to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the dish overnight before baking?
Refrigerating the assembled dish overnight allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully saturate the potatoes, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole. However, if pressed for time, you can bake it immediately, though the depth of flavor may be slightly diminished.
Can I freeze Delmonico Potatoes?
It’s not recommended to freeze the unbaked casserole, as the texture of the potatoes and sauce may be compromised upon thawing. However, baked leftovers can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
High-starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal due to their fluffy texture and ability to absorb the rich cheese sauce effectively.
How can I make the dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a reduced-fat cheese. Keep in mind that this may alter the richness and creaminess of the final product.
What can I serve with Delmonico Potatoes?
Delmonico Potatoes pair well with roasted meats like beef, or chicken. They also complement
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Delmonico Potatoes
- Total Time: Approximately 13 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delmonico Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent side dish that originated from Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City. Made with tender shredded potatoes, a rich cheese sauce, and a golden baked crust, this comforting casserole is perfect for special occasions or a delicious everyday meal.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 medium to large potatoes
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- Generous dash of pepper and nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided into 6 slices
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes with skins on until fork-tender but slightly undercooked.
- Let cool, then peel and shred them into a buttered 8×8-inch casserole dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Heat until nearly boiling, then reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the shredded potatoes. Let cool slightly.
- Dot with butter slices and sprinkle with paprika.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic, fresh herbs, or a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan.
- Short on time? You can bake immediately after assembling, though refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze baked portions for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American