If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe will be your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked potatoes smothered in a luxuriously thick cheese sauce that’s rich with cheddar and Parmesan, lightly seasoned, and baked until golden and bubbly. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing side dish that steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the ultimate creamy texture, wonderfully balanced flavors, and that irresistible golden crust that makes every bite memorable.
- 4 cups diced cooked potatoes: The hearty base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky roux for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without any lumps.
- 1 cup milk: Acts as a smooth, light canvas for the cheese sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce to decadence with its velvety richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle but necessary kick.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty cheesiness into every bite.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, umami-packed crust topping.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a delicate smoky warmth and color on top.
How to Make Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the perfect environment for baking to golden perfection. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes creates a roux, which is the foundation of your creamy sauce and ensures it won’t be grainy or runny.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps and allows the sauce to thicken smoothly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it reaches a luscious, velvety consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Season
Turn the heat to low and stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheddar melts completely, taking your sauce from simple to spectacular with its creamy, cheesy depth.
Step 4: Combine with Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your cooked diced potatoes with the cheesy sauce, making sure every piece is generously coated. This step guarantees that each potato chunk is infused with that irresistible creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Grease a baking dish and transfer your saucy potatoes into it evenly. Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese and dust the top with paprika. This combination creates a beautiful golden crust with a hint of smoky flavor once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes until the top bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown. The oven’s heat crisps the Parmesan topping just enough to add a delightful textural contrast without drying out the creamy interior.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them sit for a couple of minutes to set. This brief rest makes it easier to serve and allows the flavors to meld even further, enhancing the overall experience of this Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped chives or parsley brightens the dish, offering a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich, cheesy sauce beautifully. A light sprinkle of extra paprika on top can also add a bit of visual appeal and subtle warmth.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as steak, chicken, or pork. It also balances well with steamed or sautéed green vegetables for a complete meal that’s both comforting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the potatoes in individual ramekins for single portions that look elegant and make serving easy. You can also top with crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent upgrade that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the sauce may slightly separate upon thawing but will recombine when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to bring back that bubbly surface and creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan give this recipe its classic flavor, you can substitute or add cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Gouda to customize the creaminess and taste to your liking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. Use dairy-free cheese substitutes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary from the traditional creamy richness.
Are leftover Creamy Delmonico Potatoes good for meal prep?
Yes, they’re perfect for meal prep! They reheat beautifully and keep well in the fridge, making them an easy and delicious side to complement a variety of meals throughout the week.
Can I use raw potatoes instead of cooked?
It’s best to use cooked potatoes for this recipe because raw potatoes would take longer to bake and may not absorb the sauce properly, resulting in uneven cooking and texture.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best as they hold their shape after cooking and absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully, making for a satisfying and well-textured dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Delmonico Potatoes Recipe is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s incredibly simple but full of flavor and texture, proving that sometimes the best dishes come from basic ingredients handled with care. Give it a try and watch this creamy, cheesy classic become a beloved staple at your table!
Print
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Delmonico Potatoes feature tender cooked potatoes smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and cream. This comforting side dish is baked until golden and bubbly, topped with Parmesan and paprika for extra flavor and color, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday spreads.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 cups diced cooked potatoes
Sauce
- 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
Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue cooking while whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes, ensuring it is smooth with no lumps.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine the Potatoes: In a large bowl, mix the cooked diced potatoes with the creamy cheese sauce until the potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Bake the Potato Mixture: Transfer the coated potatoes to a greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then dust with paprika for color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the potatoes to rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Use cooked potatoes for best results; leftover roasted or boiled potatoes work well.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Ensure to stir the sauce constantly when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps.
- Let the dish rest after baking so the sauce thickens slightly for easier serving.
