The Best Potatoes Delmonico Recipe

Imagine hosting a dinner party and serving a side dish that impresses everyone—like Potatoes Delmonico. This creamy, cheesy dish has roots in a famous restaurant and can easily elevate your meal. You might wonder how to recreate this classic or customize it for your tastes. In the following sections, you’ll discover the rich history, the straightforward recipe, and tips to make it your own, ensuring it’s a hit at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish, you’ll love this Potatoes Delmonico recipe. Its simple preparation makes it perfect for any occasion. You can use prepared potatoes or frozen hash browns to cut down on prep time considerably. The creamy, cheesy sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs well with beef, pork, chicken, or lamb. One of the best things about this dish is its traditional origins from Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City, where the recipe has been cherished since the late 1800s. You can even customize it by adding ingredients like leeks or bell peppers. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it, which is ideal for meal planning. Leftovers reheat easily, ensuring you can enjoy this dish again. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a formal gathering, Potatoes Delmonico won’t disappoint.

History

Potatoes Delmonico has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, originating at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City. This dish was part of the fine dining experience of the time, often served alongside their famous steak.

Initially featured in a lavish 14-course meal, Potatoes Delmonico showcased the luxury of old New York dining. Over the years, different versions have evolved, with some incorporating specific cheese sauces. Inspired by European cooking techniques, the traditional recipe includes thinly sliced potatoes, heavy cream, butter, and cheese. However, variations have emerged, with lighter creams or different cheeses being used. Regardless of the changes, this dish remains a symbol of elegance in culinary history, and it later became popular on airline menus as Delmonico Potatoes.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 8 big or medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 300 ml of heavy cream
– 300 ml of milk
– 1 and a half cups of grated cheese (or plenty of grated parmesan)
– 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
– 1/2 tsp of grated nutmeg
– Salt
– Pepper
– Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped pimentos, 1 tsp dry mustard, garlic powder

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into 1-inch cubes or 1/4-inch pieces. Cook them in boiling water for about 7 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, half of the grated cheese, grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth sauce.
Preheat your oven to 425°F or 375°F. Prepare a buttered 5 x 10-inch or 9 x 13-inch baking dish by greasing it generously.
Layer the drained potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Pour the milk and cream mixture evenly over the potatoes, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese and bread crumbs on top of the potatoes, creating a nice, even layer.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender. For an extra crispy top, increase the oven temperature to 400°F for an additional 5 minutes.
To check for doneness, insert a knife into the potatoes; they should be soft and cooked through. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

When preparing Potatoes Delmonico, consider using different types of cheese for added flavor, such as cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Additionally, these potatoes are similar to scalloped potatoes but creamier and heavier, making them a delightful choice for comfort food.

You can also add chopped pimentos, dry mustard, or garlic powder for an extra kick.

If you’re short on time, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance; just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Pair this dish with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying your homemade Potatoes Delmonico is just the beginning of this culinary journey. This dish, with roots in the historic Delmonico’s restaurant, brings a touch of old-world charm to your table. Its creamy, velvety sauce, combined with perfectly cooked potatoes, creates a delightful experience. Remember to slice your potatoes thinly for even cooking and let the dish rest before serving to enhance flavors. The key techniques, including precise potato slicing, ensure that every bite is perfectly tender and flavorful.

You can easily adapt the recipe for various occasions, whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Pair it with roasted meats or a fresh salad, and don’t forget a crisp beverage. With its rich history and timeless appeal, Potatoes Delmonico is sure to impress your guests and elevate your meals.

FAQ

Have questions about Potatoes Delmonico? You’re not alone! One common query is about reheating leftovers.

Simply place them in a foil-lined baking dish and heat at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. If you’re considering freezing, it’s best not to freeze the dish before baking, but leftovers can be stored for later use. You can also prepare Potatoes Delmonico a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for convenience. Delmonico Potatoes are a new family favorite dish that everyone will love! Doubling the recipe is easy; just use a 9 x 13 inch dish.

Finally, these cheesy potatoes pair well with beef, pork, chicken, steamed veggies, salads, or crusty bread, making them a versatile choice for any meal.

Enjoy your cooking!