Delmonico Potatoes Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible 🥔🧀✨
Table of contents
1. Introduction
Step into the world of indulgent comfort food with this Delmonico Potatoes Recipe, a classic side dish that combines tender potatoes, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese for an irresistible experience. This rich and hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. Its versatility makes it an ideal pairing with roasted meats, grilled steaks, or even as a standalone comfort food centerpiece.

The origins of this dish trace back to Delmonico’s Restaurant, a legendary establishment known for pioneering iconic American dishes. Dive deeper into its history by visiting this link. For tips on preparing perfectly creamy mashed potatoes as a base inspiration, check out our guide on mashed potato techniques here.
2. What Are Delmonico Potatoes?
Delmonico Potatoes are a decadent potato dish featuring layers of thinly sliced or diced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with herbs and spices. The result is a rich, comforting texture that melts in your mouth—perfect for satisfying cravings and impressing guests alike. This dish pays homage to Delmonico’s Restaurant, which has inspired generations of chefs and home cooks to create indulgent, flavorful meals.
Its versatility ensures it shines at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion that calls for a warm, cheesy side dish. Whether served alongside roasted turkey or enjoyed on its own, these potatoes promise to delight. For more holiday side dish ideas, explore our collection of desserts and sides here.
3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)
To create these indulgent Delmonico Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced or diced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary for variation)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Breadcrumbs (for added crunch)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
These high-quality ingredients ensure your dish will be as rich and flavorful as it is comforting. For more ingredient ideas, browse our guide on family-friendly recipes here.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes

Begin by peeling and slicing or dicing the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Parboil the potatoes in salted water for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This step helps achieve the perfect texture during baking. For more potato preparation tips, explore our guide on potato basics here.
Making the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and melted. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. For more sauce-making tips, visit our guide on creamy sauces here.
Assembling the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and layer the parboiled potatoes evenly. Pour the cream sauce generously over each layer, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated. Top with additional shredded cheese and optional breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy crust. For more assembly inspiration, explore our guide on layered dishes here.
Baking the Potatoes
Bake the assembled dish for 45–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. For more baking tips, browse our collection of holiday recipes here.
5. Customizing Your Dish
To truly make Delmonico Potatoes Recipe your own, consider adding extra ingredients like cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for depth of flavor. Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a unique taste profile. Swap herbs like sage, oregano, or chives for a fresh twist. These customizations allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences and impress your guests with creative flair.

If gifting or presenting the dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top for a professional touch. These thoughtful details make your creation even more memorable. For more customization ideas, explore our guide on side dish variations here.
6. Serving Suggestions
These magical potatoes pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, prime rib, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. They’re also perfect as a standalone dish for vegetarians or alongside a fresh green salad for balance. For a thoughtful presentation, serve the potatoes in individual ramekins or a decorative casserole dish.
To store leftovers, keep the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore moisture if needed. For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before baking. For more serving ideas, browse our collection of holiday dishes here.
7. Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is adaptable to suit various preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free alternatives for a safe version.
- Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and coconut cream for a vegan-friendly dish.
These variations ensure everyone can enjoy the magic. For more substitution ideas, check out our dessert recipes here.
8. Nutritional Information
Each serving of Delmonico Potatoes contains approximately 300 calories. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per serving:
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fats: 20g
- Proteins: 8g
Please note these values may vary slightly based on substitutions or portion sizes. Enjoy responsibly!
9. FAQs Section
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweeter, earthier flavor but may require less cooking time due to their softer texture.
Q: Can I make Delmonico Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Q: Why are my potatoes not tender after baking?
Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced or parboiled beforehand for even cooking. Overcrowding the dish can also prevent proper softening.
Q: Can I freeze Delmonico Potatoes?
Yes, freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
10. Conclusion
Making this Delmonico Potatoes Recipe is a simple yet rewarding way to bring warmth and indulgence to any meal. With their creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and endless customization possibilities, these potatoes are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, contributing to a potluck, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe promises to satisfy every palate.
We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #DelmonicoPotatoesMagic and tag us for a chance to be featured. Have feedback or questions? Leave a comment below—we’re here to help! For more delicious recipe inspiration, explore our collection of easy recipes here. Happy cooking! 🥔🧀✨
Print
Delmonico Potatoes Recipe
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Delmonico Potatoes! This classic comfort food combines tender potatoes, a luscious cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly crust. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this dish will become your new favorite side. 🧀✨
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced or diced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary for variation)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for added crunch)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and slice or dice the potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and parboil for 5 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
2. Making the Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Assembling the Dish
- Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the dish and pour half of the cheese sauce over them.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy golden crust (optional).
4. Baking the Potatoes
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the layers.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian