My Family's Favorite Make Ahead Delmonico Potatoes
Let me share one of my most requested recipes that never fails to impress. These Delmonico Potatoes are absolutely divine and such a lifesaver when you're planning ahead for dinner parties. I love serving this creamy cheesy potato casserole alongside any meat dish. You know what's really cool? This recipe actually comes from the famous Delmonico's restaurant in New York and honestly I can see why it's stood the test of time.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
You guys this dish is a total game changer. I love that I can use pre shredded potatoes to save time because let's be real who has time to shred potatoes these days? The combination of sharp cheddar cream and milk creates this incredibly rich sauce that just melts in your mouth. Best part? You can make it ahead and even double the recipe when you've got a crowd coming over.
What You'll Need From Your Kitchen
- For the Potatoes: I usually grab Simply Potatoes from the store because they're such a time saver but you can totally shred your own if you prefer just boil and shred about 4 or 5 potatoes.
- The Cheese Situation: Get yourself some good sharp cheddar fresh grated is amazing but pre packaged works too.
- The Creamy stuff: You'll need both milk and whipping cream trust me on this one.
- Seasonings: I use mustard nutmeg paprika salt and pepper to give it that perfect flavor kick.
- Butter: Don't skimp here butter makes everything better especially dotted on top.
Let's Get Cooking
- Getting Your Dish Ready
- First grab an 8 x 8 dish butter it up good then spread those shredded potatoes in there.
- Making That Amazing Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan mix your milk whipping cream salt mustard pepper and nutmeg. Keep whisking over medium high heat until it's almost bubbling then add your cheddar. Once it's all melty pour it over those potatoes.
- The Waiting Game
- Let it cool a bit add some butter slices on top sprinkle with paprika then cover it up and pop it in the fridge overnight.
- Time to Bake
- Next day heat your oven to 350°F and bake it uncovered for about 45 minutes until it's all golden and bubbly.
My Best Tips for Perfect Results
Want to know my secrets? Fresh shredded potatoes really do make a difference but no judgment if you go pre shredded. Make sure you spread that sauce evenly you want every bite to be amazing. Letting it sit overnight in the fridge is totally worth it the flavors get so much better. Oh and if you're doubling up use a 9 x 13 dish and give it a full hour in the oven.
Serving Up Your Masterpiece
This dish is perfect next to pretty much any meat whether it's a juicy roast beef some pork chops or your favorite chicken recipe. Got leftovers? They'll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days just pop them in the oven at 375°F with some foil until they're hot and bubbly again. While I wouldn't freeze it before baking leftover portions freeze surprisingly well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of Simply Potatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but you'll need to slice them thinly and parboil them first. Simply Potatoes are pre-cooked, which is why they work so well in this make-ahead recipe.
- Why do I need to refrigerate the dish overnight?
The overnight rest allows the potatoes to absorb the creamy sauce, resulting in a better texture and more developed flavors. It also makes this dish perfect for planning ahead.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- What can I substitute for whipping cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. The milk and cream combination gives the best texture and flavor.
- What makes these potatoes "Delmonico"?
Delmonico potatoes are named after the famous Delmonico's Restaurant in New York. They're known for their rich, cheesy sauce and are considered a more elegant version of regular scalloped potatoes.