Delmonico Potatoes
If you’ve never tried Delmonico Potatoes, you’re in for a treat. This creamy, cheesy, and indulgent potato dish has a rich culinary history and remains a beloved side at family dinners, holiday feasts, and potlucks alike. What sets Delmonico Potatoes apart from other casseroles is their luxurious flavor, make-ahead convenience, and deep-rooted tradition in American cuisine.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything from the dish’s 19th-century origins to modern preparation techniques, ingredient swaps, storage tips, and how it compares to similar dishes like scalloped and au gratin potatoes.
The Rich History of Delmonico Potatoes
Delmonico Potatoes take their name from the legendary Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, a pioneer of fine American dining in the 1800s. At the time, Delmonico’s was known for high-end, innovative dishes crafted with European culinary precision.
As noted by the Smithsonian Magazine, Delmonico’s was one of the first American restaurants to serve meals à la carte, and the kitchen became synonymous with rich, elaborate fare—including this potato-based masterpiece.
The original version was a luxurious blend of boiled, shredded potatoes combined with cream, cheese, and spices, baked to golden perfection. Though modern variations have evolved, the spirit of indulgence remains.
What Makes Delmonico Potatoes Special?
Unlike simpler potato dishes, Delmonico Potatoes are celebrated for their rich, creamy texture and bold flavor. What gives them their signature taste is a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, heavy cream, dry mustard, and a touch of nutmeg—all ingredients that elevate the humble potato into something extraordinary.
Core Ingredients of Delmonico Potatoes
To make classic Delmonico Potatoes, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples:
- 🥔 1 bag Simply Potatoes (20 oz shredded hash browns)
Or use 4–5 medium boiled potatoes, peeled and shredded - 🥛 ¾ cup milk
Any kind – 1% or whole milk works well - 🥛 ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 🌰 1 generous dash ground nutmeg
- 🧀 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
(Freshly grated or pre-packaged) - 🧈 3 tablespoons butter, sliced into 6 pats
- 🌶️ Paprika, for sprinkling on top
🔄 Doubling the Recipe?
Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish and double all ingredients. Bake for 60 minutes instead of 45.
How to Make Classic Delmonico Potatoes
Here’s a foolproof method to create this dish from scratch:
- Butter your baking dish generously (8×8-inch or 9×13-inch if doubling).
- Layer shredded potatoes evenly in the dish.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, salt, pepper, mustard, and nutmeg. Heat gently until just below boiling.
- Add cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Dot with butter slices and sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–12 hours.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45–60 minutes until golden and bubbly.
💡 Tip: Using refrigerated pre-shredded potatoes like Simply Potatoes cuts your prep time dramatically.
Make-Ahead & Doubling Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of Delmonico Potatoes is how beautifully they work as a make-ahead side dish—making your holiday or dinner prep a whole lot easier.
✅ Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the entire dish the day before you plan to serve it. This not only saves time, but actually improves the flavor and texture, as the potatoes soak up the creamy sauce overnight.
Steps for making ahead:
- Assemble the casserole completely — from layering the potatoes to pouring the cheese sauce.
- Dot with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature.
- Bake uncovered as directed (usually 45 minutes at 350°F).
💡 Note: Refrigeration allows the potatoes to fully absorb the cream mixture, resulting in a richer texture.
📏 Doubling the Recipe
Need to serve a crowd? This recipe doubles perfectly:
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead of an 8×8-inch.
- Double all ingredients, including the sauce and cheese.
- Increase the baking time to approximately 60 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want to save time, Delmonico Potatoes are the ideal make-ahead comfort food.
How to Serve Delmonico Potatoes
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side for:
- Roast beef or prime rib
- Baked ham or pork tenderloin
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas
Delmonico Potatoes also pair beautifully with:
- Fresh green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Cranberry sauce (for festive meals)
- Light salads to balance the richness
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Delmonico Potatoes
While Delmonico Potatoes are relatively easy to make, a few common missteps can affect the final texture, flavor, or presentation. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Using Frozen Potatoes Without Thawing
Using frozen hash browns or cubed potatoes is fine, but make sure they’re fully thawed and drained. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery instead of creamy.
2. Skipping the Refrigeration Time
Refrigerating the assembled dish for at least 4–6 hours (preferably overnight) is essential. It allows the potatoes to absorb the liquid and flavors fully. Baking it immediately can result in a runny or uneven texture.
3. Overcooking the Cheese Sauce
The cheese should be melted gently into the hot cream mixture. Avoid boiling it or cooking it too fast, as this can cause the sauce to become gritty or separate.
4. Using Mild Cheese
Delmonico Potatoes rely on a bold, rich flavor. Sharp cheddar is the gold standard. Using mild or pre-shredded low-fat cheeses may result in a bland dish.
5. Not Buttering the Dish Well
Always generously butter your baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also adds flavor and a beautiful golden crust to the edges.
6. Improper Reheating
Avoid reheating leftovers in the original dish with baked-on residue. Instead, use a foil-lined baking pan for easy cleanup and even heating.
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your Delmonico Potatoes come out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing every time.
Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
Storing:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake uncovered at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals.
Freezing:
- Before baking: Not recommended—texture may suffer.
- After baking: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen or thawed.
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal bursting with smoky, cheesy goodness! Tender chunks of chicken are cooked with crispy golden potatoes, tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, and finished with melted cheese and green onions. It’s the perfect quick dinner — comforting, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Great for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the mess of multiple dishes.
Recipe Variations Across Regions
While the classic Delmonico Potatoes recipe features shredded potatoes, cream, cheddar cheese, and a few key spices, cooks across the U.S. have embraced and adapted the dish in creative ways. These regional variations reflect local tastes, family traditions, and even convenience-driven hacks—all while keeping the spirit of this creamy, comforting casserole alive.
🧀 Midwestern Style
In the Midwest, Delmonico Potatoes often blur lines with what’s known as “funeral potatoes.” These versions tend to include:
- Sour cream for added tang and richness
- Cream of chicken soup as a base instead of fresh cream and milk
- A crunchy cornflake or Ritz cracker topping
This version is ultra-creamy, crowd-friendly, and often served at potlucks and church events.
🌶️ Southern Twist
Southern cooks are known for bold flavors and added indulgence. Common additions include:
- Diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick
- Cream cheese blended into the sauce for extra richness
- Pimento or bell peppers for color and sweetness
These additions make the dish a bit more vibrant and full-flavored—perfect alongside barbecue or baked ham.
🌿 West Coast & Modern Adaptations
In health-conscious regions or among modern foodies, you may find lighter or more gourmet takes:
- Yukon gold potatoes or baby reds used fresh and cubed
- Swaps like Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream
- Gruyère or Fontina cheese as upscale alternatives to cheddar
- Herbs like thyme, chives, or rosemary for added aroma
Whether you’re going traditional or reinventing the dish, Delmonico Potatoes are a blank canvas that welcomes creativity while delivering cozy, nostalgic flavor.
Delmonico Potatoes vs Scalloped and Au Gratin
Delmonico Potatoes
- Shredded or cubed potatoes
- Uses sharp cheddar
- Creamy, casserole-style
- Often made ahead of time
Scalloped Potatoes
- Thinly sliced potatoes
- Typically no cheese
- Uses a flour-based roux
Potatoes au Gratin
- Thinly sliced, like scalloped
- Loaded with cheese
- Often topped with breadcrumbs
Each has its place, but Delmonico Potatoes win for prep-ahead convenience and rich flavor.
FAQs About Delmonico Potatoes
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Do I need to refrigerate overnight?
For best results, yes. A minimum of 4–6 hours is acceptable, but overnight allows the potatoes to soak up the flavors fully.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can try Gruyère or Colby for different profiles.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Not recommended. The texture tends to suffer. Freezing is better after baking.
Can I make this gluten-free or vegetarian?
Yes! Use gluten-free cheese and avoid meat-based additions. The base recipe is naturally vegetarian.
Why You’ll Love Delmonico Potatoes
Delmonico Potatoes are everything you want in a comfort food:
- Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent
- Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients
- A rich culinary tradition rooted in American history
- Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or family meals
- Easily adaptable to suit tastes and dietary needs
Whether you’re introducing this dish to your family for the first time or keeping a tradition alive, Delmonico Potatoes never disappoint. Try it once, and it’s sure to become your go-to side dish for every occasion.
