Name: Classic Potatoes Delmonico Recipe : A Creamy Side Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups boiled white potatoes, diced (about 2 lbs raw potatoes); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk, warmed; ½ cup heavy cream; 1½ teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère); ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley; ½ teaspoon paprika for color; 1 cup cooked diced ham or sautéed mushrooms

If you’re craving a comforting, golden-baked potato dish that’s worthy of a holiday dinner or elegant gathering, this Potatoes Delmonico Recipe is your go-to. Rich, creamy, and topped with bubbling cheese, Delmonico potatoes are a timeless dish with roots in American fine dining—and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Perfect for everything from family dinners to festive potlucks, this dish turns humble white potatoes into something luxurious and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re working with freshly boiled potatoes, diced simply potatoes, or even canned potatoes, this recipe offers flexibility and flavor that never disappoints.

Let’s dive into the story, the step-by-step method, and all the delicious ways to serve and customize this classic baked potato dish.

What Are Delmonico Potatoes? A Delicious Slice of Culinary History

Delmonico potatoes originated in the mid-1800s at Delmonico’s, a famous restaurant in New York known for fine dining and indulgent fare. The dish is a creamy gratin-style casserole made with diced or sliced boiled potatoes, a rich béchamel sauce, grated cheese (usually cheddar or Gruyère), and often a crisp breadcrumb topping.

They’re baked until golden and bubbly—reminiscent of scalloped potatoes, but creamier and more refined. The blend of tender potatoes and cheesy sauce is hearty and satisfying, while still elegant enough for special occasions.

It’s no wonder Delmonico Potatoes Recipes are still beloved in kitchens today.

Ingredients You Need for Potatoes Delmonico

This recipe calls for classic, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

6 cups boiled white potatoes, diced (about 2 lbs raw potatoes)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
½ cup heavy cream
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyère)
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping:

½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
½ teaspoon paprika for color
1 cup cooked diced ham or sautéed mushrooms

These pantry staples come together for a deeply comforting dish with creamy texture and cheesy bite.

Kitchen Equipment for Making Delmonico Potatoes

Before you get started, make sure you have these tools:

Medium saucepan (for béchamel)
Large mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish
Whisk and wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater
Foil (if baking ahead or transporting)

Optional: Mandoline slicer if using sliced potatoes

No special gadgets required—just reliable basics for cozy comfort food.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Potatoes Delmonico

Step 1 – Boil the potatoes
Peel and dice your white potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Boil in salted water for 10–12 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Make the béchamel sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add warm milk and cream, whisking constantly. Continue cooking until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

Step 3 – Add cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar (or Gruyère) until melted and smooth.

Step 4 – Combine and transfer to baking dish
In a large bowl, mix the diced potatoes with the cheese sauce. Gently fold to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 5 – Prepare the topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the potatoes. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese and optional Parmesan.

Step 6 – Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7 – Serve
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.

This Potatoes Delmonico Recipe is creamy, crisp-topped, and guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear from the table.

How to Use Boiled or Diced Potatoes in This Recipe

Wondering what to do with boiled potatoes? This is the perfect solution.

Boiled and diced potatoes: Best for classic texture and structure
Simply Potatoes diced (refrigerated or thawed frozen): A great shortcut
Leftover roasted or baked potatoes: Dice and use with no extra prep

The key is starting with tender—but not mushy—potatoes, so they hold up to baking and stirring.

Can You Use Canned or Simply Potatoes in Delmonico Potatoes Recipes?

Yes! This recipe is quite forgiving and works well with:

Canned potatoes: Drain and dice; rinse if overly salty
Simply Potatoes (store-bought diced potatoes): Use as-is or parboil if extra firm
Frozen potatoes: Thaw and pat dry before using

These options make the recipe faster, especially for holidays or potlucks.

Toppings and Add-Ins: Elevating Your Baked Potatoes Delmonico

Want to get creative? Here are topping ideas to take it over the top:

Crispy bacon or pancetta
Sautéed onions or leeks
Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs
Shredded mozzarella or smoked Gouda for extra meltiness
Roasted garlic or shallots for depth

Customize your baked potatoes toppings ideas based on what you love or what you have on hand.

Italian-Inspired Variations and White Potato Substitutes

For a Mediterranean twist:

Use Italian cheese blends (Parmesan, Asiago, Provolone)
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives
Mix in fresh basil or oregano
Drizzle with olive oil and add grated pecorino before baking

No white potatoes? Use:

Yukon golds for a buttery texture
Red potatoes for a rustic, skin-on option
Even sweet potatoes for a sweeter contrast

These Italian potato recipes bring international flair to a classic American dish.

Serving Suggestions for Potatoes Delmonico

This dish is versatile and pairs with everything from holiday roasts to weeknight proteins:

Roast chicken, turkey, or beef tenderloin
Grilled vegetables or asparagus
Green salad with tangy vinaigrette
Garlic butter shrimp or baked fish
Vegetarian main courses like lentil loaf or stuffed peppers

It’s also a fantastic potluck potato recipe—easy to bake, travel, and reheat.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

To make ahead:
Assemble everything but the topping. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add toppings and bake when ready to serve.

To store leftovers:
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Bake at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

To freeze:
Portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight and reheat gently. The sauce may thicken slightly but stays delicious.

Perfect for Potlucks: How to Transport and Serve Warm

Bake in a disposable foil pan
Cover tightly with foil for transport
Keep warm in a low oven (200°F) or insulated carrier
Garnish just before serving for fresh presentation

Your potluck potatoes recipe just got a major upgrade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Delmonico Potatoes

Using undercooked potatoes: They won’t soften enough while baking
Over-thickening the sauce: It should be creamy, not pasty
Skipping the topping: That golden crust is key to the texture
Not seasoning enough: Potatoes need salt and flavor
Overbaking: The dish should be bubbling, not dried out

Avoid these errors for perfect Delmonico potatoes every time.

FAQ: Potatoes Delmonico Recipe & Variations

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just use veggie stock in place of any meat additions and ensure cheese is rennet-free.

What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar and Gruyère are classic, but you can also use Fontina, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.

Can I add meat to the dish?
Absolutely—try diced ham, cooked sausage, or rotisserie chicken.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written. Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use GF breadcrumbs for topping.

How long does it stay warm for serving?
Covered, it stays hot for 30–40 minutes. Reheat in the oven if serving later.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Done the Delmonico Way

This Potatoes Delmonico Recipe is rich, creamy, cheesy, and always a hit. Whether you’re making it as a comforting weeknight side or a standout holiday dish, its decadent texture and classic flavor make it unforgettable.

With easy make-ahead options, ingredient flexibility, and universal appeal, this is one recipe every home cook should have in their rotation. Add it to your collection of white potatoes recipes and enjoy it all year round.