This Delmonico Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food side dish.
Made with creamy cheddar sauce, tender shredded potatoes, and a buttery finish, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Best of all, you can prep it the night before and just bake when ready!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-ahead convenience – Chill overnight, then bake the next day.
Creamy and cheesy – Rich cheddar and cream make every bite irresistible.
Uses simple ingredients – No peeling or grating potatoes needed.
Perfect for gatherings – Easily doubles for a crowd.
Pairs with everything – Steak, chicken, ham, or veggies.
Golden, bubbly top – Thanks to the butter and paprika finish.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Simply Potatoes – Pre-shredded, fresh potatoes that save time without sacrificing texture.
Milk and whipping cream – The creamy base that keeps everything luscious and smooth.
Dry mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper – Add subtle heat and depth to balance the richness.
Sharp cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and brings bold flavor.
Butter – Melted on top for golden color and richness.
Paprika – Adds color and a hint of smokiness to the baked topping.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh shredded potatoes (not frozen) for the best texture.
Don’t skip the mustard and nutmeg – they enhance the cheese sauce beautifully.
Whisk the sauce constantly to prevent burning.
Let the sauce cool slightly before pouring over potatoes to help it set.
Chill overnight for maximum creaminess and flavor development.
How to Make Delmonico Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Dish
Generously butter an 8×8 inch casserole dish.
Spread the entire bag of Simply Potatoes evenly across the bottom.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the milk, whipping cream, kosher salt, dry mustard, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.
Stir frequently until the mixture is nearly boiling.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Cool
Pour the cheese sauce over the shredded potatoes in the casserole dish.
Let it cool slightly so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Add Butter and Paprika
Dot the top with the sliced butter and sprinkle generously with paprika for color.
Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Bake
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover, and bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbling with a lightly golden top.
What to Serve It With
Grilled or roasted meats – Especially steak, pork chops, or ham.
Holiday meals – A great side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Green vegetables – Balance the richness with asparagus or green beans.
Fresh salad – Light and crisp to contrast the creaminess.
Eggs and bacon – For a decadent brunch option.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap the cheese – Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend.
Add caramelized onions – For extra depth and sweetness.
Top with breadcrumbs – Mix with melted butter for a crunchy finish.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced green chiles.
Use half-and-half – If you don’t have whipping cream.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions.
Freezing not recommended – The texture may become watery.
Make ahead – Prep fully up to 24 hours in advance before baking.
Double it – Use a 9×13 pan if you’re cooking for a crowd.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shredded potatoes?
Fresh Simply Potatoes work best. Frozen ones may release too much moisture.
Do I have to chill the casserole overnight?
Yes. The chill time allows the sauce to set and soak into the potatoes for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the day before and just bake before serving.
What’s the purpose of dry mustard and nutmeg?
They add subtle warmth and enhance the flavor of the cheese without standing out.
Can I add meat or veggies to this?
Sure! Try adding chopped ham, cooked bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—check your shredded potatoes and cheese to be sure, but the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13 casserole dish and increase baking time by 10–15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Delmonico Potatoes are one of those timeless side dishes that feel both luxurious and comforting.
The creamy sauce, rich cheese, and perfectly tender potatoes come together into something far more special than the simple ingredients suggest.
It’s the kind of recipe that quietly steals the show—and keeps guests coming back for seconds.
Delmonico Potatoes
Ingredients
- 20 oz Simply Potatoes 1 bag
- ¾ cup milk any kind
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- A generous dash of pepper & nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp butter divided into 6 slices
- Paprika for sprinkling
Instructions
- Butter an 8×8-inch casserole dish. Spread Simply Potatoes evenly inside.
- In a saucepan, whisk milk, cream, salt, mustard, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Heat until almost boiling.
- Lower heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Pour cheese sauce over potatoes. Let cool slightly.
- Dot with butter slices and sprinkle paprika. Cover with plastic wrap.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/delmonico-potatoes/
Notes
- This dish is perfect for making ahead for holidays or dinner parties.
- Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can use Gruyère or a cheese blend.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a heartier twist.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
