This Cheesy Delmonico Potatoes Casserole is all about creamy, cheesy goodness! With layers of tender potatoes and rich cheese, it’s a comfort food classic that will warm your heart.
You won’t believe how easy it is – just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and wait for the wonderful smells. Trust me, everyone will come running for seconds! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for this dish since they are starchy and become soft when baked. If you don’t have russets, Yukon Gold potatoes can be a nice alternative for a creamier texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful kick to the casserole. You can substitute it with medium cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Try using a bit of smoked cheddar for extra depth!
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Heavy cream provides richness, but you can use half-and-half if you want a lighter option. For a lighter dish, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk works too, but the flavor will slightly change.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in your dish. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can be used instead without sacrificing too much flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce is key to ensuring your casserole is creamy and delicious. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat and cooking the onions and garlic until soft; this builds flavor.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook the flour, which helps thicken your sauce.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, normally around 5-7 minutes.
- Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar until it’s gooey and smooth. This step is essential for a creamy cheese sauce! Season with salt and pepper.
Following these steps ensures your cheese sauce will be the star of the casserole. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
How to Make Cheesy Delmonico Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for garnish and a bit of smoky flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy Delmonico potatoes casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour for baking. After you’ve assembled everything, you’ll bake it for 45 minutes covered, then an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered to achieve that lovely golden top. Allow about 10 minutes for it to rest before digging in. Perfect for family meals or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, take a large baking or casserole dish and grease it with butter. This will help prevent the delicious potatoes from sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial, as it adds a lovely base flavor to your dish!
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and whisk it in. Cook this for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking this on medium heat until it thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, take it off the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. Season your cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Layer the Potatoes and Cheese Sauce:
In your greased baking dish, arrange a layer of the sliced potatoes, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom evenly. Pour some of the cheese sauce over this first layer, then sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella and a bit more cheddar cheese on top. Keep layering until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Now it’s time to cover your dish with aluminum foil and let it bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake it for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it set a bit. If you want, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Now, it’s time to serve up your creamy, cheesy Delmonico potatoes casserole. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Just make sure they are sliced thinly to cook evenly.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, it may need an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, or you can microwave individual servings.
Can I Substitute the Dairy Ingredients?
Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream and milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk. Just note that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
