Cheesy Delmonico Potatoes Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that will make your taste buds dance! Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked to perfection with gooey cheese and a touch of spice.
Honestly, who can resist a bubbling, cheesy casserole? I love serving this at family dinners. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better! 🧀🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Thinly sliced starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal. They soften nicely in the oven. If you have waxy potatoes like Red or Yukon Gold, they’ll work too, but they may not become as tender.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its strong flavor. If you want a milder taste, try medium cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
Milk and Heavy Cream: For a lighter touch, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. Almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option, just check if they are unsweetened.
Onions: A yellow onion adds sweet flavor, but you could use shallots or white onion for a slightly sharper taste. If you’re avoiding onions, you can skip them without losing much depth.
Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an fresh flavor. If you want a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper could be a fun addition!
How Do I Create a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is crucial for that rich, creamy texture. Start by making a roux, which you do by cooking flour with butter until it’s lightly golden. This step helps thicken the sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. This gives you a delightful cheese sauce to pour over the potatoes.
Remember, patience is key while making the roux and sauce! Enjoying those creamy, cheesy layers is all about those few extra minutes of attention.
Cheesy Delmonico Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (peeled)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy the creamy goodness of this casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Slice and Chop:
Thinly slice your peeled potatoes and finely chop the onion. Set them aside for the layering process. Make sure the slices are even so they cook uniformly!
3. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until you see a light golden color. This is called a roux, and it helps thicken your sauce.
4. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese should melt and create a deliciously creamy sauce. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for seasoning.
5. Start Layering:
In your prepared casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes and chopped onions evenly. Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over these layers.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process with the remaining sliced potatoes, onions, and the rest of the cheese sauce. It’s all about layers to build that cheesy goodness!
7. Add the Final Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for that extra cheesy finish.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly!
9. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh taste. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors. Just keep in mind that each cheese may bring its own melting properties and taste.
How Do I Keep the Potatoes from Browning Before Cooking?
To prevent the sliced potatoes from browning, you can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before using them. Make sure to drain and dry them well before layering in the casserole. Alternatively, you can use a bit of lemon juice mixed with water for soaking!
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking it straight from the fridge.
What Are the Best Storage Options for Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Just be aware that the texture may soften slightly with reheating.
