– **Title**: Delmonico Potatoes
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 6-8 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
5. Layer half of the cooked potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the onion and garlic mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and onion and garlic.
6. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Enjoy your Delmonico Potatoes as a delicious side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are buttery and creamy, making them ideal for this dish. If they’re unavailable, try using Russet potatoes for a different texture, though they may be a bit drier.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work well, or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can substitute with mild cheddar or even Gruyère for a more gourmet touch.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty kick. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you’re looking for something a bit sharper. You could also use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. You can use olive oil for a healthier alternative or in vegan cooking.
Onion: Sweet or yellow onions are best as they caramelize nicely. You can use shallots if you prefer a milder flavor or even skip them if you’re not a fan.
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes Cook Evenly?
Precooking the potatoes helps achieve tender layers without overcooking them in the oven. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut potatoes into uniform slices for even cooking.
- Boil them for about 5-7 minutes until just slightly tender, not fully cooked!
- Drain and let them cool a minute before layering, ensuring they won’t steam too much in the baking dish.
This step is crucial to avoid mushy potatoes while ensuring they absorb lots of creamy flavor during baking!
How to Make Delmonico Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 1 hour of baking time. You’ll spend a bit of time slicing the potatoes and mixing the ingredients, but the oven does the rest of the work for you. It’s a delightful side dish ready to impress anyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, peel and slice your Yukon Gold potatoes. Make sure they’re thin to cook evenly!
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then set them aside.
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth—that creamy sauce will make your potatoes truly delicious!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the sliced onions. Pour half of your creamy mixture over this layer, and sprinkle on half of the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, onions, and creamy mixture. Top off this final layer with the rest of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This will make for a cheesy, melty goodness on top!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly—a sight to behold!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let your Delmonico Potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything set nicely. Just before you serve, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your creamy and cheesy Delmonico Potatoes as a perfect side dish for any meal!
Can I Use Different Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet or Red potatoes. Just keep in mind that Russets may create a fluffier consistency, while Reds will hold their shape more during baking.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream. If you use milk, consider adding a little flour to thicken the mixture as it cooks.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering it with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
Can I Add Different Cheeses?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in any cheese you love. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese can be great alternatives. Just remember that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
