Potatoes DelMonico is a rich and indulgent dish that combines creamy potatoes with a decadent cheese sauce, topped with a crispy golden crust. This recipe, inspired by its origins in the iconic Delmonico’s restaurant, is the perfect side dish for special occasions or a comforting addition to your dinner table. With its velvety texture and savory flavors, this dish elevates simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warmed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or sharp cheddar)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside. - Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Layer the remaining potatoes on top and cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Mix well. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.