Cheesy Make-Ahead Delmonico Potatoes Casserole

Section: Homemade Casserole Recipes: One-Dish Wonders for Every Occasion

You get creamy, dreamy potatoes mixed with cheese in every bite. Best part, you can toss it together the day before. So it takes the stress out of busy nights or holiday gatherings. That mix of tangy cheddar, cream, and a bit of spice makes it so tasty.

iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Tue, 27 May 2025 17:32:02 GMT
A forkful of cheesy, creamy potato bake sprinkled with fresh parsley. Save
A forkful of cheesy, creamy potato bake sprinkled with fresh parsley. | iamcooker.com

Simple Delmonico Potatoes

Here's the dish everyone asks me for and I still get excited to make it. These Delmonico Potatoes are so creamy and cheesy and they save the day if you want to prep dinner ahead. They're the perfect match for any kind of meat. I think the coolest part is these potatoes started at Delmonico's in New York and after making them it's easy to get why they've been popular forever.

Why I Always Make This One

Guys this meal just blows everything else away. Being able to use bagged shredded potatoes is the best hack because honestly who has time to shred spuds anymore? That cheesy creamy sauce with the sharp cheddar and cream is just crazy delicious. And what really makes life easier? You can prep it way ahead and even make a double batch for bigger crowds.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Cheese Power: You want sharp cheddar for max flavor—grate your own for extra oomph or buy the store stuff.
  • The Potato Shortcut: Pre shredded potatoes are the ultimate time hack but if you’re old school shred up 4 or 5 boiled potatoes yourself.
  • The Cream Mix: Milk plus whipping cream make for super rich potatoes—don’t skip ’em.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, mustard, and a dash of nutmeg are what make it pop.
  • Butter Bliss: More is more here—toss some slices on top for that rich finish.
A close-up of a creamy, cheesy baked dish with a golden, crunchy top, served in a white dish.
A close-up of a creamy, cheesy baked dish with a golden, crunchy top, served in a white dish. | iamcooker.com

Ready to Cook

Just Bake It
When it’s time, crank your oven up to 350°F. Pop the dish in uncovered and let it bake for around 45 minutes. You’re looking for that gold bubbly top.
The Night Before
Once cooled, dot butter all over the top and hit it with some paprika. Cover it up and stash it in the fridge till tomorrow.
Mix Up That Sauce
Pour milk, cream, mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg into a pot. Warm it while whisking until it’s totally smooth and almost simmering, then stir in your cheddar. When it’s melty, pour it all over your potatoes.
Set Up the Dish
Spread butter inside an 8 x 8 pan, then dump in your potatoes and even them out.

Tips For Nailing It

So here’s what I’ve learned—if you grate your own potatoes they taste awesome but nobody's judging if you just buy them ready to go. Really spread the sauce everywhere so you don’t end up with dry bites. Overnight in the fridge is a big deal for flavor. Going for a double batch? Switch to a 9 x 13 and bake for an hour instead.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole goes with whatever you’re having—prime rib, pork chops, fried chicken, you name it. Got some leftover? Stick them in the fridge for up to four days or reheat at 375°F covered in foil till they’re bubbling. If you’ve got extras after baking, those freeze just fine too.

A creamy, golden-brown casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with green herbs.
A creamy, golden-brown casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with green herbs. | iamcooker.com

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of Simply Potatoes?

Sure, just slice your potatoes thin and give them a quick boil first. Simply Potatoes are already cooked, so that’s why they’re super handy for this dish.

→ Why do I need to refrigerate the dish overnight?

Letting the dish chill overnight helps all that sauce soak into the potatoes. The flavor gets even better, and it’s great if you need to prep ahead.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

You can pop it in the freezer, but the creamy sauce might get a little funky when you heat it back up. Honestly, it’s best when eaten within a few days from the fridge.

→ What can I substitute for whipping cream?

Half-and-half works fine if you want something lighter. That combo of milk plus cream gives you the creamiest results though.

→ What makes these potatoes "Delmonico"?

They’re named after Delmonico’s restaurant in New York. What sets them apart is that fancy, cheesy sauce. Think of them as a jazzed-up version of scalloped potatoes.

Cheesy Make-Ahead Delmonico Potatoes Casserole

Layers of creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar come together in this cozy casserole. Perfect for parties or whenever you want to spoil your crew.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Period
45 min
Entire Time Required
60 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Beginner

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Portions (1 casserole)

Dietary Attributes: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Needed Ingredients

01 20 oz bag of Simply Potatoes.
02 3/4 cup of any type of milk.
03 A similar amount (3/4 cup) of heavy cream.
04 1 tsp of kosher salt.
05 1 tsp of ground mustard.
06 A pinch of pepper.
07 A pinch of ground nutmeg.
08 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
09 6 slices of butter, totaling 3 tbsp.
10 Sprinkle paprika on top.

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Grease an 8x8 baking dish thoroughly with butter.

Step 02

Arrange the potatoes in an even layer inside the baking dish.

Step 03

In a saucepan, stir together the milk, cream, salt, mustard, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 04

Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring, until it nearly starts to boil (about 5 to 10 minutes).

Step 05

Lower the heat, add the cheese, and stir till it melts completely.

Step 06

Drizzle the cheesy mixture over the potatoes.

Step 07

Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 08

Dot the surface with butter slices.

Step 09

Finish by dusting paprika all over.

Step 10

Seal the dish tightly with cling wrap.

Step 11

Place in the fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Step 12

Set your oven to 350°F.

Step 13

Bake the dish uncovered for 45 minutes.

Supplementary Details

  1. Double everything and use a 9x13 pan for bigger portions.
  2. Works well if made the day before and chilled overnight.
  3. Makes a great side for any kind of meat.
  4. Stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

Necessary Tools

  • Baking dish (8x8 size).
  • A medium-sized pot.
  • Whisk for mixing.

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy: milk, cream, cheese, and butter.

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 450
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Proteins: 12 g