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–+ servings
Delmonico Potatoes from Mrs. Mapp
Delmonico Potatoes are a beloved comfort food, blending the rich creaminess of a cheese sauce with the hearty satisfaction of crinkle-cut French fries. Named in homage to the famed Delmonico’s restaurant in New York, which pioneered indulgent American fare in the 19th century, this version swaps traditional diced potatoes for frozen French fries, a likely mid-century innovation. Topped with crushed corn flakes for crunch, this dish offers creamy, cheesy layers with just the right hint of salt and savory tang from sour cream, making it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and Sunday dinners alike.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 399 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 8 oz sharp cheese (shredded)
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 cup corn flakes (slightly crushed)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 lb crinkle-cut French fries (frozen )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Melt butter in a skillet.
  • Mix 1 tbsp of the butter with slightly crushed corn flakes and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • Add flour, salt, and pepper to the remaining melted butter in the skillet.
  • Stir to form a roux.
  • Gradually add milk, stirring constantly over low heat.
  • Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thick.
  • Stir in shredded cheese until melted and incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  • Fold in sour cream.
  • Add frozen crinkle-cut fries and mix gently to coat evenly.
  • Transfer mixture to a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
  • Sprinkle reserved corn flake topping over the surface.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Tips

  • Substitute sharp cheddar with Gruyère or Colby-Jack for a different flavor profile
  • Add finely diced onions or shallots to the sauce for extra depth
  • Use hash brown potatoes instead of crinkle fries for a softer texture
  • Sprinkle extra crushed corn flakes on top for more crunch
  • Prepare a day ahead and refrigerate before baking
  • Add a pinch of paprika or dry mustard for subtle spice
  • Bake uncovered for a crisp top, or cover loosely if browning too fast
  • Serve as a hearty side for ham, roast chicken, or turkey

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 11gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 736mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 312mgIron: 2mg
Keyword baked potatoes, comfort food, creamy potatoes, family classic, holiday side, retro recipe, vintage casserole
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