Delmonico Hash Browns: A Culinary Masterpiece You Can Make at Home

Delmonico Hash Browns. The name itself evokes images of grand old restaurants, tuxedoed waiters, and an era when dining was an event. These aren’t your average diner hash browns. These are a decadent, flavor-packed side dish, traditionally featuring diced potatoes, meat (often corned beef or ham), and a rich cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection. While the original Delmonico’s restaurant, a New York institution known for its innovation and upscale dining, might be long gone, its legacy lives on in this extraordinary potato dish. This recipe aims to capture the essence of the classic while offering a modern approach that’s achievable in your home kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a side dish that’s anything but ordinary.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey into culinary history and a celebration of flavor. We’ll break down each step, from selecting the right potatoes to creating the perfect cream sauce, ensuring that your Delmonico Hash Browns are a resounding success.

## What Makes Delmonico Hash Browns Special?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what sets these hash browns apart from the rest. It’s a combination of factors:

* **The Potatoes:** Unlike shredded hash browns, Delmonico hash browns use diced potatoes, providing a substantial and satisfying bite.
* **The Meat:** The addition of meat, typically corned beef or ham, adds a savory depth that elevates the dish.
* **The Cream Sauce:** A rich and creamy sauce binds the ingredients together, creating a luxurious texture and flavor.
* **The Baking Process:** Baking ensures that the potatoes are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.

## Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Success

To create authentic Delmonico Hash Browns, gather these essential ingredients:

* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. Yukon Golds offer a slightly sweeter and creamier texture, while Russets provide a fluffier interior. Feel free to experiment and find your preference.
* **Meat:** 1 cup cooked corned beef or ham, diced. If using corned beef, consider using leftover corned beef brisket for maximum flavor. For ham, a good quality smoked ham will work beautifully.
* **Onion:** ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped. The onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided. Butter is crucial for sautéing the vegetables and enriching the cream sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. The flour acts as a thickening agent for the cream sauce.
* **Milk:** 1 ½ cups whole milk. Whole milk provides the richness needed for a luxurious sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for an even richer result.
* **Heavy Cream:** ½ cup heavy cream. The addition of heavy cream elevates the sauce to another level of decadence.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon. Worcestershire sauce provides a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese for topping (adds a nutty, savory crust). A sprinkle of paprika for color.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own masterpiece of Delmonico Hash Browns.

**Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes**

* **Peel and Dice:** Peel the potatoes and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Uniformity in size is important for even cooking.
* **Parboil (Optional):** For slightly faster cooking and a softer texture, you can parboil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain them well and set aside. This step is optional, but it can help prevent the potatoes from being undercooked in the final dish. If you choose to parboil, reduce the baking time slightly.

**Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics**

* **Sauté the Onion:** In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to brown the onion; you want it to be soft and sweet.

**Step 3: Creating the Cream Sauce**

* **Make a Roux:** Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the onions. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and preventing lumps.
* **Whisk in the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring that no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
* **Add the Cream and Seasonings:** Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

**Step 4: Assembling the Hash Browns**

* **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, diced corned beef or ham, and the cream sauce. Gently toss to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated.

**Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection**

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. A slightly smaller dish will result in thicker hash browns, while a larger dish will create a thinner layer.
* **Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle the top with shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika.
* **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

**Step 6: Garnishing and Serving**

* **Garnish:** Once the hash browns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* **Serve:** Serve hot as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They pair perfectly with eggs, steak, or roasted chicken.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Delmonico Hash Browns

* **Potato Choice Matters:** While both Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work well, consider your desired texture. Yukon Golds will create a creamier, slightly sweeter hash brown, while Russets will be fluffier.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** If you choose to parboil the potatoes, be careful not to overcook them. They should still be slightly firm to the touch.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the hash browns ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Customize the Meat:** Feel free to experiment with different meats. Cooked sausage, bacon, or even leftover roast beef would be delicious additions.
* **Adjust the Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a bit more flour. For a thinner sauce, use a bit less.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little heat.
* **Vegetarian Option:** For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
* **Cheese Please:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious.
* **Leftovers:** Delmonico Hash Browns are even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

## Variations: Putting Your Own Spin on the Classic

While the classic Delmonico Hash Browns are delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own variations.

* **Spicy Delmonico Hash Browns:** Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Delmonico Hash Browns:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
* **Vegetarian Delmonico Hash Browns:** Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
* **Cheesy Delmonico Hash Browns:** Add a generous amount of shredded cheese to the potato mixture before baking.
* **Delmonico Hash Brown Casserole:** For a heartier dish, add a layer of cooked ground beef or sausage to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the potato mixture.

## Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Accompaniments

Delmonico Hash Browns are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses.

* **Breakfast/Brunch:** Serve with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or a breakfast frittata.
* **Lunch:** Serve as a side dish to a sandwich or salad.
* **Dinner:** Serve with steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled fish.
* **Special Occasions:** Delmonico Hash Browns are a perfect addition to a holiday brunch or dinner menu.

## A Dish Steeped in History

Delmonico Hash Browns are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of culinary history. By making this dish at home, you’re connecting with a tradition of fine dining and innovative cooking. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be transported back to the golden age of American cuisine.

## Recipe Summary

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 cup cooked corned beef or ham, diced
* ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ cups whole milk
* ½ cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese for topping

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Parboil for 5-7 minutes if desired.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened.
4. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine potatoes, meat, and cream sauce in a large bowl.
7. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

## Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a truly special dish. Serve your Delmonico Hash Browns with pride, knowing that you’ve brought a piece of culinary history to your table. Enjoy!