Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the Potatoes:
Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are just tender but not falling apart.
Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Potatoes and Sauce:
Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the potatoes are evenly coated.
Pour the potato and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Add Topping (Optional):
If you’d like a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the potato mixture.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
If you’re using breadcrumbs, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
Serve:
Remove the Delmonico Potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.