Ruths Chris-Inspired Potatoes au Gratin Recipe

Homestyle Ruth’s Chris-Inspired Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Creamy potatoes au gratin make every meal feel like a special celebration at Ruths Chris steakhouse.

Comfort meets elegance in this classic side dish that promises rich, decadent flavors.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the layers of tender potato slices bathed in luxurious cream sauce.

Crispy golden edges hint at the deliciousness waiting to be devoured.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth interior and crunchy top that melts in you mouth.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this incredible dish, but you can recreate the magic right in your kitchen.

Let’s unlock the secret to making restaurant-quality potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Potatoes au Gratin Inspired by Ruth’s Chris Richness

  • Quickest Comfort Food Delight: Whip up this creamy, cheesy potato dish in under 90 minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or family meals where everyone craves a decadent side dish that looks and tastes impressive.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Features three types of gourmet cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan) creating a rich, luxurious flavor profile that elevates traditional potato recipes.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable by adding bacon bits, swapping herbs, or experimenting with different cheese combinations to suit personal taste preferences.

Potatoes au Gratin (Ruth’s Chris Style) Ingredients

Potatoes:
  • Russet Potatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes: Starchy potatoes with a creamy texture, perfect for creating layers and absorbing the rich cheese sauce. Choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green spots.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the cheese sauce. Full-fat versions provide the best flavor and richness.
  • Gruyère Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides deep, complex cheese flavor with melting qualities. Select high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for best results.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Butter, Onion, Garlic: Builds a flavor foundation with a rich, savory base. Use fresh garlic and sweet yellow onions for maximum taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Fresh Thyme: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile. Fresh thyme adds an herbal note to the dish.
Additional Components:
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps control cooking and prevents excessive browning.
  • Fresh Chives: Provides a bright, fresh garnish with a mild onion flavor.

Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin Copycat Recipe Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick butter coating or spritz with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes with Care

Carefully peel the potatoes and create thin, uniform rounds about as thick as a coin.

Drop the sliced potatoes into a cold water bath to keep them fresh and prevent browning.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook the onions until they become soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.

Add garlic and let it release its aromatic magic for another minute.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Cheese Sauce

Blend into the saucepan:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Gradually incorporate:
  • Gruyère cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme.

Step 5: Layer and Dress the Potatoes

Arrange potato slices in the baking dish, creating overlapping layers.

Pour the cheese sauce generously over each layer, ensuring every potato slice gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbling, and potatoes become tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set.

Garnish with fresh chives for a beautiful finishing touch.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Baking Tips For Ruth’s Chris Potatoes Au Gratin

  • Soak sliced potatoes in cold water to stop browning and rinse off excess starch for a cleaner, crisper texture.
  • Grate cheese yourself for smoother melting and better flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, ensuring a luxurious, creamy sauce.
  • Arrange potato slices in tight, slightly overlapping layers to create a uniform, elegant dish that cooks evenly and looks restaurant-quality.
  • Remove foil in the final baking stage to allow the surface to brown and develop a delightful golden crust with irresistible crispy edges.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, or use lactose-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Store Ruth’s Potatoes au Gratin Safely

  • Store leftover potatoes au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Warm the potatoes in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and keep the dish moist. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if the sauce seems dry.
  • Leftover potatoes might lose some of their original creamy consistency, so gently stir the dish while reheating to help redistribute the sauce and maintain a delicious texture.

Potato Gratin Add-On Treats

Pair Creamy Cheesy Delight with Bold Companions:
  • Elevate with Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy potatoes. The wine's tannic structure cuts through the cheese's richness, creating a balanced flavor experience.
  • Match with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside a perfectly seared ribeye steak or roasted prime rib. The potatoes' creamy texture beautifully contrasts the meat's savory intensity, creating a luxurious main course.
  • Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness. The bright, acidic greens will cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent potatoes.
  • Complement with Crisp Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale to enhance the cheesy layers. The beer's carbonation and slight bitterness will cut through the rich, creamy sauce, creating a delightful dining experience.

Ruths Chris Style Potatoes Au Gratin Twists

  • Vegan Potato Gratin: Replace dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use coconut oil instead of butter for sautéing onions and garlic.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Gratin: Swap potatoes for thinly sliced cauliflower florets. Maintain the creamy cheese sauce but reduce overall carbohydrate content for keto-friendly dieting.
  • Herb-Infused Potato Casserole: Incorporate fresh rosemary, sage, and roasted garlic into the cheese sauce. Add crispy pancetta or bacon bits for extra flavor complexity.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a potential thickener if needed, and verify cheese brands are gluten-free certified.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Swiss or Emmental cheese. Cheddar can be replaced with Gouda or Monterey Jack. Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for similar flavor profiles.

  • How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes approximately ⅛-inch thick. Consistent, thin slices ensure even cooking and a creamy texture throughout the dish.

  • Do I need to rinse the potatoes after slicing?

Yes, soak sliced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before layering in the baking dish to ensure a crispy top layer.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the potatoes au gratin up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Ruths Chris-Inspired Potatoes au Gratin Recipe

Ruths Chris-Inspired Potatoes au Gratin Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy, indulgent Ruth’s Chris-inspired potatoes au gratin elevate classic comfort food with rich, cheesy layers of thinly sliced potatoes. Crisp golden edges and luxurious cheese sauce promise a side dish that delights with each savory, melt-in-your-mouth bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and generously coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Transform whole potatoes into delicate, uniform slices approximately ⅛-inch thick. Submerge these translucent rounds in cold water to preserve their pristine white appearance and prevent oxidation.
  3. Craft a flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan. Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
  4. Elevate the sauce by streaming heavy cream and milk into the sautéed aromatics. Encourage a gentle simmer, then gradually fold in Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until a luxurious, smooth consistency emerges. Season with salt, pepper, and optional thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
  5. Meticulously arrange potato slices in an overlapping pattern within the prepared baking dish. Cascade the velvety cheese sauce over each layer, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
  6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and commit to the oven for 40-45 minutes. Unveil the foil and continue baking an additional 20-25 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece and potatoes reach tender perfection.
  7. Allow the dish to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize. Adorn with freshly chopped chives, adding a vibrant green garnish that provides visual and flavor contrast.

Notes

  • Drain potato slices thoroughly before layering to prevent watery texture and ensure crispy edges.
  • Grate cheeses fresh for maximum melting and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy, tender results that hold their shape during baking.
  • Experiment with herb variations like rosemary or sage to customize the flavor profile and add gourmet complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 548
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 103 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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