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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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