How to Make Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

Discover the creamy, cheesy delight of Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin with this easy, step-by-step homemade recipe guide. This dish is famous for its rich layers of tender sliced potatoes bathed in a luscious blend of cheeses and cream, creating a golden crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or just craving comfort food, Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin brings restaurant-quality indulgence right to your kitchen table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: It looks and tastes gourmet but requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Richly flavorful: The combination of creamy cheese and tender potatoes creates a comforting, irresistible bite every time.
• Perfectly versatile: Serve it alongside steaks, chicken, or veggies for an elevated meal that pleases any crowd.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining or weeknight dinners.
• Impresses every time: A classic side dish that always gets rave reviews from family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the best dishes start with simple, quality ingredients. Each item in this list plays a key role in delivering the creamy texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden topping that define Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin.

• Russet potatoes: Ideal for their starch content, these create tender, creamy layers when cooked.
• Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and helps meld the cheese and potatoes together.
• Butter: For sautéing the garlic and enriching the sauce with a silky texture.
• Garlic: Provides subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
• Gruyere cheese: The star cheese that melts beautifully with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a golden, crisp top layer.
• Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the creaminess with warm undertones.
• Salt and pepper: To perfectly season and balance all the flavors.
• Fresh thyme (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note if you want a subtle twist.

Variations for Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

One of the best parts of Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin is how adaptable it is to your preferences and needs. Feel free to personalize this classic recipe with these creative ideas to make it uniquely yours.

• Cheese swap: Try sharp cheddar or fontina for a different but equally rich taste profile.
• Herb infusion: Add rosemary or chives for an earthy flavor boost that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
• Lower-fat option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the dish without losing creaminess.
• Vegetarian boost: Mix in caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in a little cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle, warming heat.

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer is perfect here, ensuring each slice cooks evenly and layers beautifully in the dish.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Slowly stir in heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture heat gently but avoid boiling so the flavors meld and the cream thickens slightly.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

Butter your baking dish well. Arrange a single layer of potato slices, then drizzle some cream sauce over them. Sprinkle a mix of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, repeating layers until all potatoes, cream, and cheese are used. Be sure to finish with a generous cheese topping for that signature crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the layers set and flavors deepen.

Pro Tips for Making Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

• Slice uniformly: Ensuring potato slices are the same thickness helps the dish cook evenly.
• Use full-fat cream: This is crucial for rich texture and that authentic decadence.
• Don’t rush cooling: Let the dish rest after baking to firm up for cleaner serving portions.
• Layer cheese generously: The layers of cheese throughout provide flavor bursts in every bite.
• Pre-soak potatoes: Briefly soaking sliced potatoes in cold water removes excess starch for a smoother texture.

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.

Side Dishes

This potatoes au gratin pairs beautifully with juicy steaks, roasted chicken, or grilled vegetables, balancing hearty mains with smooth, cheesy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For an upscale presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a touch of Parmesan crisp or microgreens for visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin freezes well. Freeze in a suitable container before baking, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This helps retain creamy texture and prevents the top from burning or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While Russet potatoes are preferred for their texture, Yukon Golds also work well for a slightly creamier result.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will differ from the original.

How long does it take to prepare?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with baking time around 65 minutes for a total of roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Can this be made vegan?

With plant-based cream and vegan cheese substitutes, this gratin can be adapted, but it won’t have the same richness as the traditional version.

What is the best cheese substitute if I can’t find Gruyere?

Emmental or Swiss cheese makes a great replacement, offering similar meltability and mild nuttiness.

Final Thoughts

Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin is a warm, comforting embrace that transforms humble potatoes into a festive, indulgent side. With this recipe, you can enjoy the luxurious flavors of this classic dish anytime at home. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful potato masterpiece today!

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