If you’re a fan of the indulgent Potatoes au Gratin from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, then you know just how rich, creamy, and delicious they are. The blend of tender potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and the perfect touch of seasoning makes this dish an irresistible side. This copycat version of the dish allows you to recreate the luxurious comfort food at home, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or an impressive family dinner. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (or a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan for added flavor)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This step is important as it prevents the potatoes from sticking and adds flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the Russet potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the potatoes, the more evenly they will cook. A mandoline slicer is a helpful tool for achieving uniform slices, but you can also use a sharp knife if you don’t have one. Set the sliced potatoes aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as this can give the sauce a bitter taste. Next, stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Whisk the mixture well to ensure everything is combined smoothly.
Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the cream mixture. Nutmeg is a key ingredient in this dish as it enhances the creamy flavor and adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients. Heat the sauce until it begins to simmer, but do not let it boil. Once the mixture is hot and the flavors have melded together, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes and Cheese
Now it’s time to layer the dish. Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread the slices out so they cover the dish evenly.
Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring that the sauce spreads to cover all the slices. Then, sprinkle half of the grated Gruyere cheese (or the Gruyere and Parmesan mixture) over the potatoes. The cheese will melt as the dish bakes, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
Repeat the process with the remaining potato slices, arranging them in a second layer. Pour the rest of the cream sauce over this layer and top with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes au Gratin
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the potatoes au gratin for about 45 minutes. Covering the dish helps the potatoes cook evenly while trapping moisture inside.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. During this time, the top of the dish will turn golden brown, and the cheese will become bubbly and slightly crisp. The total baking time will be around 60-65 minutes. To check if the dish is done, insert a fork or knife into the center of the potatoes—if they are tender and easy to pierce, the dish is ready.
Step 6: Let the Dish Rest and Serve
Once the potatoes are fully baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Allowing the dish to rest helps the creamy sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the dish as a rich side alongside roasted meats, fish, or other vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Slices: For the best results, slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. Using a mandoline slicer helps create uniform slices, ensuring that the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the sauce fully.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyere cheese is a key ingredient because of its nutty, creamy flavor. However, you can experiment with cheese blends. Parmesan, cheddar, or fontina can add different flavors to the dish while still maintaining its rich texture.
- Even Cooking: When layering the potatoes, make sure the slices are spread out evenly and not stacked too tightly. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and allow the sauce to coat each layer thoroughly.
Variations
- Add Herbs: For a flavorful twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the sauce. This can enhance the earthy flavors of the potatoes.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate sliced vegetables like mushrooms, leeks, or even spinach between the layers of potatoes for added nutrition and texture.
- Meat Addition: If you want to make the dish heartier, add cooked bacon or pancetta between the layers of potatoes. The salty, savory flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! While Russet potatoes are traditional because of their starch content, which helps thicken the sauce, Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used. They offer a creamier texture and buttery flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the potatoes mushy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the layers and pour the sauce over the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin recipe is an indulgent side dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table. With layers of tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and rich Gruyere cheese, it’s a luxurious addition to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will surely impress your guests. Enjoy this savory, comforting dish with your favorite main course, and savor every cheesy, creamy bite!
