Copycat Ruths Chris Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Irresistible Copycat Ruths Chris Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Creamy, indulgent copycat ruth’s chris potatoes au gratin have been my culinary obsession lately.

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this cheesy side dish.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes meld perfectly with rich, velvety cream.

Sharp cheddar and parmesan create a golden, crispy topping that makes you weak in the knees.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Subtle hints of garlic and fresh herbs elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary potato dishes.

Why Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin Are Worth It

  • Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, cheesy potatoes deliver ultimate satisfaction, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious side dish that warms hearts and delights taste buds.
  • Quick Weeknight Dish: Prepare this delectable potato dish in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a gourmet-style side without extensive preparation time.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, and special occasions, these potatoes complement a wide range of main courses from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees.

Potatoes au Gratin Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:

Potato Components:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy and perfect for creating a classic creamy texture.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich base for a luxurious sauce.
  • Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid for enhancing potato taste.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps with cooking.
  • Mixed Cheeses: Melty topping for golden, crispy finish.
Seasoning Components:
  • Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth to the dish.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor base.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Brings gentle spice and warmth.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh green herb for color and bright finish.

Making Potatoes au Gratin at Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C).

This high heat will transform your potatoes into a crispy, golden masterpiece.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in:
  • Minced onion
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, stirring for another 30 seconds to release those mouthwatering aromas.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the liquid magic:
  • Chicken stock
  • Heavy cream

Stir to blend the flavors.

Add sliced russet potatoes, ensuring they’re completely coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Boost the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Cover the skillet, lower heat to medium-low, and let the potatoes simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Give them an occasional stir and check their tenderness with a knife.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick surface for your potato masterpiece.

Step 6: Build Your Potato Layers

Transfer the simmered potato mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of mixed cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt, bubble, and turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Let the dish rest for a few minutes to set.

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Cooking Tips for Creamy Potatoes au Gratin

  • Pat potato slices dry before cooking to remove excess moisture, ensuring a creamy and thick sauce without unwanted liquid.
  • Mix sharp cheddar and gruyère for deeper flavor complexity, creating a more nuanced and rich cheese topping.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Infuse extra depth by adding a pinch of nutmeg or thyme to the cream mixture, which complements the potato and cheese profile beautifully.
  • Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld before final baking.

How to Keep Potatoes au Gratin Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed potatoes au gratin will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy top.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of cream to restore moisture if potatoes seem dry.

Perfect Pairings for Potatoes au Gratin

  • Pair Perfectly with Rustic Roasted Meats: Hearty beef roasts or herb-crusted lamb chops complement the rich, creamy potatoes with their robust flavors and tender textures.
  • Enhance with Bold Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec cut through the dish's creaminess, providing a tangy contrast while matching the potatoes' decadent profile.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salads: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a light, zesty counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy potato dish, balancing the meal's richness.
  • Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots add complementary earthy notes and provide additional nutritional balance to the indulgent potato gratin.

Potatoes au Gratin Recipe Twists

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace russet potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a plant-based friendly recipe that's equally rich and satisfying.
  • Vegetable Medley Approach: Mix in additional vegetables like thinly sliced zucchini or sweet potatoes to add nutrition and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or sage to introduce unique aromatic dimensions to the classic potato dish.

FAQs

  • What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which helps create a creamy and tender texture in the au gratin dish. They absorb the cream and cheese beautifully while maintaining their structure during cooking.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes au gratin in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. This substitution won’t compromise the rich, creamy flavor of the dish. The heavy cream, butter, and cheese will still provide plenty of delicious taste.

  • How can I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

The key is to slice the potatoes uniformly and not overcook them during the simmering stage. Aim for potatoes that are nearly tender but still have a slight firmness when pierced with a knife before transferring to the baking dish.

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Copycat Ruths Chris Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Copycat Ruths Chris Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Potatoes au gratin from Ruth’s Chris shine with creamy cheese and delicate layers of sliced potatoes. Rich classic sides like this blend Southern comfort and culinary elegance you can easily recreate at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes (Main Ingredients):

  • 1.5 to 1.75 pounds (680 to 795 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
  • 3 cups (340 grams) total finely shredded cheese: 2 cups (226 grams) Cheddar, 3/4 cup (85 grams) Fontina or Provolone, and 1/4 cup (28 grams) Parmesan, mixed together

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) chicken stock
  • 1.25 cups (300 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1.25 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, plus additional butter for greasing the casserole dish

Aromatics and Garnish:

  • 0.5 medium onion, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a scorching 425°F (220°C), creating the perfect environment for a golden, bubbling potato masterpiece.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing minced onions until they transform into a soft, translucent base of flavor.
  3. Introduce minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, allowing the aromatics to dance and release their fragrant essence for a brief 30 seconds.
  4. Pour chicken stock and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid blanket for the russet potato slices.
  5. Carefully fold the potato slices into the creamy mixture, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the potatoes to become tender for 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Generously butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, preparing a welcoming home for the potato creation.
  8. Transfer the nearly cooked potato mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
  9. Lavishly sprinkle the mixed cheeses across the top, creating a blanket of melty, golden potential.
  10. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest briefly, allowing the flavors to settle and the temperature to become more inviting.
  12. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and a hint of freshness to the rich, creamy potatoes.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyère for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the traditional recipe.
  • Potato Cutting Technique: Slice potatoes uniformly and thinly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Substitute chicken stock with low-sodium versions or vegetable broth to control salt content for health-conscious individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests without compromising creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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