Okay, picture this: I’m It’s Sunday dinner at Grandma’ and the whole house smells like butter, garlic, and pure happiness. We always had mashed potatoes, but sometimes, just sometimes she’d surprise us with something even better. What is better, Ruth’s Chris potatoes au gratin**? It’s like the fancy cousin of mac and cheese, but instead of pasta, you’ve got perfectly tender meat. What are potatoes swimming in a creamy sauce? What are some of the best side dishes to try? If you love scalloped potatoes, prepare to have your mind BLOWN.
What is Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin?
What are we talking about here? What is Ruth’s Chris potatoes au gratin? “Au gratin” just means that it’s topped with cheese and breadcrumbs (though we’re skipping the cheese part). In this version for pure, unadulterated cheesy goodness) and baked until bubbly and golden brown. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food. What is essentially thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and baked to perfection? It’s named after the famous Ruth’s Chris Steak House, because they make a version that is absolutely delicious. Is this homemade version worth it? Is it elegant enough for a special occasion, but easy enough to whip up on the regular weeknight? What is a win-win in my book?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the Best Reasons to fall head over heels for this recipe?
- Flavor:Imagine the most decadent, creamy, cheesy sauce you’ve ever tasted, coating tender slices of potato. What is the best combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese? What is garlic?
- Simplicity:I know this looks fancy, but it’s actually super easy to Make. What is the most difficult part of slicing potatoes? What is a sharp knife? Honestly, this one is pretty straightforward. Even my teenager can make it.
- Cost-Is Gruyere cheese a ton of money? What are some pantry staples? We are not breaking the bank, here. potatoes, cream, butter, garlic…
- Versatility:What is the perfect side dish for any main course? Steak? What are some good leftovers from chicken? ) are fantastic the next day.
What I love most about this **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin** recipe is that it feels so special, I can’t help but think about it. Is it really that simple? Is it a crowd-pleaser? Is this recipe really necessary in your life? If you like cheesy goodness like me, you might also want to check out my recipe for Creamy Peanut Butter. What are the best parmesan pasta recipes?
How do you make Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin?
Quick Overview
How do I make Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin? How do I make a creamy, cheesy sauce with potatoes? What are garlic and herbs? How do you layer potatoes and sauce in a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. What is the best way to slice potatoes thinly so that they cook evenly, and to use good quality cheese for the cooking. Is this recipe foolproof?
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick) – Yucon Golds are my favorite. What are the best Russets? They’re creamy and hold their shape well. What do you have on hand?
What is Creamy Cheese Sauce?
- I always use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Is it safe to use unaltered butter?
- How do you mince garlic?
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce.
- 3 cups heavy cream – Don’t skimp on the heavy, it’s what makes the sauce so rich and decadent.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
- Just a pinch of nutmeg adds to the flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese – Gruyère is a must for that nutty, complex flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmean adds a salty, savory touch.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. How do you keep Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au gratin clean?
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
How do you melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat? Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. How do you not burn garlic?
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Make sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. What should I do if I want to make a sauce that thickens slightly? How do I make a sauce that is thick enough to coat the back of my spoon?
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese until melted. Where does the magic happen. The cheese transforms the sauce into a creamy, dreamy delight.
Step 6: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce
Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. How much cheese sauce should you pour over potatoes? Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of cheese sauce.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. If the potatoes are tender, remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is crispy. Golden brown and bubbly. To test for doneness, insert a fork into the center of the casserole – it should slide in easily.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au gratin** stand for about 10-15 minutes before serving. How do you slice a tomato sauce?
Step 9: Enjoy!
What are some good ways to serve this creamy, cheesy goodness hot?
What do you serve it with?
What are some of the best recipes for Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: by serving it.
- With Steak:What is the best combination of steak and potatoes au gratin?
- With Chicken:What are some of the best ways to serve roasted chicken, grilled chicken or fried chicken with potatoes?
- With Pork:What are the best pork chops, pork tenderloin, or a pulled pork sandwich?
- With Fish:What are some lighter options for salmon?
- As a Vegetarian Main Course: Add some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to make it a complete vegetarian meal.
In my family, we always have this with our Christmas dinner. It’s a tradition that everyone looks forward to! Honestly, no matter what you serve it with, this **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin** is sure to be a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin
Want to take your **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin** to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:
- Slice the Potatoes Thinly: This is crucial for even cooking. If the potatoes are too thick, they won’t cook through properly. A mandoline slicer makes this task super easy, but a sharp knife will work just fine too. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin the sauce. Cook it gently over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Use Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality. Gruyere and Parmesan are a must for that classic flavor, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like Fontina or Gouda.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the sauce well with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the cheese and potatoes.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking prevents the top from browning too quickly and ensures that the potatoes cook through evenly.
- Bake Until Golden Brown and Bubbly: The potatoes are done when they are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 50-60 minutes total baking time.
- Let It Rest: Let the **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin** stand for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to slice.
One time, I accidentally added too much nutmeg to the sauce. It was still delicious, but the nutmeg flavor was a bit overpowering. Now, I always measure the nutmeg carefully! Also, I’ve tested this recipe with different types of potatoes, and I find that Yukon Golds work best. They have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during baking. Russets will work in a pinch, but they can be a bit drier.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s How to store and reheat your **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin**:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled potatoes au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the potatoes au gratin. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen potatoes au gratin in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the potatoes au gratin for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
- Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze in this version, you don’t have to worry about it! But if you wanted to add breadcrumbs, add them after reheating.
Pro tip: If the potatoes au gratin seems a little dry after reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the sauce before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for **Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin**. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta. It’s another decadent and delicious dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking, everyone! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Share your own variations, too – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Ruth's Chris Potatoes au Gratin
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb Russet Potatoes Peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Grated Gruyere Cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 0.25 cup Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
- Layer potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour cream mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden brown.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
