Imagine walking into a cozy restaurant, the rich aroma of savory dishes filling the air. Among the offerings, there’s a classic comfort food that stands out: Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin. Known for its creamy texture and indulgent cheese blend, this dish quickly becomes the star of any meal. I vividly recall the first time I tasted this dish at a family gathering. The rich, velvety cheese sauce, combined with the perfectly cooked potatoes, created a mouthwatering experience that left everyone raving. The creamy, cheesy layers seemed to melt together harmoniously, offering a delightful contrast to the crispy, golden cheese on top.
Recreating this restaurant favorite at home might seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe, you can achieve that same luxurious taste and texture. This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin recipe brings the restaurant experience right into your kitchen, allowing you to impress your guests or enjoy a comforting meal with family. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish that promises to be a hit at any occasion.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, plus additional butter for greasing the casserole dish
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup chicken stock
1 1/4 cups heavy cream (add a little more if needed)
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds (about 5 to 6 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
3 cups total finely shredded cheese: 2 cups Cheddar (8 ounces), 3/4 cup Fontina or Provolone, and 1/4 cup Parmesan, mixed together
About 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking, which is crucial for getting the cheese to melt perfectly and the top to become golden brown.
Prepare the Butter and Onion
Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. This will form the base of the creamy sauce.
Sauté Onion: Add the minced onion to the skillet. Cook it over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The onion should be aromatic but not browned.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, just long enough for the garlic to become fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring to combine. This will create the base of your creamy sauce.
Add Potatoes: Gently stir in the sliced russet potatoes. The potatoes should be sliced thinly (1/8 inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Simmer the Potatoes
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Bring to Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid a full boil to prevent the cream from curdling.
Cook: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer gently. Cook until the potatoes are nearly tender when pierced with a knife, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Prepare the Casserole Dish
Grease the Dish: While the potatoes are simmering, butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or equivalent-sized dish. If you prefer individual servings, you can use five to six small casserole dishes.
Assemble the Dish
Transfer Mixture: Once the potatoes are nearly tender, transfer the mixture from the skillet to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mixed cheeses (Cheddar, Fontina or Provolone, and Parmesan) evenly over the top of the potatoes. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust.
Bake the Dish
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and depth of your dish.
Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set slightly and make serving easier.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the top with about 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Serve: Scoop out portions of the creamy, cheesy potatoes and enjoy. They pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses and are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Variations and Tips
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations based on your preference. Gruyère, Gouda, or even a mix of your favorite cheeses can be used to customize the flavor.
Vegetable Additions: For added flavor and texture, consider mixing in vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or chopped spinach.
Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free chicken stock and ensure your cheese is free from any added gluten.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that brings the comforting elegance of a high-end restaurant right into your home. With its layers of tender potatoes enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. Whether served as a side dish at a holiday feast or as a comforting addition to a family dinner, these potatoes au gratin are both satisfying and versatile.
Making this dish at home allows you to enjoy the luxury of Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin without the need for a reservation. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create a dish that feels both special and comforting. Each bite is a reminder of the joy of home-cooked meals and the pleasure of sharing them with loved ones. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor a dish that’s sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter plus extra for greasing
- 1/2 medium onion minced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream add more if needed
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds russet potatoes peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
- 3 cups shredded cheese 2 cups Cheddar, 3/4 cup Fontina or Provolone, and 1/4 cup Parmesan
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken stock and heavy cream. Add sliced potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are nearly tender.
- Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Transfer the potato mixture to the baking dish. Top evenly with mixed cheeses.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
