Make Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes at Home

Why Make Ruth’s Chris Potatoes at Home?

Enjoying Restaurant Flavor

The allure of restaurant-quality side dishes, particularly those from renowned establishments like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, often feels out of reach for home cooks. However, with this detailed gratin copycat recipe, you can replicate that signature creamy, cheesy, and utterly decadent flavor profile right in your own kitchen. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from serving a dish that tastes as if it came from a professional chef, and these Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes are no exception. The rich layers of tender potatoes bathed in a savory, cheesy sauce make for a truly memorable culinary experience, perfect for special occasions or simply elevating a weeknight dinner. Imagine the delight of your family and friends as they savor each bite of this homemade gratin, tasting the high-end flavors they’d expect from a fine dining establishment.

Simple Steps to Make at Home

Despite their sophisticated taste, making these creamy au gratin potatoes at home is surprisingly straightforward. This recipe breaks down the process into manageable, simple steps, ensuring that even those with moderate cooking experience can achieve outstanding results. From prepping your fresh produce to assembling the layers and baking to golden perfection, each stage is clearly defined. You don’t need specialized equipment or advanced culinary techniques; just a willingness to follow the instructions and enjoy the process. Preparing a luxurious side dish like this copycat recipe doesn’t have to be intimidating. Instead, it becomes a rewarding endeavor, proving that incredible flavors are accessible and enjoyable to create in your own culinary space. This is a perfect side dish that will complement many main course meals.

Gathering Ingredients for Au Gratin

Essential Fresh Produce List

The foundation of any great au gratin recipe lies in the quality of its ingredients, especially the fresh produce. For these homemade gratin potatoes, selecting the right potatoes is crucial. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their starch content, which helps create that desirable creamy texture while holding their shape during baking. You’ll need about 2-3 pounds, ensuring they are firm and blemish-free. Additionally, a medium-sized yellow onion and a few cloves of fresh garlic are essential for building the aromatic base of the savory sauce. Finely minced, these vegetables infuse the dish with a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. Always aim for the freshest produce available, as it significantly impacts the overall taste and quality of your final dish. Consider visiting a local market for the best selection, ensuring your ingredients are at their peak.

Cheeses for Creamy Texture

No cheesy potato bake is complete without a stellar selection of cheeses. The combination of different cheeses contributes to both the creamy texture and complex flavor profile of the Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes. For this copycat recipe, a blend of Gruyère and white cheddar is ideal. Gruyère offers a nutty, slightly sweet note and melts beautifully, creating an incredibly smooth consistency. White cheddar provides a sharper, more piquant flavor that balances the richness of the cream. Approximately 1 cup of each, freshly grated, will be perfect. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Grating your own ensures the best possible texture and flavor. Some recipes might also incorporate a touch of Parmesan for an extra layer of umami, though it’s optional. The right cheese blend is key to achieving that signature gooey, satisfying au gratin experience.

Prepping Potatoes for Au Gratin

How to Slice Potatoes Thinly

Achieving the perfect texture in your Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes hinges significantly on how thinly and uniformly you slice your potatoes. The goal is to get slices that are approximately 1/8-inch thick – thin enough to cook evenly and tender, but robust enough to maintain their structure in layers. A mandoline slicer is the ideal tool for this task, as it ensures consistent thickness with minimal effort and in a fraction of the time. If you don’t have a mandoline, a very sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand can also work, though it may take more practice. To prevent browning, immediately submerge the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water after slicing. This also helps rinse off excess starch, which can make the dish too gummy. Pat them thoroughly dry before layering to avoid diluting your creamy sauce. Uniform slices mean every bite will have that desirable melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Making the Creamy Sauce Base

Sautéing Onion and Garlic

The heart of these creamy au gratin potatoes lies in their rich and flavorful sauce. The first crucial step in developing this savory sauce base is properly sautéing the onion and garlic. Begin by melting unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely minced yellow onion and cook gently until it becomes translucent and soft, typically about 5-7 minutes. It’s important not to brown the onions, as this can lead to a bitter flavor. Once the onions are softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn acrid. This aromatic foundation is essential; it permeates the entire dish, providing a deep, complex flavor that distinguishes this copycat recipe from simpler versions. This careful initial step sets the stage for a truly restaurant-quality potato dish.

Mixing Stock and Heavy Cream

After the aromatics are perfectly softened, it’s time to build the liquid base of your savory sauce. Slowly whisk in all-purpose flour into the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will act as a thickener for your sauce. Gradually pour in warm chicken or vegetable stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The warmth of the stock helps ensure a smooth mixture. Once incorporated, slowly add the heavy cream, again whisking consistently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg—a classic addition to creamy potato dishes that enhances their warmth and depth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This rich, velvety sauce is what will coat your tender potato slices, infusing every layer of your cheesy potato bake with incredible flavor. It’s a key element that makes this dish a perfect side for a crispy parmesan chicken or other main courses.

Cooking Potatoes to Tender Perfection

Simmering Until Nearly Done

To ensure your Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness without being mushy, it’s beneficial to pre-cook the sliced potatoes slightly before baking. Once your creamy sauce base is prepared, gently add the dried, thinly sliced potatoes directly into the sauce. Stir carefully to ensure all potato slices are well coated. Bring the mixture to a slow, gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the pan and let the potatoes cook in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The goal here is to soften the potatoes until they are nearly tender, but not fully cooked through. They should still have a slight bite to them, as they will finish cooking in the oven. This simmering step not only jumpstarts the cooking process but also allows the potatoes to absorb the rich flavors of the savory sauce, ensuring maximum taste in every layer of your homemade gratin. This technique is often used in restaurant kitchens to guarantee consistent results for dishes like this.

Assembling Your Au Gratin Dish

Greasing the Baking Dish

Proper preparation of your baking dish is a small but critical step to ensure your copycat recipe turns out perfectly, allowing for easy serving and clean-up. Begin by selecting a suitable baking dish, typically a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) ceramic or glass dish works well for this quantity of Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes. Generously grease the bottom and sides of the dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This creates a barrier that prevents the cheesy potato bake from sticking to the dish during baking, especially the rich, caramelized edges. A well-greased dish ensures that each glorious serving can be lifted out cleanly, preserving the beautiful layered structure of your homemade gratin. Don’t skimp on this step, as it prevents frustration later on when trying to serve your delicious creation.

Layering Potatoes and Sauce

Now comes the art of assembly, transforming your pre-cooked potatoes and creamy sauce into a visually appealing and delicious masterpiece. Ladle a thin layer of the savory sauce (without too many potatoes) onto the bottom of the greased baking dish. This initial layer prevents the first layer of potatoes from sticking and helps build a rich base. Next, arrange about one-third of your simmering potato slices evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle lightly with a portion of your grated Gruyère and white cheddar cheese mixture. Repeat this layering process two more times: sauce, potatoes, cheese, finishing with a final layer of potatoes generously covered in the remaining sauce. Ensure the layers are relatively even for consistent cooking. This methodical layering creates the signature structure of au gratin, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheese to create pockets of gooey deliciousness throughout the dish. This meticulous layering is key to achieving the desired restaurant-quality potatoes.

Baking Your Copycat Ruth’s Chris Dish

Topping with Cheese Mixture

Once your Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes are layered in the baking dish, the final touch before it hits the oven is the generous topping of the remaining cheese mixture. This isn’t just for aesthetics; this top layer of cheese will melt into a luscious, golden-brown crust, adding another dimension of flavor and texture to your copycat recipe. Evenly spread the rest of the grated Gruyère and white cheddar over the top of the potatoes and sauce. For an extra hint of richness and a beautiful sheen, you can dot the top with small pieces of butter before baking. This final cheesy blanket ensures that every spoonful of your homemade gratin will include that delightful, slightly crispy, and deeply flavorful crust that is characteristic of a truly exceptional cheesy potato bake. It’s the crowning glory for your perfect side dish.

Achieving Golden Brown Cheese Topping

Monitoring Oven Time

Baking is where the magic truly happens, transforming your layered ingredients into a cohesive, bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflows, which can sometimes happen with creamy dishes. Bake, uncovered, for the initial 30 minutes. This allows the top cheese layer to begin melting and turning golden. After 30 minutes, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly while the potatoes continue to cook through and the sauce thickens. Continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a knife and the sauce is bubbling nicely around the edges. For that ultimate golden-brown cheese topping, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or if necessary, briefly switch the oven to broil (watching very carefully!) to achieve a perfect crust. Always monitor your oven time closely, as baking times can vary. For more dinner ideas, check out our salmon spinach pasta dish.

Serving Your Delicious Potatoes Au Gratin

Garnishing with Fresh Parsley

Once your Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes emerge from the oven, bubbling and golden, allow them to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial; it allows the savory sauce to set and prevents the dish from being too runny when scooped. Just before serving, a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch. The vibrant green of the parsley provides a beautiful contrast to the rich, golden-brown cheese and creamy potatoes, adding a fresh visual appeal. Beyond aesthetics, parsley offers a subtle peppery, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors of the cheesy potato bake. This simple garnish elevates the dish, making it look as professional as it tastes. For more cooking inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

Pairing Suggestions for Dinner

These creamy au gratin potatoes are a remarkably versatile side dish, capable of complementing a wide array of main courses. Their richness makes them an ideal partner for grilled or roasted meats such as steak, prime rib, or a tender pork loin, much like they are served at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. For poultry, consider pairing them with a roasted chicken or a simple pan-seared chicken breast. They also work wonderfully alongside a baked ham or a hearty meatloaf, adding a touch of elegance to comfort food classics. If you’re looking for other hearty side dishes, consider exploring our side dishes category. For a complete meal, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the potatoes, offering a refreshing balance. These perfect side dish potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter what you serve them with.

Expert Tips for Best Au Gratin

Best Potato Varieties

The choice of potato significantly impacts the final texture of your Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes. While many varieties can work, some are undeniably superior for this cheesy potato bake. Yukon Gold potatoes are often considered the best choice. They have a medium starch content, which allows them to become creamy and tender without falling apart, and their naturally buttery flavor enhances the overall richness of the dish. Russet potatoes are another excellent option, offering a high starch content that contributes to a very creamy texture, though they might require slightly more careful handling to prevent them from becoming too mushy. Avoid waxy potatoes like red bliss or new potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape too well and won’t absorb the savory sauce as effectively, resulting in a less integrated, creamy consistency. Choosing the right potato is a foundational step toward a truly restaurant-quality result, making your homemade gratin a standout. For another creamy favorite, try our creamy baked mac and cheese recipe.

Adjusting Seasoning

Seasoning is critical to unlocking the full potential of these creamy au gratin potatoes. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning, so ensure your savory sauce is well-flavored before layering. Taste the sauce base before adding the potatoes, adjusting as necessary. A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg is a traditional and highly recommended addition; it subtly enhances the creamy, earthy notes of the potatoes and cheese without overpowering them. A touch of cayenne pepper can also be added for a barely perceptible warmth, or a dash of Dijon mustard for an extra layer of complexity and tang. Remember to season each layer lightly as you assemble the dish, ensuring an even distribution of flavor throughout. This careful attention to seasoning is what transforms a good cheesy potato bake into an exceptional one, mirroring the precise flavors found in a high-end restaurant dish. Taste as you go to achieve that perfect balance.

Make Ahead Ruth’s Chris Potatoes

Storing Leftover Gratin

One of the beauties of this copycat recipe for Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes is that it often tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead side dish. If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store the gratin in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While the texture might soften slightly, the flavors will deepen and meld beautifully. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade gratin for several meals, extending the pleasure of this perfect side dish. Ensure all containers are sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent other refrigerator odors from affecting the potatoes. This makes planning dinner recipes much easier throughout the week.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating your leftover Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes is simple, allowing you to enjoy their rich flavor once again. For individual portions, you can gently reheat them in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, or to recapture some of that delicious crispy topping, it’s best to reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you desire a crisper topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. Avoid reheating at too high a temperature or for too long, as this can cause the potatoes to dry out or the sauce to separate. With these simple reheating instructions, your creamy au gratin potatoes will taste almost as good as they did fresh out of the oven, making them a fantastic option for planned meals or unexpected cravings. For more recipe updates and ideas, follow us on Instagram.

Enjoying Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes

Recipe Summary and Details

Crafting these Ruth’s Chris Au Gratin Potatoes at home is a rewarding culinary endeavor, bringing the luxury of restaurant dining right to your table. This copycat recipe delivers a truly exceptional cheesy potato bake, characterized by its tender potato slices, rich savory sauce, and irresistible golden-brown cheese topping. From carefully selecting your potatoes and cheeses to meticulously layering each component, every step contributes to the ultimate comfort food experience. The detailed instructions ensure that both novice and experienced cooks can achieve a perfect side dish that will impress any guest. Remember the importance of thin, uniform potato slices, a well-seasoned creamy sauce, and a patient bake for optimal results. This easy recipe promises not just a dish, but a memorable meal, demonstrating that gourmet flavors are well within reach. Savor every creamy, cheesy bite of your homemade gratin, a true testament to the joy of cooking. This dish is perfect for dinner recipes, offering unparalleled satisfaction.