Potatoes au gratin is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden brown. This classic dish can transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast, especially when it’s made with a little extra love and finesse. Inspired by the famous side dish served at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, this Potatoes au Gratin recipe will have your family and friends asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
What makes these potatoes truly stand out is their indulgent blend of heavy cream, garlic, and nutmeg, combined with rich, melted Gruyère cheese. Perfectly sliced potatoes simmered in a creamy mixture and baked to perfection create layers of flavors that meld together in the most delectable way. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a gourmet twist on a beloved classic, this recipe will not disappoint.
Why Potatoes au Gratin Are Always a Hit
When it comes to side dishes, potatoes au gratin are in a league of their own. The combination of tender potatoes, rich cream, and melted cheese is nothing short of magical. It’s a versatile dish that can accompany a variety of mains, from juicy steaks to roasted chicken or even as part of a vegetarian feast. While there are many variations of this dish, this recipe takes it up a notch by being inspired by one of the most renowned steakhouses in the world.
The secret to perfect potatoes au gratin lies in the details: thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy and flavorful base, and layers of cheese that create a crispy, golden top. The result? A decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Ruth’s Chris-Inspired Potatoes au Gratin
For this dish, you’ll need a few simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create a rich and luxurious experience:
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for gratin due to their starchy texture, which helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creates that signature creamy consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk: Balances out the cream for a smooth texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle, savory depth to the dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick of spice.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: A small amount of nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese: Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty, savory flavor. For extra flavor, you can mix in some Parmesan cheese as well.
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish): Ensures the potatoes don’t stick and adds a buttery undertone.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Ruth’s Chris-Inspired Potatoes au Gratin
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on creating this culinary masterpiece. Follow these simple steps to bring the rich flavors of Ruth’s Chris-inspired potatoes to your dinner table.
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you start prepping the potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready to go when your potatoes are assembled. Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a delicious buttery flavor to the dish.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
For a perfect au gratin, it’s essential to slice your potatoes thinly and uniformly, about 1/8 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the time to use it—it will help you achieve perfectly thin slices that cook evenly. Peel the 2 lbs of Russet potatoes, then slice them into thin rounds. Set them aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.
3. Simmer the Cream
In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from burning. Once the mixture is heated through, add the sliced potatoes, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the potatoes simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly. This step infuses the potatoes with rich, garlicky flavor and ensures they cook evenly in the oven.
4. Layer the Potatoes
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer half of the potatoes into your prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly to form a single layer. Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère cheese over the potatoes. Then, repeat the process by adding another layer of potatoes followed by the remaining cheese. These layers create a luxurious, cheesy texture that makes every bite extra delicious.
5. Add the Cream
After layering the potatoes and cheese, pour the remaining cream mixture from the saucepan over the top. This ensures that every layer of potatoes is bathed in the creamy, garlicky sauce, adding richness and flavor throughout the dish.
6. Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. The uncovered baking time allows the top layer of cheese to become golden and bubbly, creating a beautiful crispy crust.
7. Rest and Serve
Once your potatoes are done baking, let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve perfect slices. The rich, cheesy sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
Tips for the Perfect Potatoes au Gratin
- Use a Mandoline: To achieve the thin, uniform slices necessary for even cooking, use a mandoline slicer. It’s quick and ensures that all your potato slices are the same thickness.
- Choose Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is the traditional choice for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting qualities. If you want a sharper taste, consider mixing in some Parmesan or even Cheddar.
- Simmer the Potatoes in Cream: Simmering the potato slices in the cream mixture before baking ensures they absorb more flavor and cook evenly in the oven.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest before serving is crucial. It allows the cheese and cream to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve neat slices.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Potatoes au Gratin
This luxurious side dish pairs beautifully with many main courses, making it a versatile addition to your meal plan. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside:
- Steak: Of course, these potatoes were inspired by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, so they’re the perfect match for a well-cooked steak.
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: Potatoes au gratin are a fantastic side for roasted poultry, whether you’re preparing a holiday meal or a simple Sunday dinner.
- Vegetarian Feast: Serve these cheesy potatoes with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even a hearty lentil or mushroom dish for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Final Thoughts: Indulge in the Comfort of Ruth’s Chris-Inspired Potatoes au Gratin
There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of Potatoes au Gratin to elevate any meal. This Ruth’s Chris-inspired version brings gourmet flair to a beloved classic, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday celebrations. The creamy layers of potatoes, the nutty Gruyère cheese, and the subtle warmth of garlic and nutmeg create a dish that’s pure indulgence with every bite.
Want more gourmet recipes like this? Visit our website for more inspiration, from decadent side dishes to main courses that will make your next dinner unforgettable!