Oh, my dear friend! Let me take you on a culinary journey that lands us at one of my all-time favorite comforts: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin. I remember the first time I indulged in this creamy, cheesy embrace at Ruth’s Chris—each bite brought an exquisite warmth that felt like being wrapped in a cozy blanket after a long day. And trust me, making these at home feels just as rewarding, with no need for fancy reservations or a dress code.
What makes this recipe special
Why will you fall head over heels for this dish? Well, for starters, it’s the velvety texture combined with the rich, cheesy goodness that makes these potatoes an irresistible side. Imagine your fork sinking into layers of tender russet potatoes, all swaddled in a creamy sauce that happily boasts a medley of flavors! The secret? A delightful blend of cheeses and the gentle kiss of garlic and onion enhancing each heavenly bite.
And let’s not overlook the warmth it brings to gatherings—friends and family gathered around the table, plates piled high, smiles all around. There’s something magical about serving a dish that feels so indulgent yet is straightforward enough to prepare any night of the week. You really deserve a taste of this comfort.
Key ingredients overview
As with any great dish, quality ingredients are essential. So, let’s gather these essentials to make your flavorful dreams come true!
- Butter: 2 tablespoons plus some for greasing your dish. It'll lend that lovely richness and help the potatoes brown beautifully.
- Onion: Just half of a medium one, minced to buttery softness, melding perfectly with the garlic and creating the foundation of flavor.
- Garlic: One clove, minced. Because everything's better with garlic!
- Salt and Pepper: 1.25 teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Simple seasonings that elevate the dish.
- Chicken Stock: ¾ cup, this will provide a savory depth to your sauce that’s far more interesting than plain water.
- Heavy Cream: 1.25 cups, which gives us that luscious, creamy texture that we crave in cheesy potatoes.
- Russet Potatoes: 1.5 to 1.75 lbs (around 5-6), peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick. Their starchiness means they cook up tender and perfect.
- Cheese: A glorious blend of 3 cups total, with 2 cups of Cheddar, ¾ cup of Fontina or Provolone, and ¼ cup of Parmesan. Each cheese plays its part in creating a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped for a fresh sprinkle on top. It's like a green confetti, adding color and vibrancy to your creation.
Preparing Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin
Ready to dive into the cooking process? Here’s how this masterpiece comes together:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to create that perfect golden brown cheese crust.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced onion and let it cook until soft—about 5 minutes. Toss in garlic, salt, and pepper for the last 30 seconds to bloom their fragrant goodness.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture becomes cohesive. This is where the magic begins!
Add the Potatoes: Slice those russet potatoes thinly and toss them into the pan, ensuring they’re coated in that rich sauce. Keep the heat up until it simmers, then cover and reduce to medium-low, cooking until the potatoes are nearly tender—around 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally; we want even cooking!
Prepare the Dish: Butter an 8x8-inch baking dish (or individual dishes if you’re feeling fancy).
Layer It Up: Transfer those beautifully cooked potatoes and sauce into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Then comes the grand finale—add that shredded cheese mixture on top, covering the potatoes in cheesy bliss.
Bake and Brown: Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. You’ll want that cheese to melt into a glorious golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece rest for a few minutes. Top with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Now, dig in and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Best way to enjoy it
So, how do we serve these heavenly potatoes? Picture this: a comforting plate of potatoes au gratin next to a juicy steak or roast chicken, maybe even alongside some roasted veggies to balance the richness. These potatoes are the perfect companion at any dinner party or holiday feast. They shine as the star of the table but also pair well with more humble fare like a crisp salad or some grilled fish.
Storage and reheating tips
What about leftovers, you ask? Keeping these goodies fresh is easy-peasy! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, maybe for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but, remember, the oven will help retain that crispy cheese topping.
Extra tips and advice
Here are some nuggets of wisdom for making your potatoes au gratin even better:
- Cheese Excellence: Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on what you have on hand. Gruyère or Gouda would create delightful results too.
- Nutmeg Love: A pinch of nutmeg in the cream adds a hint of warmth and depth. Just trust me on this one!
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day before and pop it in the fridge before baking—making your dinner prep a breeze.
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore some variations? How about adding spinach for a creamy spinach au gratin twist or throwing in some cooked bacon bits for an extra indulgence? You could even mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy surprise—there are endless possibilities to tweak and adjust to your taste!
Your questions answered
How long do these take to prepare? It’s about 15 minutes of active prep time and around 30-40 minutes of cook time. Totally worth it!
Can I use other types of potatoes? While russets are perfect, Yukon gold or red potatoes can also work well, giving you a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this version is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock!
What to serve with it? This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a refreshing salad. Consider a lemony arugula salad—it cuts through the richness nicely.
Can I freeze leftovers? You can, but I recommend freezing before baking for the best texture. If you freeze baked leftovers, they might lose their creamy consistency.
This recipe is more than just a side; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. So go ahead, adjust it to suit your needs, make it your own, and feel free to share your version in the comments! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite, and remember that the kitchen is your playground. Happy cooking!
