Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin – The Ultimate Cheesy Side Dish

Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know their Potatoes au Gratin is an unforgettable side dish. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich, this dish perfectly complements a juicy steak or roasted chicken. Now, you can recreate the magic at home with this Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin recipe.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the best potatoes to achieving the perfect creamy texture. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Just Like the Restaurant Version

This recipe mimics the original, bringing the same rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness straight to your kitchen.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weeknight dinner, this Potatoes au Gratin pairs beautifully with any main course.

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make restaurant-quality potatoes—just simple pantry staples and a little technique.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish can be prepared in advance, making it a great choice for entertaining.

Ingredients for Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

For the Potatoes:

• 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but enhances flavor)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick) using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
2. Toss the slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
3. Add cheddar, Gruyère (or Parmesan), Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes.
3. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
4. Sprinkle extra cheddar and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
2. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.

this PIN FOR LATER

Delicious Variations of Potatoes au Gratin

1. Smoked Gouda Potatoes au Gratin

• Replace Gruyère with smoked Gouda for a deep, smoky flavor.

2. Bacon & Cheddar Potatoes au Gratin

• Add crispy bacon bits between the potato layers.

3. Garlic & Herb Potatoes au Gratin

• Infuse the sauce with roasted garlic and fresh thyme.

4. Spicy Jalapeño Potatoes au Gratin

• Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

5. Truffle Potatoes au Gratin

• Drizzle with truffle oil for a luxurious, gourmet twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin pairs beautifully with:

• Steak (Filet Mignon, Ribeye, or NY Strip)
• Roast Chicken or Turkey
• Baked Salmon
• Grilled Vegetables

Storage & Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Best Way to Reheat

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Using the Wrong Potatoes

• Stick with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture.

2. Not Cooking the Sauce Long Enough

• Simmer the cheese sauce until it thickens for a creamy consistency.

3. Slicing Potatoes Too Thick

• Aim for ⅛-inch slices to ensure even cooking.

4. Skipping the Resting Time

• Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

5. Overloading with Cheese on Top

• Too much cheese can cause uneven cooking—stick to the recommended amounts.

FAQs About Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Try Fontina, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Havarti.

3. How do I keep my sauce from getting grainy?

Use low heat when melting cheese and stir constantly.

4. Can I make this dish without flour?

Yes! Replace the flour with cornstarch or simply use all heavy cream.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions make great additions.

Conclusion

This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish. Whether for a holiday meal, steak dinner, or weeknight indulgence, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfectly rich, cheesy, and golden-baked potatoes that make every bite irresistibly delicious!

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