Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin
This recipe recreates the rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin at home, featuring tender russet potatoes layered with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Perfect for special occasions or comforting family dinners, this easy-to-make baked dish delivers a golden, bubbly crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp Butter (for roux and buttering the baking dish)
- 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme leaves (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, for even baking and layering. Mince the garlic and measure out the cheeses and cream to have everything ready before making the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until pale golden, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme until smooth and fully melted.
- Layer the Potatoes and Sauce: Butter a baking dish thoroughly. Arrange a single layer of potato slices evenly on the bottom. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring each slice is coated. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce, finishing with a thick layer of cheese sauce on top to create the golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set perfectly.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded to ensure smooth melting without additives.
- Slice potatoes evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and creamy texture.
- Do not skip making the roux; it prevents a watery sauce and adds richness.
- Let the gratin rest after baking so it firms up and slices cleanly.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: potatoes au gratin, Ruth's Chris potatoes, creamy potatoes, cheesy side dish, baked potatoes, comfort food