– **Title**: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the Yukon gold potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, melted butter, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat until warm but do not let it boil.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, and cream cheese until well blended.
5. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer a third of the sliced potatoes. Pour a third of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with a third of the cheese mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for presentation.
10. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These sturdy potatoes are ideal for this dish because they hold their shape well. If you have Yukon Golds on hand, they also work great, offering a buttery flavor and creamier texture.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for that rich creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a combination of half-and-half and whole milk, though it might affect the texture slightly.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, while Gruyère adds a delicious nuttiness. You can substitute with any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack or even a cheese blend. Parmesan adds a salty kick, but Pecorino Romano can be a tasty alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) can work too. I prefer fresh for the aroma it brings!
Nutmeg: This is optional but adds warmth. If you don’t have it, don’t worry; it will still be tasty without it. I find just a pinch can make a big difference in the overall flavor!
How Do I Layer Potatoes Properly for Even Cooking?
Layering is crucial for ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution. Start with a single layer of potato slices to cover the bottom of your dish, overlapping slightly. This prevents gaps where sauce could escape and ensures each bite is equally creamy.
- Arrange half the potatoes in the dish, then pour half the cream mixture over them.
- Sprinkle half of your cheese mix on top of the cream layer.
- Repeat the process with another layer: potatoes, cream, and cheese. End with a cheese layer for a great topping.
Cover with foil before baking to keep moisture in, which helps the potatoes cook through. Remember to uncover for the last part of the bake to let that cheese get bubbly and golden!
How to Make Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the baking dish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to bake. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make this creamy potato delight. Perfect for a comforting side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 2-quart baking dish and grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layering the Potatoes:
Now, take half of the thinly sliced potatoes and neatly layer them in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Make sure the potatoes cover the bottom completely for even cooking.
3. Creating the Cream Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Give it a good whisk until everything is well mixed and blended together.
4. Assembling the Layers:
Pour half of your creamy mixture evenly over the first layer of potatoes. Then, sprinkle on half of the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Yum! Next, repeat the process by adding another layer of potatoes, followed by the rest of the cream mixture and cheeses. Finish off with a final layer of cheese on top.
5. Baking the Dish:
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
6. Cooling and Garnishing:
Once the dish is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set a little before serving. If you like, you can sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish.
Enjoy your creamy and indulgent Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin! It’s sure to be a hit at any meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Just ensure they are peeled and thinly sliced for even cooking!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to step 9, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Gruyère Cheese?
No problem! If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, you can replace it with another cheese likeFontina or even provolone for a similar creamy flavor. Just aim for a cheese that melts well!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover potatoes au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a faster option.
