Potatoes Au Gratin

Introduction

The kitchen smelled like butter and warm cheese as I slid the pan into the oven — the first time I made Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin I knew it would become a favorite. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. I once served these with a smoky side, like oven-roasted smoked sausage and potatoes, and everyone asked for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This

• Rich, cheesy layers that stay creamy, not gluey.
• Easy prep with simple pantry staples.
• Feeds a crowd without fuss — great for holidays.
• Kid-approved and great for leftovers the next day (pair with muffins for brunch).

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 55–60 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: savory + buttery

This dish is forgiving, so you can cook it with confidence and tweak seasoning to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Chef notes:

• Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
• Unsalted butter helps control salt.
• Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices.
• Whole milk keeps the sauce silky.

Want a sweet finish after dinner? Try my bread pudding with vanilla sauce.

How to Make It

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Get the rack in the middle.
2. Then, layer the thinly sliced potatoes in a large baking dish, overlapping them like shingles. Press them gently so they pack in.
3. Next, whisk the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth. Smell the garlic bloom — it should smell warm and savory.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes. Make sure the liquid seeps into the layers and covers most slices. If you see dry spots, nudge the potatoes with a spoon.
5. After that, sprinkle the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan evenly over the top. Dot with the butter so it melts into golden pockets.
6. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes; you’ll hear a soft simmer and see steam gather at the foil edges.
7. Then, remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly with crisp edges. Look for bubbling around the sides — that’s done.
8. Finally, let the gratin rest for a few minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

While you bake, the kitchen will fill with a buttery, toasty aroma that makes everyone wander in.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Slice potatoes ahead and keep them in cold water to prevent browning.
2. Common mistake + fix: If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil and finish baking; this keeps the inside creamy.
3. Simple variation: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped thyme for a subtle warmth.

(Also, for more of my recipes and notes, check my author page: Chef Serge’s recipes.)

Serving Ideas

• Holiday centerpiece: Serve with roast beef and steamed green beans.
• Weeknight comfort: Pair with a simple green salad and roasted carrots.
• Brunch spread: Slice thick and serve alongside scrambled eggs and muffins.
• Garnish ideas: Extra grated Parmesan, chives, or a lemony parsley sprinkle.
• Make it a skillet meal: Add sautéed onions and bacon between layers.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled slices in a zip bag for up to 2 months (thaw overnight).
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered, to keep the top from drying out.

Leftover idea: Turn slices into a gratin sandwich with ham and a little dijon.

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Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin

A comforting dish with rich, cheesy layers that stay creamy, perfect for gatherings and holiday meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 7 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Gratin

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices.
• 2 cups heavy cream Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
• 1 cup whole milk Whole milk keeps the sauce silky.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tbsp butter Use unsalted butter to control salt.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle.
2. Layer the thinly sliced potatoes in a large baking dish, overlapping them like shingles. Press them gently to pack in.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring the liquid seeps into the layers.
5. Sprinkle the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan evenly over the top. Dot with butter.

Cooking

1. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the gratin rest for a few minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge or freeze cooled slices for up to 2 months. Pair with muffins for brunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake straight from the fridge, adding 10–15 minutes.

Q: Can I swap potatoes or cheeses?
A: You can use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture. Swap cheddar/Monterey Jack with gruyère for a nutty note.

Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: The top should be golden and bubbling at the edges, and a knife should slide through a potato slice easily.

Q: Can I freeze the baked gratin?
A: Yes, freeze in portions. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of dish I make when I want everyone around the table, relaxed and satisfied. It’s simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for both quiet weeknights and big celebrations. Do try it, tweak the seasoning, and make it yours—Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin.

Conclusion

If you want to compare versions or get a different method, check this Copycat Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin from 12 Tomatoes, or read a second take at Mashed’s copycat recipe.