Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes

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When I first tasted the legendary Ruth’s Chris Potatoes, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. These creamy, cheesy potatoes are rich, decadent, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—exactly the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from the main course. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a quiet dinner at home, this dish brings a little steakhouse magic to the table.

What I love most about this recipe is how easily it comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. You don’t need to be a pro chef to get restaurant-quality results. It’s the perfect comfort food—warm, bubbling, and golden brown on top, with perfectly layered slices of potato drenched in a velvety cream sauce. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a permanent part of your menu rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes Recipe

This recipe has everything you want in a hearty, indulgent side. The thinly sliced potatoes soak up all the rich cream and cheese, becoming unbelievably soft and flavorful. The top gets a gorgeous golden crust thanks to a generous layer of cheese, while the inside stays luscious and creamy. It’s perfect for entertaining, holiday meals, or even just when you want to treat yourself to something extra comforting.

Plus, it pairs with just about anything—roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh salad. It’s also easily doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

I always go for Yukon Gold potatoes when making this dish. Their natural buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for baking in a dish like this. They hold their shape well while still becoming soft and tender in the oven. Russet potatoes can also work if you prefer a fluffier interior, but I’d avoid waxy red potatoes since they don’t absorb the cream as nicely.

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Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of heavy cream? You can swap in half-and-half or whole milk, though the result will be a bit lighter and less rich. For a sharper flavor, try mixing in some Gruyère or Asiago cheese with the traditional cheddar. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, thinly sliced turnips or cauliflower can mimic the layered texture pretty well.

For added flavor, toss in caramelized onions, chopped garlic, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg into the cream sauce. This dish is super flexible—don’t be afraid to make it your own.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes Recipe

• Yukon Gold Potatoes – These are the heart of the dish. Their buttery texture and mild flavor make them ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce without falling apart.
• Heavy Cream – It brings richness and a velvety texture that clings to every slice of potato.
• Whole Milk – Helps to slightly thin out the cream, creating a balanced consistency without compromising the richness.
• Garlic – Infuses the cream sauce with a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
• Butter – Used for greasing the dish and adding a bit of extra richness to the cream sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the cream, adding bold flavor and forming a gorgeous, bubbling crust on top.
• Parmesan Cheese – Offers a sharp, salty kick and helps brown the top of the dish for that golden finish.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the potatoes and enhancing every other ingredient.
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.

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Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, peel, and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for uniform slices about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and perfect layering.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and heat until the mixture is just starting to simmer—do not boil. This allows the flavors to blend without curdling the dairy.

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Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour a bit of the warm cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

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Step 4: Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and a knife slides easily through the potatoes.

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Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the layers to settle. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes

Prep Time: Slicing the potatoes and preparing the cream sauce takes about 20 minutes. Using a mandoline can speed up the slicing process significantly and ensure even thickness for uniform baking.

Cook Time: The potatoes will bake for approximately 65 to 70 minutes total. That includes 45 minutes covered and an additional 20–25 minutes uncovered to get that bubbling, golden crust.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes

• Use a mandoline for precision: Uniform slices make all the difference in how evenly the potatoes cook.
• Don’t boil the cream sauce: Just bring it to a simmer to blend the flavors—boiling can cause curdling.
• Layer evenly: Try to keep each layer consistent with sauce and cheese to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Let it rest after baking: This is key to achieving the perfect set texture and making slicing easier.
• Add extra cheese if desired: For a cheesier finish, sprinkle a little more cheddar or Parmesan on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overlapping potatoes too tightly: This prevents the cream from reaching every layer.
• Under-seasoning: Potatoes absorb flavor, so season each layer lightly.
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting too soon will cause the creamy sauce to run everywhere.
• Overbaking uncovered: It can dry out the top—watch it closely during the last 10–15 minutes.
• Using low-fat milk only: This will result in a thin, watery sauce.

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What to Serve With Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes?

1. Grilled Steak

The richness of these potatoes makes them the perfect match for a juicy ribeye or filet mignon.

2. Roasted Chicken

A classic roast chicken balances the creaminess with its simple seasoning and crispy skin.

3. Garlic Green Beans

Light, crisp, and full of flavor, they cut through the richness of the dish.

4. Braised Short Ribs

Hearty and flavorful, short ribs pair beautifully with the creamy texture.

5. Crisp Garden Salad

Add freshness to your plate with a salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, covered with foil to prevent drying.

Freezing: This dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

About 1/8 inch is ideal. This ensures even cooking and that the cream can soak through every layer.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a smoother texture.

Is it okay to use just milk instead of cream?

You can, but the dish will be noticeably less rich and creamy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. This recipe doesn’t require flour, so it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your cheese and cream are labeled gluten-free.

How do I prevent the top from burning?

Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking and only uncover it toward the end to achieve that golden top without burning.

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Conclusion

Creamy Ruth’s Chris Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish—rich, elegant, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re serving them for a special dinner or making a cozy family meal, they bring a gourmet touch without much fuss. With a simple list of ingredients and a bit of patience in layering and baking, you’ll end up with a show-stopping dish that everyone will ask for again and again.

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