Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse’s broccoli au gratin is rich, creamy, and loaded with just the right amount of cheese!

The key to getting the sauce extra smooth is warming the milk before stirring it into the roux.

I use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère to give it a deep, well-rounded taste.

Blanching the broccoli first keeps it bright and tender without turning mushy in the oven.

A light sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs on top adds just the right crunch without overpowering the dish.

This side dish brings out the best in broccoli and pairs well with anything from steak to roasted chicken!

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. Broccoli (cut into small pieces)
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1 tsp Butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup Flour
• 4 cups Milk
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil.

Add broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3:

In a separate saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour, cooking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4:

Gradually add milk while stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened.

Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5:

Arrange the cooked broccoli in the prepared baking dish.

Pour the cheese sauce over the broccoli, spreading it evenly.

Step 6:

Combine breadcrumbs with 1 tsp of melted butter.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese sauce.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Roux

A smooth roux is crucial. Make sure to cook the flour and butter until just combined and bubbly to avoid a raw flour taste.

Cheese Variation

You should definitey experiment with different types of cheese. Adding Gruyère can give a different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.

Breadcrumb Boost

Adding a pinch of herbs like thyme to the breadcrumb topping can enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.

Broccoli Texture

For a slightly firmer texture, reduce boiling time by a minute or two.

This adjustment keeps broccoli crisp and fresh in the final bake.

What to Serve with Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin Recipe

Green Beans

Classic green beans offer a crisp contrast to the creamy texture of broccoli au gratin.

You can lightly steam them and toss them with a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing taste.

Quiche

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, consider serving a quiche alongside your broccoli au gratin.

The texture of a flaky crust complements the creaminess of the au gratin, and you can fill it with your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch.

Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon provides a lighter protein option that aligns beautifully with the rich cheese sauce of broccoli au gratin.

The tender flakes of salmon add a nice contrast, and you can enhance the pairing with a light herb butter sauce.

Couscous

While not the most traditional pairing, couscous can be a surprising success with broccoli au gratin.

Its light and fluffy texture is a wonderful counterpoint to the creamy cheese, offering a different dimension to your meal.

Consider mixing it with a few fresh herbs or toasted nuts for added excitement!

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Choices

You can change the cheese to alter the flavor profile to your liking.

Adding cheddar gives a rich and creamy texture.

For a milder taste, try using fontina or gruyère.

Vegetable Swaps

Broccoli can be replaced with other vegetables you might prefer.

Cauliflower or zucchini work well and provide variety.

You could mix them for a unique twist!

Dietary Adjustments

If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, consider using less cheese and more vegetables.

For a gluten-free option, replace regular flour with gluten-free flour when making the sauce.

Nut or coconut milk can be a substitute if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option.

How to Store Leftover Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin

When you find yourself with some leftover Ruth’s Chris Broccoli Au Gratin, there are a couple of ways to keep it fresh and delicious for the next time.

Use an Airtight Container

After letting it cool to room temperature, transfer your leftovers into an airtight container.

This is great for keeping any unwanted moisture or odors at bay.

Refrigeration

You should pop the airtight container into the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to three to four days.

Make sure it’s placed in a cooler section of your fridge to maintain its freshness.

Labeling Helps

It’s always a good practice to label your container with the date you stored it.

This will help you manage your meals better and ensure you enjoy it before it loses its vibrant flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Broccoli

When making broccoli au gratin, it’s important to cook the broccoli before baking, but be careful not to overcook it.

If you cook it too much, it will lose its texture and might turn mushy, which is something you definitely want to avoid in this dish.

Instead, steam or boil the broccoli until it’s just tender before proceeding with the recipe.

Burning the Sauce

Another common mistake is allowing the sauce to burn during the cooking process.

Stir the sauce continuously on medium heat while you’re making it to maintain a smooth texture and flavor.

Remember that patience is key here; a slow, steady stir can help prevent those burnt bits from forming.

Using Pre-Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-clumping agents that hinder melting, resulting in less than optimal creamy sauce.

For the best texture and flavor, shred your cheese at home right before adding it to the dish.

It might take you a little longer, but your taste buds will thank you!