Rich, Creamy & Steakhouse-Worthy

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Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn Au Gratin: Rich, Creamy & Steakhouse-Worthy

An Iconic Steakhouse Side Made at Home

We bring you a Ruth’s Chris–inspired Creamed Corn Au Gratin that delivers the same luxurious texture, subtle sweetness, and indulgent creaminess found in the legendary steakhouse version. This dish is celebrated for its simplicity and elegance—transforming humble corn into a silky, comforting side dish that perfectly complements steak, chicken, or seafood.

With a short ingredient list and precise technique, this recipe focuses on balance, richness, and consistency, ensuring a flawless result every time. The natural sweetness of corn, enhanced by cream and milk, creates a smooth, spoonable texture that feels refined yet deeply comforting.

Ingredients for Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn Au Gratin

This recipe relies on a minimalist ingredient list, allowing each component to shine:

  • 4 cups corn kernels
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

These ingredients work together to form the signature flavor profile—sweet, creamy, and irresistibly rich—that defines this steakhouse classic.

Why This Creamed Corn Au Gratin Recipe Stands Out

This dish succeeds because it respects the natural flavor of corn while enhancing it with dairy richness. Unlike heavily seasoned versions, this preparation highlights purity and texture, resulting in a smooth, velvety finish that feels indulgent without being overpowering.

Key characteristics include:

  • Silky, custard-like consistency
  • Balanced sweetness
  • Elegant simplicity
  • Steakhouse-quality presentation

Preparing the Corn for Maximum Flavor

We begin by selecting high-quality corn kernels. Fresh corn offers bright sweetness and texture, while frozen corn provides consistency and convenience without sacrificing flavor.

The corn is gently warmed in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing the kernels to release their natural sugars. This step enhances depth and prepares the corn to absorb the creamy base.

Building the Creamy Base

Once the corn is heated through, we add the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently to combine. The mixture is brought to a slow simmer, never a boil, ensuring the dairy remains smooth and stable.

The cream introduces richness, while the milk lightens the texture, creating the signature steakhouse-style mouthfeel that coats each kernel evenly.

Perfecting the Signature Sweetness

A single tablespoon of sugar is incorporated to enhance the corn’s natural sweetness, not mask it. This subtle addition is what gives Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn its unmistakable flavor—comforting, balanced, and refined.

The mixture is allowed to simmer gently, thickening gradually as the dairy reduces and melds with the corn.

Achieving the Au Gratin Texture

As the mixture simmers, we stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. The goal is a creamy, spoonable consistency that holds together without becoming stiff.

The corn should remain tender, suspended in a luscious sauce that clings beautifully without excess liquid.

Serving Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn Au Gratin

This dish is best served hot and freshly prepared, when the texture is at its peak. It pairs exceptionally well with:

  • Grilled or pan-seared steak
  • Roasted chicken
  • Seared seafood
  • Holiday and special-occasion meals

Served in a warm dish, it delivers a restaurant-quality presentation that elevates any table.

Expert Tips for Steakhouse-Quality Results

Use Heavy Cream for Authentic Richness

Heavy cream is essential for achieving the dense, luxurious texture associated with steakhouse creamed corn.

Avoid High Heat

Gentle simmering preserves smoothness and prevents dairy separation.

Stir with Intention

Occasional stirring ensures even cooking while maintaining kernel integrity.

Optional Enhancements (Non-Traditional but Popular)

While the classic recipe remains beautifully simple, subtle additions may be used if desired:

  • Butter for added silkiness
  • A pinch of salt to heighten sweetness
  • White pepper for gentle warmth

These should be used sparingly to preserve the dish’s signature profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guidance

This Creamed Corn Au Gratin may be prepared several hours in advance and gently reheated over low heat. If the mixture thickens during storage, a small splash of milk restores its creamy consistency.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.

Why This Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn Au Gratin Recipe Works

This recipe captures the essence of steakhouse dining—luxurious, comforting, and impeccably balanced. By focusing on quality ingredients and precise technique, it delivers a side dish that feels indulgent without unnecessary complexity.

We consider this a definitive version of Ruth’s Chris Creamed Corn Au Gratin—simple, elegant, and consistently satisfying.

A Steakhouse Classic Worth Mastering

This dish proves that exceptional flavor does not require excess. With corn, cream, milk, and sugar, we create a side that is rich, memorable, and worthy of the finest steakhouse table.

Prepare it once, and it becomes a permanent favorite.

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