Imagine digging into a dish where velvety mashed sweet potatoes meet a buttery, pecan-studded golden crust, each bite balancing sweetness and crunch in a way that’s absolutely swoon-worthy. That’s the magic of the famous Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole—an irresistible combination that has graced many holiday tables and family feasts. This casserole isn’t just a side; it’s a showstopper that leaves guests asking for seconds (and the recipe). Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a comforting treat, this casserole hits the mark every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole couldn’t be simpler, but each one is vital for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy sweet potatoes to that signature crunchy topping, every ingredient plays an important part.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The heart of the dish—choose tender, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the brightest flavor and color.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to highlight the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes.
- Salt: Just a touch brings all the flavors forward and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Vanilla Extract: A little bit helps round out the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the casserole.
- Large Eggs: These bind everything together, creating a lightly set, custardy base.
- Unsalted Butter (for base): Melted butter makes the sweet potato mixture silky and rich.
- Light Brown Sugar (for topping): Brings caramel notes and helps form that coveted crunchy layer on top.
- All-Purpose Flour: Ensures the topping crisps up beautifully in the oven (use a gluten-free blend if needed).
- Pecans: Chopped pecans give an irresistible nutty crunch and classic Southern flair.
- Unsalted Butter (for topping): Softened butter melds the topping ingredients and helps them bake up golden and crumbly.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. If you haven’t already, peel, cube, and boil or bake your sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooled a bit, mash them until smooth—using a potato masher or even a food processor if you love an ultra-silky base.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy; you want that filling to be luscious and homogeneous, almost like a thick custard. Pour the finished mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and softened unsalted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to combine until everything looks crumbly—almost like a sweet, nutty streusel. This topping turns the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole into something truly special.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle that glorious pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden and the filling is set. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is a sure sign you’re in for something wonderful!
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes so the filling can settle and the topping crisps up just a bit more. Serve warm and bask in the compliments—it’s the kind of dish that everyone remembers.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
To add an extra flourish, dust the top lightly with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a few extra toasted pecans also makes this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole even more festive!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple rotisserie chicken. Savory sides like garlicky green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts help balance the sweetness, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings, or use a decorative, oven-safe dish for a stunning tableside presentation. Leftovers can even be served the next morning as a playful brunch dish topped with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The topping may lose a little of its crunch, but the flavors get even richer with time.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you’re in luck—Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole freezes beautifully! Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole (covered with foil to prevent over-browning) at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave also works, but the oven is best for reviving that glorious pecan topping.
FAQs
Can I make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole gluten free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the topping. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free, making this an easy swap for guests with dietary needs.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or need a nut-free version, try using oats for the topping, or swap in walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. For a totally nut-free casserole, simply skip the nuts and double the streusel mixture.
How can I make the sweet potato base smoother?
For that ultra-silky restaurant-style texture, puree the cooked sweet potatoes in a food processor or blender before mixing with the other ingredients. This step makes the filling extra creamy and refined.
Is this casserole overly sweet?
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is rich and sweet, but the nutty topping and hint of salt keep things balanced. If you prefer a slightly less sweet dish, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the base by up to 1/4 cup without affecting the texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining easy, and the flavors only deepen overnight.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress your guests with an unforgettable side dish, give Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole a try. With its creamy base, crunchy topping, and irresistible aroma, it’s sure to become a staple at your gatherings—just like it has at mine!
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Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. This classic side dish features a luscious sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sweet potato base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Pour into baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, pecans, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and filling is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and bake just before serving for convenience.
- For a smoother texture, consider pureeing the sweet potatoes before mixing.
- This dish freezes well; simply thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
