If you are on the hunt for a dish that captures the warmth and comfort of holiday gatherings, look no further than the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. This delightful casserole blends creamy, mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. The balance of sweetness and texture makes it a standout side that pairs beautifully with festive mains or creates an indulgent, cozy treat any time of year. Whether it’s a special occasion or a family dinner, this dish brings a touch of Southern-inspired magic right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in delivering a rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting color that make this casserole truly irresistible.
- Mashed cooked sweet potatoes (3 cups): The base of this dish, providing natural sweetness and smooth creaminess.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the potatoes without overpowering them.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Brings richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A subtle flavor enhancer that amplifies the sweetness and depth of the sweet potatoes.
- Large eggs beaten (2): Gives structure and creaminess to the filling.
- Whole milk (1/3 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Forms the sweet, caramelized crust topping that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Helps create the crumbly, golden topping texture.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds crunch, nuttiness, and a flavorful contrast to the soft filling.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/3 cup) for the topping: Binds the topping and enhances its richness.
How to Make Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and facilitates an easy cleanup after you serve up this scrumptious dish.
Step 2: Combine the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and whole milk. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This is the heart of the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe and sets the foundation for that creamy, dreamy filling you’ll love.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Transfer the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spreading it out uniformly helps ensure every bite has that perfect balance of smooth potato goodness topped with the signature crunchy crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until the ingredients form a crumbly topping. This combination is what sets the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe apart, offering a delightful texture contrast with rich nutty notes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the sweet potato base, then bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is heated through. This baking step deepens the flavors and melds everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Before serving, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. This rest time helps the dish set slightly for easier serving and lets the flavors settle so every bite is as amazing as the first.
How to Serve Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a few whole pecans on top before serving. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that elevates the dish’s visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside classic Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a juicy prime rib. Its sweetness and crunch perfectly complement savory flavors and provide a comforting contrast. For a lighter touch, pair it with green beans almondine or a crisp arugula salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests with presentation, try serving the sweet potato casserole in individual ramekins topped with a pecan half. You could also transform it into a layered dish by alternating sweet potato mixture and pecan topping in a clear baking dish for a beautiful, rustic look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying the next day or two without losing any of its wonderful flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking if you’d like to prep meals ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then proceed with baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes allows the topping to crisp up again, maintaining that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. For the eggs, try flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer to keep the texture just right.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar without losing flavor?
Yes, the recipe suggests reducing the granulated sugar in the sweet potato filling to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet dish. The natural sweetness of the potatoes combined with the brown sugar topping still ensures a flavorful casserole.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?
You sure can. Just thaw and mash them well, making sure to remove any excess liquid so your casserole doesn’t turn out watery. Frozen sweet potatoes are a convenient option that works great here.
What type of pecans work best for the topping?
Fresh, chopped pecans with a good crunch and rich flavor are ideal. If you like, lightly toast them beforehand to bring out even more nuttiness and add a deeper layer of flavor to your topping.
How early can I prepare this casserole before baking?
This Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe can be assembled a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving to enjoy the freshest taste and perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe that makes it a standout on any dinner table. The creamy sweet potato base paired with the crunchy pecan topping never fails to impress and bring smiles all around. I encourage you to give it a try and experience firsthand why it’s become such a beloved classic. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic American holiday side dish featuring a smooth, sweet mashed sweet potato base topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive meal, it balances creamy sweetness with nutty texture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 3 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup whole milk
Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and whole milk. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create a creamy base.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, leveling the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture, perfect for a crunchy topping.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- To reduce sweetness, decrease granulated sugar in the filling to 3/4 cup.
- Prepare the casserole a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator; bake just before serving.
