If you’re searching for a truly comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish, the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic casserole marries creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping that’s just bursting with warmth and sweetness. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe brings together textures and flavors that feel both nostalgic and indulgent, making every bite feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but essential, working together to create a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. When combined, these ingredients guarantee that gorgeous color and soulful flavor we all love in a sweet potato casserole.
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes: Cooked and peeled, these form the luscious base of the casserole.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness to complement the earthiness of sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness naturally present in the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, fragrant warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Bind the mash together while adding richness and body.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Contributes to the creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): The key to a caramel-like crunch in your pecan topping.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create that irresistible crumbly texture of the topping.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: For nuttiness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the topping ingredients and gives a deliciously buttery finish.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. The gentle coating ensures the casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze. Meanwhile, mash your cooked sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy, setting the stage for the perfect casserole base.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until it forms a smooth, unified mixture. This step is crucial because it blends all those lovely flavors and creates the silky texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This ensures even baking and creates a nice, level surface for the topping to sit on. Just imagine that creamy layer waiting to be crowned with a nutty, buttery crown – pure comfort in the making.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Once well mixed, pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture holds together in coarse crumbs. This topping is where all the magic happens – a crunchy, sweet contrast to the creamy potatoes below.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, covering the entire surface. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is heated all the way through. Let it cool slightly before serving so those flavors can settle and shine.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole is already a stunner on its own, but adding a few garnishes can elevate the experience even more. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add extra warmth and sweetness. Fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of sea salt over the topping also works wonders if you want a subtle contrast in flavor and color.
Side Dishes
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats like turkey, ham, or chicken, making it a staple at holiday tables. It also complements fresh green vegetable sides like sautéed green beans or crispy Brussels sprouts, balancing richness with bright, crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions in ramekins, each topped with its own crunchy pecan crisp. This personal touch makes a cozy dinner feel extra special. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the topping or swap pecans for walnuts to change the flavor profile without losing that classic casserole charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole is as delightful as the fresh batch! Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready for seconds, it will still have that wonderful creamy and crunchy texture that makes it so addictive.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole ahead of time for busy days or holiday meal prep, it freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake the casserole first, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, place the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. Cover with foil during reheating to prevent the topping from burning, uncovering for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again. Microwaving is quick but may soften the crunch, so baking is preferred when time allows.
FAQs
Can I add spices to the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even allspice to the sweet potato mixture enhances the warm, cozy flavors without overpowering the dish. It’s a fantastic way to put your own spin on a classic.
What type of sweet potatoes work best?
The traditional orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are perfect for this recipe because of their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Make sure they’re thoroughly cooked and mashed smooth for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can adapt this casserole to a vegan diet by substituting the butter with plant-based margarine and replacing eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still deliciously comforting.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! The casserole can be assembled a day before baking and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it into the oven. This makes it a perfect option for holiday meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
How do I get the topping perfectly crunchy?
Using cold melted butter and mixing just enough to form crumbly clusters helps achieve that ideal crunchy topping. Also, don’t hesitate to spread it evenly and bake until it’s golden to get the satisfying bite you’re after.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe that makes any meal feel festive and comforting. Its harmonious mix of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. If you’re ready to add a new favorite to your recipe arsenal, this one deserves a spot on your table—you’ll be glad you did!
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Ruth’s 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
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic American holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble. This comforting casserole combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a buttery, nutty topping that bakes to golden perfection, making it a festive and crowd-pleasing addition to any meal or Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Mix sweet potato base. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Spread base in dish. Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth and level surface.
- Prepare topping. In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Stir in the melted butter and blend until the mixture forms coarse crumb-like clumps.
- Add topping to casserole. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base, covering it completely.
- Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato base mixture before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat it before serving for convenience.
