If you’ve ever been to the legendary steakhouse and fallen in love with their melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato side, you’re going to flip for this homemade Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines silky, buttery sweet potatoes with a brown sugar-pecan topping that gets irresistibly crisp in the oven. Whether it’s gracing your Thanksgiving table or just making a regular weeknight feel extra special, this casserole is pure comfort—sweet, nutty, and a little bit nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is that it transforms simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component brings its own magic: creamy sweet potatoes form the base, while the topping adds that signature crunch and warmth. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole shine.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: About 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed for the silkiest, naturally sweet base.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the earthy potatoes.
- Salt: A pinch heightens all the flavors and keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth, making each bite aromatic and inviting.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the casserole set into a rich, custardy texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses both the filling and the topping with luxurious richness.
- Brown sugar (packed): The star of the topping, bringing caramel notes and a lovely chew.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create that crumbly, crunchy texture in the topping.
- Chopped pecans: Essential for adding nutty crunch and a classic Southern flair.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Blends into the topping for the ultimate golden finish.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and your casserole lifts out easily, leaving all those crispy edges intact.
Step 2: Create the Silky Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix until everything is luxuriously smooth and fully combined—the eggs will help the mixture set while butter keeps it tender. Pour this gorgeous orange base into your prepared dish and smooth the top for an even bake.
Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Topping
Grab a separate bowl and add in the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and softened butter. Use a fork (or your hands, if you prefer) to mix until you’ve got a crumbly, slightly sticky topping. The pecans and brown sugar are what make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole so unforgettable.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. You’ll want to let it cool slightly so the layers firm up, but don’t wait too long—this dish is at its best when served warm!
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
For a final flourish, a handful of extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty, festive touch. Some folks even love a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence, especially if you’re serving this as a dessert-style side.
Side Dishes
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with classic holiday fare—think roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled steak. For a balanced plate, serve it alongside garlicky green beans, a fresh salad, or tangy cranberry sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make things extra special, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Or, try layering it in a trifle dish for a dramatic presentation at potlucks and parties. It’s also fantastic as part of a brunch spread, served with eggs and savory breakfast dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen and mellow overnight, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Assemble it completely (without baking), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven will help crisp up that irresistible topping again.
FAQs
Can I make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish the day before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking, or add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes for this recipe?
For super smooth results, bake or boil your sweet potatoes, then peel and mash them with a potato masher or hand mixer. The smoother the mash, the creamier your casserole will be.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in the topping?
Yes, walnuts work beautifully in place of pecans if that’s what you have on hand, though pecans offer a classic Southern flavor that’s signature to Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.
Is this casserole very sweet?
It’s definitely on the sweeter side, thanks to the sugar in both the filling and the topping. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for your favorite gluten-free blend or even almond flour. The results are just as delicious and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a guaranteed hit with friends and family, Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try. It’s easy to make, celebratory, and the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. Give it a spot on your table and watch it disappear—this is one recipe you’ll come back to every holiday and beyond!
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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
This classic Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals and special occasions. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with sugar, vanilla, eggs, and butter, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble. Baked until golden and delicious, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large)
- 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 brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the sweet potato base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and softened butter. Use a fork or your hands to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly and textured.
- Add the topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the sweet potato mixture to cover the surface completely.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the day before; simply refrigerate overnight and bake as directed, allowing for a festive and convenient meal prep.
- It is an ideal side dish for holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, pairing beautifully with turkey and ham.
- Use high-quality pecans for the best texture and flavor in the topping.
- To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 1/8th of the casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
