If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy sweetness with a delightful crunch, then the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This casserole marries velvety mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, pecan-studded topping that bakes into golden perfection. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it the ideal centerpiece for holiday feasts or any comforting family meal. The secret to this beloved recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll savor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is an absolute joy because each one plays a vital role in crafting that flawless texture and flavor for the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. You’ll notice how the sweetness, creaminess, and crunch come together beautifully, promising a dish that’s both indulgent and approachable.
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes: about 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked until tender and mashed for a smooth, creamy base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: brings richness and helps create that luscious texture throughout the casserole.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: act as a binder to hold everything together while baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: enhances creaminess without overpowering the natural sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances the sweet elements and brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: for the topping, offering a deep caramel sweetness that complements the pecans.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: helps form the crumbly, crisp topping texture everyone loves.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: provide that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that’s essential for the classic finish.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: mixed into the topping to bind all ingredients and add buttery goodness.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, mix your mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk, and salt. Stir until everything is blended smoothly—the mixture should be creamy and well combined. This step is where the magic of the filling begins, melding all those lovely flavors into one harmonious base.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. A smooth, flat surface will help create a perfect canvas for the topping and ensure even baking.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. The goal is a crumbly, rich topping that will bake to a golden crisp, adding a wonderful contrast to the silky sweet potatoes below.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer, gently covering it. Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is heated through. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the most comforting aroma imaginable.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While this casserole is perfect as is, topping it with a few extra whole pecans just before serving adds a lovely visual appeal and an extra crunch. For a festive twist, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to invite cozy warmth into every bite.
Side Dishes
This sweet potato casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like herb-roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken. Balance its richness with bright, crisp salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic into an elegant side by serving individual portions in ramekins topped with a pecan half and a sprig of fresh thyme. For a casual gathering, transfer it into a rustic cast-iron skillet straight from the oven to keep it warm and inviting at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect prepared-ahead dish for busy weeknights or subsequent meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep this comforting casserole longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container before freezing. It’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350-degree oven covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, though the topping won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I make the sweet potato mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before spreading it into the baking dish and adding the topping.
Are there any substitutions for pecans?
Yes! If pecans are not your thing or if you have allergies, walnuts or even almonds can be swapped in for the topping. They’ll provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Is this recipe very sweet?
This recipe has a pleasant, balanced sweetness that complements the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly without compromising flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can. Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk in place of whole milk. The texture might vary slightly but the casserole will still be delicious.
What makes the topping so special in Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?
The topping is what truly sets this casserole apart—combining brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter creates a caramelized, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes underneath.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe—it’s a dish that invites comfort and celebration with every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday or a cozy family dinner, this casserole promises to delight with its rich sweetness, buttery crunch, and nostalgic charm. Give it a try and prepare to make this recipe a cherished staple at your table.
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Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes mixed with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk, topped with a crunchy, sweet pecan streusel. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this casserole makes a delightful addition to holiday meals or any cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly, coarse texture.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, covering it completely.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato filling is heated through and slightly bubbling at the edges.
Notes
- Mashed sweet potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated to save prep time.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are fully cooked and soft before mashing for the best texture.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast pecans lightly before mixing into the topping.
- This casserole can be reheated gently in the oven before serving if made in advance.
