Table of Contents
Table of Contents
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, buttery Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole, and if you’ve ever dined at Ruth’s Chris steak house, you know their version is pure magic. This copycat recipe brings that same rich, velvety texture and irresistible brown sugar pecan topping straight to your kitchen perfect for a holiday side dish or a cozy family dinner.
With its creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy, caramelized topping, this dish strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re recreating a classic Thanksgiving dish or simply craving a taste of Southern comfort, this homemade sweet potato casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table. Ready to make this baked sweet potato casserole from scratch? Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a sweet potato casserole that’s both rich and indulgent, this Ruth’s Chris copycat recipe is the one. It’s not just another side dish, it’s a show-stopping favorite that blends creamy sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar pecan topping for the perfect bite every time.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe brings the signature Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole to your table with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the crunchy pecan streusel, making it both comforting and elegant.
- Great for Holidays and Gatherings: Whether it’s a classic Thanksgiving dish, a Christmas dinner side, or a treat for a Sunday meal, this casserole steals the spotlight every time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, saving time while still serving up a fresh, oven-baked dish.
With its silky texture and caramelized topping, this Southern sweet potato casserole is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish unforgettable.
Ingredients
Before you start making this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole, gather all your ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will ensure a rich, flavorful dish with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 ½ to 3 pounds), baked and mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a silky texture
- ⅓ cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the mixture for a light, fluffy base
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness
For the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping:
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed: Creates a caramelized, crunchy topping
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Helps form the perfect streusel texture
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a crumbly, buttery topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Provides crunch and nutty flavor
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg: For a touch of warm spice
- Marshmallows: If you love a toasted, gooey topping
- Maple syrup: For a deeper, richer sweetness
Having everything prepped before you begin will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step directions.
Directions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole to life. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly creamy sweet potato base with a buttery brown sugar pecan topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Pierce them with a fork and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Mash until smooth: Once cooled, remove the skins and mash until creamy. Use a potato masher or hand mixer for a smoother consistency.
Make the Sweet Potato Filling
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- Mix the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your hands to create a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle over the casserole: Evenly distribute the pecan streusel topping across the sweet potato filling.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Optional Additions:
- Add marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, caramelized finish.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the casserole before serving for extra richness.
Once baked, your sweet potato casserole will have a smooth, buttery base and a crunchy, caramelized topping just like the Ruth’s Chris signature dish. Now, let’s explore some expert tips to make this dish even better.
Expert Tips and Variations
To make this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole even more delicious, here are some expert tips and variations to consider. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or get creative with toppings, these suggestions will take your dish to the next level.
Expert Tips:
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: For the creamiest texture, opt for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. They provide a smooth, velvety base and a naturally sweet flavor.
- Don’t overmix the filling: When mixing the sweet potato base, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can make the casserole dense, while gently stirring creates a light, airy texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let the eggs, butter, and cream come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more evenly into the sweet potatoes for a smoother filling.
Variations to Try:
- Add marshmallows for sweetness: If you’re a fan of the traditional sweet potato casserole with a gooey marshmallow topping, sprinkle them over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a fun twist.
- Go nut-free: If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply skip the pecans in the topping and use a mix of oats and brown sugar for a crunchy, safe alternative.
- Switch up the spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the sweet potato filling for an extra layer of warmth. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for an even richer flavor.
- Maple syrup: For a deeper sweetness, drizzle maple syrup over the casserole right before serving. It complements the brown sugar pecan topping beautifully.
These little tweaks allow you to customize this recipe to your tastes, while still keeping the signature flavors that make this sweet potato casserole so irresistible. Keep these tips in mind to ensure every bite is full of comforting, delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole is a showstopper, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a special occasion, here are some ideas for serving this dish to make your meal even more delicious.
Perfect Pairings:
- Roast Turkey: The rich sweetness of the casserole complements the savory flavors of roast turkey perfectly. It adds balance and a touch of elegance to your main dishes.
- Grilled Chicken: For a lighter option, this casserole pairs beautifully with grilled or baked chicken. The flavors of the sweet potatoes and brown sugar pecan topping bring out the best in simple, well-seasoned chicken.
- Steak or Beef: If you’re serving steak or beef, this casserole makes an excellent side dish. Its sweetness pairs well with grilled steaks, roast beef, or even a hearty beef roast.
- Green Vegetables: Balance the richness of the casserole with some fresh green vegetables. Try pairing it with green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple side salad to add some crunch and freshness to your plate.
Serving Ideas:
- Make it a centerpiece: Serve this casserole in a large, decorative dish and let it be the focal point of the table. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
- Top with additional pecans: For extra crunch, sprinkle a few more chopped pecans on top right before serving. This adds texture and enhances the dish’s nuttiness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a light sprinkle of fresh parsley or rosemary for a touch of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
Serving Tips:
- Serve warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve this casserole while it’s still warm. The buttery topping will be crispy and golden, and the sweet potato base will be creamy and comforting.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes before serving. This is a great way to save time and still enjoy a freshly baked casserole.
No matter the occasion, this sweet potato casserole is sure to make your meal memorable. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or as a sweet indulgence, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite at your table.
FAQs
When it comes to making the perfect Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole, you might have a few questions along the way. Don’t worry I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions people ask, along with answers to help ensure your casserole turns out just right.
1. Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely. If you want to make this dish well in advance, freezing is a great option. Once the casserole is assembled (before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, you can either bake it straight from the freezer (just add some extra time) or thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake it as usual.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Drain and mash them well, and make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed since canned sweet potatoes can sometimes be a bit sweeter. You may also want to reduce the amount of sugar you add to the filling, depending on how sweet the canned sweet potatoes are.
3. What can I use instead of pecans?
If you prefer not to use pecans, you can swap them out with other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Alternatively, for a nut-free option, you can use a mixture of oats and brown sugar for a crunchy topping. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can also incorporate some shredded coconut for texture.
4. How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
To get that perfect crunchy topping, make sure the butter in the streusel mixture is firm but not melted. You can also bake the casserole uncovered for the last few minutes to help the topping crisp up. If you love extra crunch, consider adding some extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the topping before baking.
5. Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?
Yes. If you love the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, add them to the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will give them time to melt and brown on top, creating a gooey, toasted marshmallow topping that’s a perfect contrast to the crispy pecan streusel.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. This Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole is sure to become a family favorite with all its delicious, customizable options.
Recipe Card
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, baked and mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping:
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Pierce them with a fork and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Mash until smooth: Once cooled, remove the skins and mash until creamy. Use a potato masher or hand mixer for a smoother consistency.
Make the Sweet Potato Filling
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- Mix the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your hands to create a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle over the casserole: Evenly distribute the pecan streusel topping across the sweet potato filling.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Closing Notes
You’ve now learned how to create an irresistible Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole that will impress your family and friends at any gathering. With its perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunchy topping, this dish has all the right flavors to make it a standout. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a special occasion, or just because, it’s a comforting dish that never goes out of style.
If you’ve followed the recipe, you’re sure to have a mouthwatering casserole that’s rich in flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative with variations, swap out the pecans for walnuts, adjust the spices to your liking, or even add marshmallows for that nostalgic twist. The best part? It’s super easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
So, the next time you want to wow everyone at the table with something sweet and savory, give this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole a try. With its simple ingredients and foolproof instructions, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.
Happy cooking.