If you’re searching for that special holiday side dish that walks the line between decadent dessert and irresistible comfort food, Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is your answer! Silky-smooth sweet potatoes are blended with just the right amount of sugar, vanilla, and butter, then crowned with a luxuriously nutty pecan crumble for the ultimate sweet-savory bite. This crowd-pleasing classic transforms every gathering into a celebration, and it’s honestly hard to resist sneaking a spoonful straight from the pan. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’ve loved it at the steakhouse, you’re about to see why this casserole earns all the rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of easily found ingredients to make magic happen with Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. Each one brings something unique to the experience, whether it’s sweetness, a dreamy texture, or that signature golden crunch on top.
- Sweet Potatoes: The foundation of this dish, choose vibrant, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the perfect flavor and color.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness to balance the earthy richness of the potatoes.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the dish from being too sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this warm flavor note; it brings richness and depth to the casserole.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs bind everything together, resulting in a custardy, luscious texture.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Buttery goodness brings silky smoothness to the sweet potato base.
- All-Purpose Flour: The secret to a crisp, crumbly topping that stays light and airy.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides a caramel-like sweetness and pairs oh-so-well with pecans.
- Pecans: Roughly chop them for the topping and enjoy their buttery crunch in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (softened, for topping): Helps turn the topping into irresistible crumbles; no hard mixers or food processors needed.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by cooking and peeling about three large sweet potatoes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, mash them until completely smooth. You’re aiming for a silky puree, so don’t leave any stubborn lumps behind—this is key for the signature texture of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Give it a good mix—you want everything fully integrated, resulting in a creamy mixture that’s lightly golden and smells like holidays are just around the corner.
Step 3: Prep the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. Spread the sweet potato filling evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Every spoonful should be equally luscious!
Step 4: Make the Crumbly Pecan Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, stir together your all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, chopped pecans, and softened butter. Work the mixture gently with a fork (or your hands) until you have a crumbly, buttery topping. These crumbles will bake up magnificently golden—and deliver that signature crunch on top of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly across the sweet potato layer. Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are set and the top is beautifully golden brown. Let your masterpiece cool just a bit before serving so every spoonful holds together perfectly!
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
While the crisp pecan topping is already a show-stopper, feel free to add a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh orange zest curls, or sprigs of rosemary for extra festive flair. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns each portion of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole into a dessert worthy of special occasions!
Side Dishes
This casserole loves the company of classic holiday fare. Pair it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even prime rib for contrast in texture and sweetness. Lightly steamed green beans or a fresh salad balance the richness and keep the meal feeling well-rounded and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, consider baking individual portions in ramekins or mini baking dishes—guests adore personal servings of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole! For potlucks or buffets, try baking in a pretty cast iron skillet or a ceramic oven-to-table dish for maximum impact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping may soften slightly, but the flavors meld and become even more delicious over time!
Freezing
If you want to get a head start on holiday prep, you can freeze the unbaked casserole base (without the topping) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge, add the pecan topping, and bake as directed—so convenient for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. For individual portions, a quick trip in the microwave works, though briefly broiling or toasting under the oven broiler will revive that irresistible crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sweet potato filling the day before, refrigerate it, and add the topping just before baking. It’s a time-saving hack that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The traditional topping uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to suit dietary needs without sacrificing any of that signature crunch.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes can be used in place of fresh—just drain them well and mash until smooth. The result is still deliciously close to the original Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole experience.
How do I toast pecans for the topping?
Toasting pecans is simple: place them on a dry baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Cool before adding to the topping, and enjoy the extra depth of flavor!
What can I use instead of pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite or there’s a nut allergy, try walnuts or even sunflower seeds for crunch, or skip nuts entirely and top with a crumble of oats and brown sugar for a nut-free version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole at your table—the creamy, cinnamon-hued filling and the crunchy, caramelized topping are simply unforgettable. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your moment! Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and get ready to see this spectacular side dish disappear in record time.
Print
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful holiday side dish that features a luscious sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that will complement any festive meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 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:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix sweet potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Spread in baking dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole ahead and refrigerate, adding the topping just before baking.
- For extra texture, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
