If you’ve ever sat down for a special meal at a classic steakhouse, you know there are certain side dishes that simply steal the show—and none does it better than Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. This cherished recipe delivers creamy, rich sweet potatoes blanketed with a buttery, pecan-studded crust that sings with every bite. Sweet, nutty, and absolutely show-stopping, it’s the kind of dish that turns even sweet potato skeptics into firm believers. Whether you’re planning your holiday menu or craving a soul-satisfying side, this casserole is pure comfort with just the right bit of Southern flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the delights of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is how it transforms a handful of humble ingredients into an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. Every item adds something special—sweetness, warmth, crunch, or a fluffy texture—that makes this the side dish you’ll be craving long after the holidays.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: For the silkiest base, roast or boil large sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them completely smooth.
- Granulated Sugar: Brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes for that irresistible flavor balance.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, cozy aroma and rounds out the sweet notes beautifully.
- Large Eggs: Beaten eggs help the casserole set up perfectly, giving it that creamy, custard-like texture.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Richness and moisture—plus it melds everything together seamlessly.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Deep molasses flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the pecan crust topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to hold the crunchy topping together without overpowering the nuts.
- Chopped Pecans: The star of the topping—nutty, toasty, and addictive.
- Unsalted Butter (melted) for Topping: Gives that golden, crispy finish to the pecan crust.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or 2-quart baking dish—this keeps anything from sticking and ensures those sticky, caramelized edges everyone loves.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Stir or beat until everything is creamy and totally smooth. Don’t be afraid to taste at this stage for sweetness—remember, it should be a little more sweet than savory! Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Crust Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until everything is moistened and crumbly. This is your magic topping: it’ll bake up into a crisp, golden crown for the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly all over the sweet potato layer, covering every inch for maximum crunch. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The casserole is ready when the topping is deeply golden and the base is set and slightly puffed. Let it cool for five to ten minutes—if you can resist digging in right away!
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, I love adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon just before serving. If you’re feeling nostalgic, a handful of mini marshmallows can go on during the last five minutes in the oven—they’ll melt into gooey, toasty sweetness that kids and adults adore.
Side Dishes
This casserole brings velvety richness to just about any main course, but it is especially wonderful alongside perfectly roasted turkey, prime rib, or honey-glazed ham. Don’t forget some bright, tangy sides like cranberry sauce or garlicky green beans to balance the sweetness and create a memorable holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for an elevated dinner party (everyone gets their own delicious pecan topping!). Or, for family-style buffet gatherings, scoop portions into a pre-warmed serving bowl and top with an extra sprinkle of chopped pecans fresh out of the oven. However you serve it, Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole never fails to charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to four days and are every bit as dreamy—some say the flavor gets even better on day two!
Freezing
If you’re making Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole well in advance, prepare everything except the topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight, add the fresh pecan topping just before baking, and you’re ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). For a crisp topping, remove the foil for the last five minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved, but the oven is best for keeping that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Drain and mash canned sweet potatoes thoroughly, then use in place of fresh. Just keep an eye on added sugars—canned varieties can be a bit sweeter, so you may want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly.
Is the pecan topping necessary or can I leave it out?
The pecan topping is what makes Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole so irresistible, adding buttery crunch and a caramelized finish. However, you can omit it for a simpler casserole, or swap in oats for a nut-free version if allergies are a concern.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based substitute, and ensure your sweetener and other ingredients are non-dairy. The result is just as luscious and satisfying for everyone at the table.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
No worries—a 2-quart baking dish works perfectly. You can even divide the mixture among smaller pans or ramekins for mini servings. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller dishes may bake a bit faster.
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two 9×13-inch dishes. The pecan topping scales up easily, and the casserole is just as delicious when made in big batches for parties or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday side or just want to indulge in pure comfort, Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is the answer. Every bite is creamy, toasty, and utterly memorable. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering—it just might become your family’s new tradition!
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Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. This classic side dish features a creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan crust, making it the perfect addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Pecan Crust Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or 2-quart baking dish.
- Prepare sweet potato base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- Make pecan crust topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle over sweet potato layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made a day ahead—prepare and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- For an extra indulgent version, add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
