If there’s one dish that brings irresistible warmth and elegance to any holiday table, it’s the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. This beloved classic transforms simple sweet potatoes into a creamy, dreamy base, crowned with a golden, caramelized pecan topping that’s both crisp and nutty. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a special celebration, or just a cozy family dinner, this casserole never fails to steal the spotlight and win over even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each element plays a vital role, from the silky sweet potatoes to the crunchy pecan topping, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to master.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Choose about 3 large sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet, creamy base—freshly roasted or boiled makes all the difference!
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the natural earthiness of the potatoes and helps achieve that classic dessert-like flavor.
- Salt: Just a touch brings out the flavors and keeps the casserole from tasting overly sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and warmth, making each bite taste a little more indulgent.
- Eggs (beaten): These bind the sweet potato mixture and give the casserole its luscious, custard-like texture.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Rich, melted butter is essential for both the base and the topping, adding flavor and moisture throughout.
- Light Brown Sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramelized sweetness to the pecan topping, making it utterly addictive.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to bind the topping and create that signature crumble.
- Chopped Pecans: The star of the topping! Toasty pecans give crunch, nuttiness, and plenty of Southern charm.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on the fun part—assembling all those delicious layers!
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. The eggs and butter give the base its velvety texture, while the vanilla adds a subtle warmth that brings the whole dish together. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Irresistible Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. The mixture should be crumbly and aromatic—this is the layer that will bake up beautifully golden and crunchy. Sprinkle it evenly over the sweet potato base, making sure every inch gets a generous coating for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Slide your assembled casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pecan topping is a rich golden brown and the center is set but still soft. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving—this short wait is almost the hardest part, but it helps the casserole set up perfectly for slicing and serving.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
If you want to take your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole over the top, consider a few simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scattering of extra toasted pecans can make each serving feel truly special and holiday-ready.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains and sides—think roasted turkey, glazed ham, green beans, or even a crisp salad. Its sweet-savory profile complements both hearty and lighter dishes, making it the perfect addition to any festive menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try baking individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Not only does this look elegant, but it also ensures everyone gets their fair share of that coveted pecan topping. You can even serve it as a dessert, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a true treat. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The topping will stay pleasantly crisp, and the flavors only get better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare the casserole in advance, assemble the base and topping but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To bring your refrigerated or thawed casserole back to life, simply reheat it in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For individual servings, a quick spin in the microwave works too—just keep an eye on the topping so it stays crisp.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes or yams work well—just be sure to drain them thoroughly and mash until smooth for the perfect base.
Is it possible to make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk if needed. The casserole will still turn out rich and flavorful, though the taste may vary slightly.
Can I prepare Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When you’re ready, simply bake as usual and serve fresh from the oven.
How do I keep the pecan topping crunchy?
For the crispiest topping, bake the casserole uncovered and avoid overmixing the topping ingredients. If reheating, use the oven instead of the microwave to help preserve that irresistible crunch.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes for this recipe?
You can use a potato masher, food processor, or even a fork—just make sure the sweet potatoes are smooth and lump-free for the creamiest casserole base possible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with loved ones. Its creamy, sweet, and crunchy layers make it a must-have for gatherings big and small. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a treasured favorite at your table—happy cooking!
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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 Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a creamy, sweet, and crunchy holiday side dish featuring a smooth sweet potato base topped with a buttery, pecan-packed crumb topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion, it balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a decadent nutty crust.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 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
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make 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 until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top evenly.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until you achieve a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato base in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pecan topping turns golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set perfectly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time by preparing both the base and topping, then refrigerating it unbaked. Bake just before serving for best results.
- This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for holiday leftovers or meal prep.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and substitute with extra flour and brown sugar in the topping.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by reducing or increasing the sugar quantities slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
