If there is one side dish guaranteed to steal the show at any holiday table, it’s the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. This indulgently creamy, beautifully sweet, and perfectly crunchy casserole blends velvety mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan topping that adds just the right touch of texture and caramelized charm. What I adore most about this dish is how it effortlessly combines classic comfort flavors with a touch of sophistication—making it a beloved favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to dress up your sweet potato game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful balance of each ingredient. Every component plays a vital role: from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the warm, nutty crunch of pecans, and the hint of vanilla that ties it all together beautifully.
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes: Use cooked and peeled large sweet potatoes for a smooth and creamy base.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a subtle aromatic warmth.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a binder, giving the casserole a luscious, rich texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and silky smoothness to the sweet potato mixture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: For that deep caramel flavor in the crunchy topping.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken and hold the pecan topping together.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a delicious crunch and a toasty, nutty note that’s unforgettable.
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted): Creates a golden, crispy crust on top when baked.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potato Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix together the creamy mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Make sure everything is combined until smooth and silky. This luscious mixture is what gives the casserole its irresistible velvety texture.
Step 2: Layer the Sweet Potato Mixture
Once your sweet potato base is perfectly blended, pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so the pecan topping can sit beautifully and bake evenly on top.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until you’ve got a crumbly, textured topping ready to adorn your sweet potatoes. This topping is the secret to adding a delightful crunch and rich, caramelized flavor that contrasts so well with the creamy base.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is set with no jiggle in the middle. Let it cool just slightly before serving, so all those delicious flavors can settle.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is stunning on its own, a light sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few whole pecan halves can add extra visual appeal and crunch just before serving. For a fun twist, a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy spice note that perfectly complements the flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a fantastic companion to traditional holiday mains like roasted turkey or baked ham. It also pairs wonderfully with savory sides such as garlic green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or even a fresh mixed greens salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Change things up by serving the casserole in individual ramekins for holiday guests or portioning it attractively on plates alongside your protein and veggies. You can also swirl in a bit of cream cheese before baking for a marbled effect, making this classic recipe feel a little more luxurious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some leftovers? No problem! Store the remaining casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it just as tasty the next day or for the next holiday feast.
Freezing
You can freeze the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. For baked casserole, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. To keep the topping crisp, avoid microwaving, which can make it soggy. If reheating from frozen, thaw before warming for best results.
FAQs
Can I make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously rich.
Is this recipe very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?
This casserole has a balanced sweetness, but if you prefer less sugar, you can reduce both the granulated and brown sugars by about ¼ cup each. The natural sweetness of the potatoes still shines through beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the casserole up to a day in advance by preparing it fully except for baking, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake just before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
What kind of sweet potatoes work best?
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Be sure to peel and cook them thoroughly before mashing to achieve the perfect base.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts offer a similar crunch and slightly different nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potato mixture if you prefer them or don’t have pecans on hand.
Final Thoughts
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a treasury of comforting flavors and textures that effortlessly elevates any holiday spread. It’s a dish that invites warm memories around the table and smiles with every bite. Trust me when I say, once you try it, this luscious casserole will find a permanent spot in your family’s favorite recipes. Don’t wait to bring this slice of indulgence to your next holiday or special gathering!
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
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic American holiday side dish featuring a creamy sweet potato base topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. This comforting casserole combines the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a rich, nutty topping, making it a perfect accompaniment to turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 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)
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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 thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly and evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set further and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; simply bake it before serving for convenience.
- Pairs beautifully with traditional holiday mains like turkey or ham, as well as roasted vegetables.
- Use fresh or frozen cooked sweet potatoes for the base, but ensure they are well mashed for a smooth texture.
- For a richer flavor, butter can be browned before mixing, and pecans can be toasted to enhance their taste.
