Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Homemade Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort

Creamy ruth chris sweet potato casserole brings comfort and warmth to any gathering.

Marshmallow-topped goodness whispers memories of childhood holiday dinners.

Soft, buttery sweet potatoes melt into a dreamy landscape of indulgence.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that dances against the smooth, velvety base.

Home cooks adore this decadent side dish for its irresistible blend of textures.

Simplicity meets elegance in every golden, caramelized bite.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immunity, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well. Drain them thoroughly and mash before mixing with other ingredients. Fresh sweet potatoes offer a slightly richer flavor, but canned ones are a convenient alternative.

  • How do I know if the casserole is fully baked?

The casserole is done when the topping turns golden brown and crisp, and the edges start to bubble slightly. Insert a knife in the center – it should come out clean and the mixture should be heated through.

Why Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Holiday Must-Have

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This sweet potato casserole delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet base and crunchy pecan topping that makes everyone at the table smile.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the sweetness or nut quantity to match your family's taste preferences, making it a flexible dish for different palates.
  • Holiday Hero: Perfectly suited for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this recipe brings a touch of restaurant-quality elegance to home cooking.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, even novice cooks can create a professional-looking side dish that impresses guests.

Ingredients for Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A classic root vegetable that provides the creamy and rich foundation for this comforting casserole.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm and aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Help bind the casserole ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy texture in the sweet potato mixture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky consistency.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Pecans: Create a crunchy, sweet, and nutty topping that adds texture and depth to the casserole.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Salt, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Cook Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). This will create the perfect environment for baking your delicious sweet potato casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Melted butter

Whip these ingredients together until they form a silky smooth mixture that looks like golden velvet.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Generously butter a baking dish and pour in the sweet potato mixture. Spread it out evenly so every bite will be perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Create the Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Melted butter
  • Chopped pecans

Mix until the ingredients dance together and form a crumbly, nutty topping.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Crunch

Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the sweet potato base, making sure to cover the entire surface with this delectable layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown, crispy topping that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull out the casserole and let it cool slightly. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Pro Tips for Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and deeper caramel flavor.
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure smoother mixing and more even baking consistency.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the topping.
  • Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for richer color and natural sweetness.
  • Consider reducing butter by half for a lighter version without compromising taste.

Flavorful Variations of Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Marshmallow Cloud Topper: Replace pecan topping with mini marshmallows, creating a gooey, sweet layer that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
  • Coconut Crunch Edition: Swap pecans with toasted coconut flakes and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tropical-inspired version with extra texture.
  • Maple Bacon Fusion: Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the pecan topping and drizzle maple syrup for a savory-sweet combination that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Caramel Praline Remix: Mix caramel sauce into the sweet potato base and top with a praline crumble made from crushed pecans, brown sugar, and butter for a rich, decadent experience.

Suggested Pairings for Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Pair Sweet Bourbon Cocktail: Complement the casserole's rich sweetness with a smooth bourbon-based drink featuring hints of vanilla and caramel that mirror the dish's flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Pinot Noir: Select a medium-bodied red wine with subtle earthy notes that beautifully balance the sweet and nutty elements of the sweet potato casserole.
  • Match with Spiced Apple Cider: Create a warm, comforting beverage that echoes the casserole's autumnal flavors, providing a non-alcoholic option that enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a creamy, cold contrast to the warm casserole, creating a delightful temperature and texture variation that amplifies the dessert-like qualities of the dish.

Storage Tips for Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole, a Southern classic that blends creamy potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Warm holiday memories and rich flavors invite you to savor each delightful spoonful of this irresistible side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even baking.
  2. Create a smooth base by vigorously blending mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, milk, and melted butter until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  3. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a generously buttered baking dish, carefully spreading it to create an even layer that will promote uniform cooking.
  4. Craft a decadent topping by combining brown sugar, flour, additional melted butter, and chopped pecans, mixing thoroughly to develop a crumbly, textured coating.
  5. Distribute the pecan topping evenly across the sweet potato foundation, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and crunch.
  6. Slide the prepared casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping that signals perfect caramelization and crisp texture.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly before serving, which helps the casserole set and intensifies the rich, warm flavors.

Notes

  • Always use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are thoroughly mashed without lumps for a silky smooth consistency.
  • Consider reducing sugar for a less sweet version, or swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a more complex, caramel-like sweetness that complements the potatoes.
  • Enhance the topping’s crunch by lightly toasting pecans before chopping, which intensifies their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of depth to the casserole.
  • For gluten-free diets, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the pecan topping without compromising the recipe’s delicious texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 366 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 204 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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