If you’ve ever craved a comforting, vibrant side that beautifully balances sweet and nutty flavors, then the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This dish manages to be both simple and decadent, combining velvety mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping that adds incredible texture and warmth. It’s just the kind of recipe to share with family or friends during special dinners or holiday gatherings, delivering cozy vibes and rich flavors with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its signature taste and texture. From the smooth sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes to the nutty crunch of pecans, each element works harmoniously to make this dish irresistibly delicious.
- 3 cups cooked sweet potato (mashed): The creamy base that gives the casserole its luscious, sweet foundation.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to brighten the potatoes.
- ¼ cup softened butter: Brings richness and helps make the sweet potato mixture silky smooth.
- 1 whole egg: Acts as a binder, giving the casserole structure and a lovely texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors by cutting through the sweetness just right.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar: Forms the sweet, caramel-y base of the crumb topping.
- ¾ cup chopped pecans: Adds a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the crumb toppings into a perfectly crisp layer.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Rich and buttery, this ties the topping ingredients together and crisps during baking.
How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch baking pan using non-stick spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Mix Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended. This is the luscious, velvety foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Spread Mixture
Transfer the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or spatula. Spreading it out uniformly ensures even cooking and a great base for the crumb topping.
Step 4: Prepare Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix until you get a crumbly yet cohesive topping that promises that signature crunch and nutty flavor Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is famous for.
Step 5: Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Don’t be shy about this step—this crunchy topping is what transforms the casserole from simple to spectacular.
Step 6: Bake
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and heated through, and the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown, offering a satisfying crunch.
Step 7: Serve
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This pause allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, making each bite more harmonious and delicious.
How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation and an extra flavor pop, consider garnishing the casserole with a few fresh pecan halves or a light dusting of cinnamon. A spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup also complements the sweetness invitingly without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of hearty mains, including roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken. For a balanced meal, add a crisp green salad or sautéed greens to cut through the rich sweetness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for charming personal portions, or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a lovely warm-meets-cool dessert twist that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover sweet potato casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy weekday meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole after baking and cooling by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy the full experience of the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps retain that crispy pecan topping better than microwaving, making every bite taste like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia seed egg in place of the whole egg. The texture will be just as delightful.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
While fresh cooked sweet potatoes are best for flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to mash them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
Is it possible to prepare this dish a day ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and store it in the refrigerator without baking. When ready to serve, simply add the crumb topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going in cold.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
If you need to avoid nuts, try using oat flakes or crushed pretzels in place of pecans for a crunchy topping. These options provide texture without compromising the overall flavor harmony.
How sweet is this casserole? Can I reduce the sugar?
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe strikes a lovely balance between sweet and savory, but you can reduce both the granulated sugar and brown sugar by about a quarter if you prefer a less sweet dish. Just keep in mind that the sugars help with texture and browning as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe that makes it a standout on any holiday table or cozy family dinner. Its combination of creamy, sweet potatoes with that satisfyingly crunchy topping is pure comfort food joy. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become a cherished classic in your kitchen, just as it is in mine.
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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
Description
This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a deliciously creamy and indulgent side dish featuring mashed sweet potatoes blended with sugar and butter, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumb. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a perfect addition to holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 cups cooked sweet potato (mashed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 whole egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumb Topping
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, softened butter, whole egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and creamy in texture.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top so it’s ready for the crumb topping.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix well until fully blended to form a crumbly topping.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The casserole is done when it is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set for easier serving.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked and warm mashed sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer, pecans can be toasted lightly before mixing for extra depth of flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; add a few extra minutes to bake when reheating.
- For a richer topping, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture.
- Ensure the baking dish is appropriately sized to prevent overflow during baking.
