This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to your holiday table. With its creamy sweet potato base and a buttery, nutty pecan topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels as indulgent as dessert. The contrasting textures of velvety sweet potatoes and crisp pecan crumble make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just looking to elevate a family dinner, this casserole is a must-try. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers gourmet results. Serve it alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a classic pairing, or let it shine as the star of your holiday spread.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed (about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or preferred type)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until a crumbly topping forms.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 402 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Ruth’s Chris Inspired Delight
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole has long been a celebrated dish on holiday tables and special occasions. It’s a culinary masterpiece that blends the creamy richness of sweet potatoes with the crisp and buttery crunch of a pecan topping. Originally served as a signature dish at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, this casserole has transcended its origins to become a beloved staple for home cooks around the world.
This dish is more than just a side it’s a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The casserole’s beauty lies in its simplicity, versatility, and ability to bring people together over a shared meal. Whether you’re recreating the dish as a nostalgic nod to the restaurant’s iconic menu or introducing it to your family for the first time, it’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
The Appeal of Sweet Potato Casserole
One of the reasons this casserole is so cherished is its universal appeal. Sweet potatoes are a naturally versatile ingredient, offering a creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor. When combined with the richness of butter, the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the crunch of a pecan topping, the result is a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is especially popular during the holiday season, where it often graces tables alongside roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. However, its charm extends far beyond seasonal gatherings. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout side dish for any meal, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties.
History and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is renowned for its classic American steakhouse fare, but the Sweet Potato Casserole has become a highlight of their menu, stealing the show even from their perfectly cooked steaks. The dish embodies Southern cooking traditions, where sweet potatoes are celebrated as a versatile and nutritious staple.
This recipe captures the essence of the original dish while making it accessible to home cooks. It’s a loving recreation that emphasizes the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients to achieve the same flavor and texture profile as the restaurant version. Whether you’ve dined at Ruth’s Chris or not, this casserole delivers an authentic taste of Southern comfort food.
Why This Casserole is a Must-Try
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The magic of this casserole lies in its harmonious balance. The sweet potato base is creamy, lightly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, which evoke the comforting flavors of autumn and winter. The topping, made with chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter, adds a caramelized crunch that complements the smoothness of the sweet potatoes.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by adults and children alike. Even those who aren’t typically fans of sweet potatoes often find themselves reaching for seconds. The casserole’s dessert-like quality makes it a unique addition to the dinner table, bridging the gap between savory sides and indulgent desserts.
Easy to Customize
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can add a touch of maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness, sprinkle in some coconut flakes for a tropical twist, or top it with marshmallows for a gooey, nostalgic treat. It’s also simple to adjust the spices or swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Simple Yet Impressive
This casserole is easy enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a holiday feast. The preparation process is straightforward, relying on basic kitchen tools and pantry staples. Yet, the end result looks and tastes like a dish that took hours to perfect.
Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet Potato Casserole
Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes
While canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient option, fresh sweet potatoes yield the best flavor and texture. Roasting or boiling them brings out their natural sweetness and ensures a silky smooth base for the casserole.
Achieve the Perfect Texture
For a velvety smooth filling, take the time to mash or blend the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a hand mixer or food processor can help achieve a creamy consistency without lumps.
Get Creative with the Topping
While the classic pecan topping is hard to beat, feel free to experiment. Add oats for extra crunch, sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or include a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Serve It Warm
This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly after baking to let the flavors meld and the topping set. If you’re making it ahead of time, simply reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy topping and creamy interior.
Why Sweet Potato Casserole is Perfect for the Holidays
Holiday meals are all about tradition, and this casserole has become a cherished part of many families’ celebrations. Its rich flavors and vibrant orange hue make it a festive addition to any table. Moreover, its dessert-like quality adds an element of indulgence that feels right at home among the season’s decadent dishes.
The casserole’s warm spices and buttery topping also make it a comforting choice for chilly weather. Pair it with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian main dish for a meal that feels hearty and complete.
The Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are more than just delicious they’re also packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal. Their natural sweetness means you can use less added sugar, while their creamy texture reduces the need for heavy cream or other rich ingredients.
This casserole is a testament to the idea that comfort food can also be nourishing. By using wholesome ingredients and balancing indulgence with nutrition, it offers the best of both worlds.
Conclusion:
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and togetherness. It’s a dish that brings people back for seconds, sparks conversations about holiday memories, and leaves a lasting impression long after the meal is over. Whether you’re recreating it for the first time or making it a yearly tradition, this casserole is sure to become a cherished part of your repertoire.
With its balance of sweet and savory, its adaptability, and its ability to bring a touch of luxury to any table, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to share a little piece of culinary magic with the people you love.