Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe 🍠

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, a beloved dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. This recipe will bring the same joy to your table that Ruth’s Chris Steak House does to its loyal patrons, turning a humble side dish into an indulgent treat. Whether served at a holiday feast or as a cozy family meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Mixture:

3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional for added warmth)

Pecan Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans (or whole if you prefer more crunch)
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
2 tbsp butter, softened
Pinch of salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil or bake them until they’re soft and tender. For the best results, bake the sweet potatoes at 400°F for 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them or boil them, but baking enhances the flavor.
Once cooked, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.

2. Mix the Sweet Potato Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, milk (or cream), and cinnamon (if using).
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. Prepare the Pecan Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, softened butter, salt, and cinnamon (optional).
Use your hands or a fork to mix until you have a crumbly, buttery texture. You want the topping to be somewhat chunky, so don’t over-mix.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar-sized casserole dish) with butter or cooking spray.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the sweet potato mixture.

5. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the casserole – it should come out clean.

6. Serve:

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the topping set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serve hot as a side dish or dessert, and enjoy!

History of Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole, a staple in Southern cuisine, has been a beloved comfort food for generations. Its origins are somewhat debated, but it is often attributed to the influence of Native American cuisine, where sweet potatoes were a key food source. Over time, as European settlers introduced sugar and butter, the dish evolved into the creamy, sweet version we know today.

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole specifically has become iconic because of its rich, indulgent flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a hearty steak dinner. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel, has made this casserole an essential part of its menu, elevating it from a simple side dish to a signature offering.

Formation of the Casserole

This casserole is formed by layering a creamy, smooth sweet potato base and topping it with a crunchy, buttery pecan mixture. The combination of textures—silky sweet potatoes with the crisp, sugary pecans—creates a contrast that makes every bite a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy.

Conclusion

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings warmth to any meal. The smooth sweet potato filling paired with the sweet and crunchy pecan topping strikes the perfect balance, making it a favorite for holiday meals and everyday indulgence alike. Whether you’re enjoying it as a Thanksgiving side or serving it as a comforting treat on a cold winter evening, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Lovers of Sweet Potato Casserole

Holiday Enthusiasts: If you love the warm, comforting flavors of fall, this casserole is a must-have for your holiday dinners.
Pecan Lovers: The sweet, nutty crunch of the pecan topping makes this casserole irresistible for anyone who loves pecans.
Sweet Tooths: With its perfect balance of sweetness and richness, this casserole is ideal for those who enjoy a sweet side dish that can even double as dessert.

Methods and Variations

Vegan Version: You can make this casserole vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk.
Nut-Free Version: If you have nut allergies, you can skip the pecans and try a crunchy oatmeal topping or use coconut flakes for added texture.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture or sprinkle some chili powder on top of the pecan topping for a spicy-sweet contrast.
Marshmallow Topping: If you’re a fan of the traditional marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole, you can add mini marshmallows to the pecan topping and bake for the last 5-10 minutes, just until the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey.

Enjoy the comfort of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole in your own kitchen—perfect for making new traditions or adding a special touch to your favorite meals!