Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: Ultimate Comfort

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, buttery, and indulgent holiday favorite. With its smooth, creamy sweet potato base and crunchy pecan topping, it delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Unlike traditional marshmallow-topped casseroles, this version features deep caramelized flavors and a crisp, nutty finish, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and special occasions.

What makes it special? Whipped sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a buttery pecan crumble create an irresistible contrast of flavors. Whether you’re recreating this steakhouse classic at home or trying it for the first time, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients for Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Base

• Sweet Potatoes – Fresh for the best flavor; canned works as a shortcut.
• Butter – Adds richness; use unsalted for better control.
• Brown Sugar – Provides deep caramel-like sweetness; swap with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Eggs – Binds the mixture; use flax eggs for an egg-free version.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances warmth and flavor.
• Heavy Cream or Milk – Makes the filling creamy; coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Adds warm spice without overpowering.

Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Pecans – The signature crunch; substitute with rolled oats for a nut-free version.
• Brown Sugar – Caramelizes for a golden, crispy topping.
• Butter – Binds the topping and adds richness.
• Flour – Creates structure; use almond or oat flour for a gluten-free version.

Customization Options

Lower Sugar? Reduce brown sugar or use honey, monk fruit, or maple syrup.

Gluten-Free? Use almond or gluten-free flour.

Vegan-Friendly? Swap butter for coconut oil, eggs for flax eggs.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Not all sweet potatoes are the same. For the best flavor, choose orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet. This sweet potato variety guide explains the differences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the simple steps to make this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

• Peel and chop 3–4 large sweet potatoes into chunks.
• Boil in a large pot of water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
• Drain and let them cool slightly.

Mash the Sweet Potatoes:

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.
• For an extra silky texture, use a hand mixer or food processor.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

Combine the Ingredients:

• Add ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes.
• Mix until well combined and creamy.

Transfer to a Baking Dish:

• Pour the sweet potato mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 3: Make the Crunchy Pecan Topping

Prepare the Topping:

• In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, and 4 tablespoons melted butter.
• Stir until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble.

Sprinkle Over the Casserole:

• Evenly distribute the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the Casserole:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Let It Rest & Serve:

• Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures!

Pro Tip: If you want an extra caramelized topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is rich, buttery, and indulgent, making it a perfect side dish for holiday feasts, special occasions, or steakhouse-style dinners. Here’s how to serve it for the best experience:

Best Ways to Serve

✔ Straight from the Oven – Serve warm, right after baking, to enjoy the contrast between the creamy filling and crisp pecan topping.
✔ Garnish for Extra Flair – Sprinkle with extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
✔ Drizzle with Maple Syrup – For an extra touch of sweetness, a light drizzle of maple syrup or honey can enhance the flavors.

Best Pairings for This Casserole

Since this dish is sweet and rich, it pairs well with savory and hearty main courses. Here are some great pairings:

Steak or Prime Rib – The perfect steakhouse-style pairing, balancing the casserole’s sweetness with a juicy, smoky steak.

Roast Turkey or Chicken – A holiday classic! The casserole complements savory, herb-seasoned poultry beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables – Serve with Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus for a well-balanced meal.

Bread or Biscuits – A side of buttery rolls or cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the casserole.

This versatile casserole is a showstopper on any dinner table—whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a comforting family meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish, making holiday meal prep much easier. Here’s how to store, reheat, and freeze it properly.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Prepare in Advance – Assemble the casserole up to two days in advance, but do not bake it yet.
• Store in the Refrigerator – Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.
• Bake When Ready – Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature. Then, bake as directed.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – You can freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

How to Reheat

• Oven – Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work as a quick substitute. Just drain and mash them before mixing. Fresh sweet potatoes, however, offer a richer, more natural flavor.

How do I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?

Toast the pecans before mixing them with sugar and butter. Baking uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes or broiling briefly will also enhance the crunch.

Can I make this casserole without nuts?

Yes, swap pecans with rolled oats or crushed graham crackers for a nut-free crunchy topping.

How do I reduce the sweetness of this recipe?

Cut the brown sugar in half or use maple syrup or a sugar substitute. Unsweetened coconut milk instead of heavy cream also helps balance the sweetness.

Can I double the recipe for a large gathering?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, indulgent, and comforting dish that elevates any meal. With its smooth, buttery base and crunchy pecan topping, it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a holiday favorite.

This versatile casserole is easy to make ahead, store, and customize to fit different dietary needs. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a healthier twist, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to bring this beloved dish to your table and make it a holiday tradition!

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

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• Author: Walter
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, buttery, and indulgent holiday side dish. Featuring a smooth, creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan crumble, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Base:

 

• 3–4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Crunchy Pecan Topping:

 

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

 

1. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain.
3. Mash until smooth and creamy (use a hand mixer for extra silkiness).

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

 

1. In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
2. Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping

 

1. In a bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
2. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato filling.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
3. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then serve warm.

 

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, Ruth Chris sweet potato, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving casserole, pecan topping, creamy sweet potatoes, Southern comfort food, steakhouse casserole, easy holiday recipes, make-ahead casserole