If you've been searching for the perfect Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, you're in for a treat. There's something truly magical about this legendary dish that keeps diners coming back for more. Maybe it's the way the creamy, perfectly spiced sweet potatoes melt in your mouth, or perhaps it's that moment when your fork breaks through the crispy, butter-kissed pecan topping. For decades, the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe has stolen the spotlight from even the finest steaks on the menu, becoming a must-order item for both regulars and first-time visitors alike.
Why You'll Love This Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Let me tell you why this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is about to become your new favorite! I've tested countless sweet potato casserole recipes, but this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe stands out from them all. First, imagine the coziest Southern comfort food you've ever tasted, then picture it transformed into something so luxurious it belongs on a steakhouse menu – that's exactly what we're creating here. Every bite is pure bliss: the sweet potato base is incredibly creamy and velvety (thanks to a perfect blend of vanilla and butter), and just when you think it can't get any better, you'll hit that irresistibly crunchy pecan topping that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Trust me, this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe isn't just another side dish – it's the one your family will beg you to make for every holiday and Sunday dinner. The best part? While it looks and tastes like you spent hours in a professional kitchen mastering the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, it's actually surprisingly simple to put together. Whether you're cooking for a special celebration or just want to make a regular weeknight dinner feel extra special, this recipe is your secret weapon for guaranteed "wows" at the dinner table.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Ingredients
- Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Instructions
- Hints and Tips
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment Needed
- Storage Instructions
- Top Tip
- Grandma's Magic Touch:
- FAQ
- How did your Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe turn out?
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to recreate this amazing Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe. I'll help you make sure you have just the right amounts!
For That Dreamy Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds) - Look for ones with a deep orange color and no soft spots! You'll want to peel these beauties and cut them into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup granulated sugar - This helps create that signature Ruth Chris sweetness
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - Make sure it's unsalted so we can control the seasoning
- 2 large eggs - Room temperature works best for smooth mixing
- ½ cup whole milk - The full-fat milk makes everything extra creamy
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Pure vanilla makes such a difference in flavor!
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - Fresh cinnamon is key for the best aroma
- ¼ teaspoon salt - Just enough to enhance all those wonderful flavors
For That Irresistible Pecan Crust Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed - Dark or light brown sugar both work great
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour - This helps create that perfect crumbly texture
- 1 cup pecans, chopped - Toast them lightly first if you want to take the flavor to the next level!
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted - This brings all the topping ingredients together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A final touch of warmth and sweetness
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Instructions
Ready to create this amazing Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe? Don't worry - I'll walk you through every step!
Step 1: Getting Those Sweet Potatoes Perfect
- First things first! Let's preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's heating up, grab your 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a good coating of butter or cooking spray - this will make serving so much easier later!
- Time for our sweet potatoes! Pop those cubed beauties into a large pot and cover them with cold water - starting with cold water helps them cook more evenly.
- Now, bring everything to a boil over high heat (you'll see those bubbles dancing!), then lower it to medium-low and let them simmer away for 15-20 minutes. Here's a little trick: they're done when a fork slides through them like butter!
- Drain those potatoes really well - we want them dry so our casserole isn't watery. Pop them back in the pot and let's move to the fun part!
Step 2: Creating That Dreamy Sweet Potato Base
- Here's where the magic starts! Mash those sweet potatoes until they're super smooth. An electric mixer will give you that silky Ruth Chris texture, but a potato masher works great too!
- Now for the good stuff - add your sugar, melted butter (yum!), eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt. These ingredients are what make this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe so special!
- Beat everything together for about 2-3 minutes until it's smooth and creamy. Don't rush this part - it's what gives us that heavenly texture!
- Gently spread this gorgeous mixture into your prepared baking dish. Try to get it nice and even for picture-perfect servings later!
Step 3: Making That Incredible Pecan Topping
- In a medium bowl, let's mix our brown sugar, flour, and those lovely chopped pecans. This topping is what makes everyone come back for seconds!
- Drizzle in your melted butter and vanilla extract - your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
- Mix everything until you get that perfect crumbly texture. It should look like streusel topping - you know, those irresistible bits that everyone fights over!
- Now for the fun part - sprinkle this delicious mixture all over your sweet potato base. Try to get it nice and even, but don't stress too much - it'll all be delicious!
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
- Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the sweet potato base is set. Your kitchen is going to smell like heaven!
- Here's the hardest part - waiting! Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. I know it's tempting to dig right in, but this little bit of patience lets all those amazing flavors settle together perfectly.
Hints and Tips
- For the smoothest texture, use an electric mixer to beat the sweet potato mixture.
- Don't overcook the sweet potatoes – they should be tender but not waterlogged.
- Room temperature eggs and milk will blend more easily with the sweet potato mixture.
- The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance before baking.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole is naturally rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. While it's a decadent dish, sweet potatoes provide numerous nutritional benefits. For a complete meal, serve alongside a perfectly cooked steak, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk and dairy-free butter alternatives
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend
- Add marshmallows instead of the pecan topping for a different twist
- Incorporate a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for extra flavor
- Use walnuts instead of pecans for the topping
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Electric mixer or potato masher
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months (though the texture of the topping may change slightly)
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through
Top Tip
The key to achieving Ruth Chris' signature texture is to ensure your sweet potatoes are completely smooth before adding other ingredients. Take the extra time to beat them thoroughly, removing any strings or lumps – this attention to detail makes all the difference in the final texture.
Grandma's Magic Touch:
You know what makes this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe even more special? Adding those little touches that remind us of grandma's kitchen! While Ruth Chris may have perfected this recipe for their restaurants, there's something about making it at home that lets us add that extra sprinkle of love – just like grandma used to do.
Here's a little secret: try warming your milk and vanilla extract together before mixing them in, just like many grandmothers did. This simple step helps the flavors bloom beautifully throughout the sweet potato mixture. And when you're layering that pecan topping, don't worry about making it perfectly even – those slightly uneven spots where the butter pools create amazing crispy bits that everyone will fight over, just like they did at grandma's Sunday dinners!
Remember how grandma always said patience is key? She was right! Let those sweet potatoes drain properly, and don't rush the mixing process. These little moments of care are what transform this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. After all, the secret ingredient in any beloved recipe is always that extra dash of patience and love – something every grandmother knows by heart.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in Savannah Classics sweet potato casserole?
While this is a Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, it shares similar core ingredients with Savannah Classics: sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pecan topping. However, the Ruth Chris version is distinguished by its specific proportions and preparation method that creates its signature creamy texture.
Is it better to bake or boil sweet potatoes for a casserole?
For the authentic Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, boiling is the preferred method. Boiling sweet potatoes ensures even cooking and creates a smoother, creamier texture that's easier to mash. Baking can create a drier texture and may result in uneven cooking, which could affect the final consistency of your casserole.
Does Ruth Chris serve baked potatoes?
Yes, Ruth Chris Steakhouse serves both regular baked potatoes and sweet potato casserole. While their baked potatoes are a classic steakhouse side dish, their sweet potato casserole recipe (shared here) has become one of their most popular signature side dishes, known for its creamy texture and pecan topping.
How many sweet potatoes make 3 cups?
Typically, 2 large sweet potatoes or 3 medium sweet potatoes will yield approximately 3 cups when mashed. For this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, we recommend using 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds) to ensure you have the perfect amount for the casserole.
How did your Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe turn out?
This recipe stands out with its velvety smooth sweet potato base and that irresistibly crunchy, buttery pecan topping that makes every bite pure heaven.
Craving more homestyle flavors? Warm up your kitchen with our seasonal favorite Truffle Pasta Recipe, a luxurious twist on comfort food. For a hearty Southern classic, our Pastalaya Recipe brings together the best of pasta and jambalaya in one delicious dish. And if you're all about bold, crispy flavors, our Hillbilly Fish Fry Seasonings Recipe will take your fried fish to the next level with a perfect blend of spices!
Did you make this Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Maybe you added a splash of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture? Or perhaps you tried a different nut in the topping? Your creative twists and unique ingredients might just inspire other home cooks to try something new!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish (Glass or ceramic works best)
- Large pot (For boiling sweet potatoes)
- Electric mixer (Stand or hand mixer for smoothest results)
- Potato masher (Alternative to electric mixer)
- Medium mixing bowl (For preparing pecan topping)
- Set measuring cups and spoons (For accurate measurements)
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 large sweet potatoes - about 2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup granulated sugar - Can reduce to ½ cup for less sweetness
- ¼ cup unsalted butter - Melted
- 2 large eggs - Room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk - Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Use real vanilla, not imitation
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - Freshly ground if possible
- ¼ teaspoon salt - Regular table salt
Pecan Crust Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar - packed
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour - Regular, not self-rising
- 1 cup pecans - Chopped, can be lightly toasted
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter - Melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pure, not imitation
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to pot.
- Mash sweet potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or electric mixer.
- Add sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the potatoes. Beat until smooth and well combined (2-3 minutes).
- Transfer sweet potato mixture to prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans.
- Add melted butter and vanilla to the pecan mixture, stir until crumbly.
- Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding to the topping.
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