Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Indulge in the legendary Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole at home! This recipe delivers incredibly creamy sweet potatoes, crowned with a sensational brown sugar and pecan crust. It’s an out-of-this-world delicious side dish, guaranteed to be the star of your holiday meal!
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, you know it’s an experience in high-end culinary excellence. While their steaks are undeniably legendary, often it’s their side dishes that truly steal the show. Among them, the Sweet Potato Casserole stands out as a true masterpiece – a dish so rich, so perfectly balanced, and utterly unforgettable that it often inspires home cooks to recreate its magic. For many, it’s the gold standard for what a sweet potato casserole should be, especially during the festive holiday season.
This recipe aims to capture that famous Ruth’s Chris essence. The secret lies in a luxurious base of velvety smooth sweet potatoes, whipped to perfection, and then generously topped with a crunchy, buttery, and sweet brown sugar and pecan streusel. The contrast between the creamy interior and the crisp, caramelized topping is what makes every bite an absolute dream. If you’re a devotee of sweet potatoes, or simply looking for that show-stopping side dish to elevate your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, you are going to adore this copycat version.
Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes: The Foundation of Flavor
The first crucial step in crafting any exceptional sweet potato casserole, including this Ruth’s Chris copycat, is to properly cook your sweet potatoes. Since they will be mashed and combined with other ingredients, the method you choose offers flexibility. The goal is simply to achieve tender, easily mashable potatoes. You have several excellent options, each with its own benefits:
- Boiling: This is a straightforward and common method. Peel your sweet potatoes, cut them into even chunks, and boil them in lightly salted water until fork-tender. This usually takes 15-20 minutes. Drain them thoroughly afterward to prevent a watery casserole.
- Baking: For a slightly deeper, more concentrated sweet potato flavor, baking is a fantastic choice. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then bake them whole at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until very soft. Once cooled, simply scoop out the tender flesh.
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): This is my personal favorite and highly recommended for its efficiency and consistent results. You’ll get perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time, often in just 30 minutes, without needing to constantly monitor them. Simply add a cup of water to your Instant Pot, place a trivet, and set the whole sweet potatoes on top. Cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. The skins will peel away effortlessly, leaving you with beautifully soft potatoes. For a detailed guide, check out my Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Whichever method you choose, ensure your sweet potatoes are cooked until very tender. This is key to achieving that signature smooth and creamy texture found in the Ruth’s Chris version.
Key Ingredients for Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
This delightful casserole is built on two distinct but complementary components: the luscious sweet potato mixture and the irresistible crumb topping. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the iconic flavor and texture of this beloved dish.
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a vibrant color.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the casserole structure and a rich, custardy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, contributing to the dessert-like quality.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Softened Butter: Contributes to the incredible creaminess and richness, making the potatoes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
For the Crumb Topping:
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and helps create a caramelized, crunchy crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the streusel, giving it structure and that perfect crumbly texture.
- Chopped Pecans: Essential for the signature nutty flavor and delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy potatoes.
- Melted Butter: Binds the topping ingredients together, ensuring a golden, crisp finish.
While the original recipe can be found on the Ruth’s Chris website, my version features a slight adjustment: I prefer to use a bit more sweet potato. The topping is quite sweet and indulgent, so a higher potato-to-topping ratio creates a more balanced flavor profile, preventing the dish from becoming overly sugary. This subtle change ensures that the inherent goodness of the sweet potato truly shines through.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Potato Casserole
Creating this magnificent holiday side dish is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these steps for a perfect Ruth’s Chris-inspired sweet potato casserole:
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: As discussed earlier, begin by cooking your sweet potatoes until they are completely tender. My preferred method is the Instant Pot for speed and ease, but boiling or baking works just as well. Once cooked, let them cool slightly so they are comfortable to handle.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: Scoop the soft, cooked sweet potato flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, a whole egg, and the softened butter. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial for achieving the luxurious texture associated with the Ruth’s Chris original.
- Assemble the Base: Pour the smooth sweet potato mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish. A 2-quart dish or a 9-inch baking pan, lightly greased with non-stick spray, works perfectly. Spread it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Craft the Crumb Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, either with a fork or your fingers, until a uniform crumbly mixture forms. The texture should resemble coarse wet sand.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the pecan crumb topping over the prepared sweet potato base in the baking dish. Ensure it covers the entire surface for that delightful crunch in every bite.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven (350º F or 175°C) and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is bubbly around the edges and heated through.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it much easier to scoop and serve beautifully.
Make-Ahead Options for Holiday Convenience
Holiday meal prep can be hectic, but this sweet potato casserole is wonderfully forgiving and can be prepared in advance, saving you valuable time on the big day. Here are a few strategies for making it ahead:
- Cook Sweet Potatoes in Advance: You can cook and mash your sweet potatoes a day or two before. Store the mashed sweet potato mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. This is a great first step to get out of the way.
- Assemble and Refrigerate (Best Method): This is my absolute favorite and most recommended make-ahead method for optimal results. Prepare the creamy sweet potato mixture entirely and spread it into your baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the crumb topping fresh and sprinkle it over the chilled sweet potato mixture. This ensures the topping bakes up perfectly crisp and crunchy.
- Fully Assemble and Refrigerate: For ultimate convenience, you can assemble the entire casserole – both the sweet potato base and the crumb topping – a day in advance. Cover it well and refrigerate. The only minor downside to this method is that the topping might not be *quite* as crisp as when added fresh, as it can absorb a little moisture from the potatoes. However, it will still be incredibly delicious, and most guests likely won’t notice the subtle difference. This is a perfectly acceptable option if time is extremely tight.
Important Note: If you’re baking a casserole that has been refrigerated (starting with a cold casserole), you will need to increase the baking time by approximately 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it’s bubbly and the topping is golden.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Casserole
Achieving that Ruth’s Chris quality at home is easy with a few helpful pointers:
- Nut Alternatives: While pecans are traditional and delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment! Walnuts make an excellent substitute, offering a slightly different but equally appealing nutty flavor and crunch. Almonds could also be a good option for those looking for a different texture.
- Achieving Ultimate Creaminess: For the smoothest, most luxurious sweet potato mixture, use a stand mixer or a powerful hand mixer. Beat the cooked sweet potatoes with the other wet ingredients until there are absolutely no lumps and the mixture is light and airy. This mimics the restaurant-quality texture.
- Avoid Watery Casserole: Ensure your cooked sweet potatoes are well-drained before mashing. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery and thin. If you boil them, let them steam dry for a few minutes in the pot after draining.
- Perfect Crumb Topping: For the best crisp topping, make sure your melted butter is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients for the streusel. It should hold together when squeezed but still be crumbly. Spreading it evenly is key for consistent crunch.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. For a crisper topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of holiday roasts and main dishes. Its rich, sweet, and savory profile complements classic holiday proteins perfectly:
- Baked Ham: The saltiness of ham is a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness of the casserole.
- Roasted Turkey: A classic holiday pairing, offering traditional comfort.
- Smoked Turkey Breast: Adds a smoky depth that works wonderfully with the sweet notes.
- Easy Prime Rib: The richness of prime rib finds a perfect partner in this creamy, sweet side.
- Pork Tenderloin: Another excellent choice, as pork and sweet potatoes are a match made in culinary heaven.
No matter your main course, this casserole is destined to be a beloved addition to your holiday spread, earning rave reviews from family and friends.
More Irresistible Holiday Side Dish Recipes
If you’re planning a full holiday menu, you’ll need more than just one amazing side dish! Here are some other fantastic recipes to complete your festive feast, all designed to complement your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole beautifully:
- Sausage Stuffing: A savory classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Green Bean Casserole (no cream soup): A fresh take on a traditional favorite.
- Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes: Incredibly creamy and perfectly consistent every time.
- Green Beans with Bacon: Simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
- Air Fryer Carrots: Sweet, tender, and perfectly roasted carrots with minimal effort.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole: All the flavor of a loaded baked potato in an easy-to-serve casserole.
- Corn Casserole: A sweet and savory dish that’s easy to make and universally loved.
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
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Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 cups cooked sweet potato
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 whole egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumb Topping
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray a 2 quart baking dish (or 9 inch baking pan) with non-stick spray.
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Add all of the ingredients for the sweet potato mixture to a mixing bowl and beat until it is smooth and creamy.
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Spread sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
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In a bowl mix together all of the ingredients for the crumb topping until well blended.
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Sprinkle evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes.
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Bake for 35 minutes until bubbly and hot. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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