Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: A Copycat Recipe

Indulge in the decadent sweetness of Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s famous sweet potato casserole, recreated right in your own kitchen! This recipe captures the essence of their signature dish, offering a creamy, spiced sweet potato base topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble. Forget the complicated versions you’ve seen; this recipe is surprisingly simple, yet delivers the same unforgettable taste experience you’d expect from a high-end steakhouse. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, a special holiday dinner, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this Ruth’s Chris-inspired sweet potato casserole will become your new go-to recipe. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant and delicious side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This isn’t just any sweet potato casserole; this is a Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole experience, reimagined for your home kitchen. What makes this recipe so special? Let’s delve into the delicious details:

• Unmatched Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and savory is achieved through the careful blend of spices and rich ingredients. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide warmth, while the melted butter and heavy cream lend incredible richness and creaminess. The sweet potatoes themselves are the star, bringing a natural sweetness that is amplified by the addition of sugar.
• Effortless Elegance: While it tastes incredibly sophisticated, this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is remarkably easy to make. The simple steps and readily available ingredients mean you can create this show-stopping dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with everyone. The creamy texture and delightful flavor profile make it a universally loved side dish, suitable for both adults and children. It pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to grilled seafood.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble and bake just before serving, making it a perfect choice for stress-free entertaining. The topping can also be made in advance, saving even more time on the day of your meal.
• Dietary Adaptations: While this recipe uses traditional ingredients, it’s easily adaptable to accommodate various dietary needs. See our tips and variations section for gluten-free and vegan alternatives to make this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole accessible to everyone.

This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, a promise of delightful flavors, and a testament to the magic of simple ingredients expertly combined. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. Prepare to be amazed!

Why You Should Try This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to try this recipe for yourself:

• Elevated Comfort Food: This recipe elevates a classic comfort food to a new level of sophistication. It’s the perfect blend of familiar flavors and elegant presentation, making it ideal for both casual and formal gatherings.
• Impress Your Guests: This stunning casserole is a guaranteed conversation starter. Its rich, creamy texture and beautiful golden-brown topping will impress even the most discerning palates. Serve it with confidence, knowing your guests will be raving about your culinary skills.
• A Taste of Luxury: Experience the decadent flavors of a high-end steakhouse without the high price tag. This recipe allows you to recreate the signature taste of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole in the comfort of your own home.
• Versatility and Adaptability: This recipe is remarkably versatile. It can be served as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. It’s also adaptable to dietary restrictions. Explore the various modifications in our tips and variations section!
• Simple and Satisfying: Despite its elegant presentation and exquisite flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow. It’s a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced cooks.

Don’t just take our word for it. Try this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe and discover a new level of sweet potato satisfaction. It’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen!

Ingredients and Utensils for the Best Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is key to achieving the perfect Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. Below is a detailed list to ensure your baking success.

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs): Choose firm, well-shaped sweet potatoes for optimal results. Look for sweet potatoes that are free from bruises and blemishes. Using a good quality sweet potato will significantly impact the final flavor and texture of your casserole.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This provides the necessary sweetness to balance the spices and enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Using granulated sugar ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): The butter is crucial for adding richness and flavor to both the sweet potato filling and the pecan crumble topping. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content of your casserole.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sweet potato filling, creating a luxuriously smooth texture. It also helps bind the ingredients together for optimal consistency.
• Large Eggs (2): The eggs provide structure and richness to the sweet potato filling, helping to bind the ingredients and create a cohesive texture. They also contribute to the overall moisture and flavor of the casserole.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the sweet potato casserole, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Cinnamon is the primary spice in this recipe, providing warmth and a classic sweet potato flavor. Use ground cinnamon for even distribution and optimal flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sweet potato filling, complementing the cinnamon and other spices. Freshly grated nutmeg is preferable for its more intense flavor, but ground nutmeg works just fine.
• Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny pinch of cloves adds a subtle complexity to the overall flavor profile, contributing to the warmth and spice of the casserole. Use sparingly, as cloves can overpower other flavors if used excessively.
• Salt (Pinch): A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use a pinch of kosher salt or fine sea salt for optimal results.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): This forms the base of the crumble topping, providing structure and a slight thickness. Use all-purpose flour for optimal texture.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper sweetness and caramel-like notes to the crumble topping, complementing the sweet potatoes.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crumble topping. Use either pecans or walnuts, or a combination of both, depending on your preference. You can even omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free casserole.
• Cold Milk (1/4 cup): This helps bind the crumble topping ingredients together, creating a moist and crumbly texture. Use cold milk to prevent the butter from melting too quickly.

Utensils:

• Large Pot: For boiling the sweet potatoes. A stockpot or large saucepan will work well.
• Potato Masher or Electric Mixer: For mashing the cooked sweet potatoes. An electric mixer will create a smoother consistency.
• Large Mixing Bowls (2): One for the sweet potato filling and one for the crumble topping.
• Whisk: For combining the wet ingredients.
• Pastry Blender or Fingers: For cutting the cold butter into the flour mixture when making the crumble topping.
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: To bake the casserole. Ensure it’s well-greased to prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the sweet potato filling and the crumble topping.
• Baking Sheet (optional): To place underneath the baking dish in case of spills.

Having all these ingredients and utensils ready will make the process of making this delicious Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole much smoother and more efficient. Remember to prepare your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Detailed Steps for Making Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Now, let’s get started on creating your own delicious Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results.

Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and easier mashing later.
2. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. **Make sure the water completely covers the potatoes.**
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. **Test for doneness by piercing a sweet potato with a fork; it should easily slide through.**
4. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly in a colander. **Remove any excess water to prevent a watery casserole.**

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

1. While the sweet potatoes are still hot, mash them thoroughly using a potato masher or an electric mixer. **For a smoother casserole, use an electric mixer.** If using a potato masher, ensure you mash the potatoes until they are completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. **Ensure the butter is completely melted before adding it to the other ingredients.** Whisk until well combined and smooth.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. **This prevents the sugar from clumping in the final casserole.**

Step 4: Combine Sweet Potatoes and Wet Ingredients

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until everything is well incorporated. **Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold the ingredients together.** Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole tough.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and light brown sugar. **Ensure both ingredients are well mixed.**
2. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. **Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.** The mixture should look like coarse sand.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) and the cold milk until just combined. The topping should be crumbly but not wet.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. **Ensure the dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.** You can use cooking spray or butter.
2. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potatoes. **Make sure the entire surface is covered with the topping.**
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. **Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean.**
4. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to serve. **Allow at least 10-15 minutes of cooling time.**
2. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole! It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken or seafood.

Following these detailed steps, you are well on your way to creating an unforgettable Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. Remember the key is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the instructions carefully.

Tips and Variations for your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

To make the perfect Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole every time, consider these helpful tips and delicious variations:

• For extra sweetness: Add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup to the sweet potato mixture for a richer, more intense sweetness.
• For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warm and spicy twist. Adjust to your spice preference.
• For a gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it’s a blend designed for baking.
• For a vegan version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with applesauce or flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or plant-based cream. Adjust the sweetness as needed, as vegan substitutes can sometimes have a slightly different flavor profile.
• Topping variations: Experiment with different nuts such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a mix of both. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the topping for extra flavor and visual appeal. Consider adding a streusel topping for a different texture.
• Don’t over-mash the sweet potatoes: While a smooth consistency is desirable, over-mashing can result in a gummy texture. Aim for a smooth but slightly chunky consistency.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
• Make ahead: The sweet potato filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

While this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. However, remember that the addition of butter, sugar, and cream significantly increases the calorie and fat content. A serving size should be considered accordingly.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings): These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500
• Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams
• Fat: Approximately 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 4-5 grams

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene (converted to Vitamin A), essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Also a good source of vitamin C and fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Pecans/Walnuts: Excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Contribute to heart health and may help lower cholesterol.
• Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar regulation benefits. Adds warmth and flavor without excessive sugar.

Remember that moderation is key. Enjoy this delicious casserole as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs about Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients elevated by meticulous attention to detail. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan crumble creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice cook, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a delicious, homemade treat. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the taste of luxury in your own kitchen!

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your beautifully baked casserole on social media using #RuthsChrisSweetPotatoCasserole. And for more delicious recipes, check out our other posts like our Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar or our Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter for a festive autumnal treat! Happy baking!

For more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest board: Recipesamaya Blog on Pinterest

Ruth's Chris-Style Sweet Potato Casserole

A decadent and creamy sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping, inspired by the famous Ruth's Chris Steak House version.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sweet Potato Filling

• 3 lbs Sweet Potatoes Peeled and cubed
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter Melted
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Pecan Topping

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Cold, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup Cold Milk

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Large Mixing Bowls (2)
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Pastry blender or fork

Method

 

Instructions

1. Boil the sweet potatoes: Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes: While still hot, mash thoroughly using a potato masher or electric mixer.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and sugar until well combined.
4. Add to sweet potatoes: Pour wet ingredients into mashed sweet potatoes and mix until incorporated.
5. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fingers until crumbly. Stir in pecans and milk.
6. Assemble and bake: Pour sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle topping evenly.
7. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and casserole is heated through.
8. Cool slightly: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the sweet potato filling. You can also add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the filling for an extra warm spice note. Ensure sweet potatoes are completely tender before mashing for a smooth texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.