Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Introduction

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that has become a staple in many households during the holidays. It combines the natural sweetness of cooked sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery flavor, topped with a crunchy pecan crumb topping. I first had this dish at a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The creamy sweet potato base is perfectly complemented by the buttery, sweet, and nutty topping that adds an irresistible texture. It’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s face, and now I can make it at home whenever I want that comforting, festive flavor. If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes and crave something sweet yet savory, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

Before you embark on your culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:

Sweet Potato Mixture:

• 3 cups cooked sweet potato (mashed)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup softened butter
• 1 whole egg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumb Topping:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup later.

2. Mix Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potato, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.

3. Spread Mixture
Once the sweet potato mixture is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure to smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking.

4. Prepare Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until they form a crumbly, evenly distributed topping.

5. Add Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. The crumb topping should cover the entire surface of the casserole, adding a nice, crunchy layer.

6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the crumb topping is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center—the sweet potato mixture should be hot and firm.

7. Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Allowing the casserole to rest helps the flavors meld together perfectly and ensures that it sets nicely when served.

Nutrition Facts

(Based on 8 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Holiday Feast: Serve this sweet potato casserole as a side dish during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering. It pairs beautifully with savory roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken.
• Weeknight Comfort Food: It’s not just for the holidays! Serve it on a cozy weeknight to add some sweetness to your regular meals.
• Brunch: It also makes an excellent addition to a holiday brunch or potluck, where it can easily serve a crowd.

Additional Tips

1. Sweetness level: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the sweet potato mixture by a tablespoon or two.
2. For extra creaminess: Add a bit of milk or cream to the sweet potato mixture if you want a creamier texture.
3. Chop the pecans finely: For a more even topping, chop the pecans into smaller pieces so they mix more uniformly with the other ingredients.
4. Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate it. Just add the crumb topping and bake when you’re ready to serve.
5. Spices for extra warmth: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the sweet potato mixture for a bit of spice and warmth, making it feel even more festive.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
2. Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, simply leave out the pecans and replace them with oat flakes or crushed graham crackers for the crumb topping.
3. Add Marshmallows: For a sweeter variation, top the casserole with mini marshmallows in the last 5 minutes of baking, letting them melt and toast slightly.
4. Add Cranberries: Toss in a handful of fresh or dried cranberries to give the casserole a burst of tart flavor, which contrasts nicely with the sweet potatoes.
5. Use Brown Sugar: If you like a deeper, richer flavor in the topping, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for the crumb mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted meats: Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish to serve with a roasted turkey, ham, or even a juicy steak.
• With salad: Serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Topped with whipped cream: For a festive touch, serve it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve as breakfast: With its sweet flavors and hearty texture, this casserole can even double as a decadent breakfast treat!

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
• Reheat in the oven: When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 20 minutes).

FAQ Section

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
   Yes, canned sweet potatoes work as long as they are well-drained. Mash them and follow the recipe as usual.
2. Can I prepare this casserole the day before?
   Yes, prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Add the crumb topping right before baking.
3. Can I use a different nut for the topping?
   Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios are great substitutes for pecans.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   The recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to the flour in the topping. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Can I make it spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the sweet potato mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
6. What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
   Use regular orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled as “yam”) for the best results in terms of texture and sweetness.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used, but butter gives a richer flavor and texture.
8. Can I add marshmallows on top?
   Yes! If you prefer, you can top the casserole with mini marshmallows in the last 5 minutes of baking for a traditional touch.
9. How do I make the topping crispy?
   Make sure to use melted butter in the crumb topping and bake until it’s golden brown and bubbly for maximum crunch.
10. Can I make this casserole ahead for a potluck?
    Yes, it’s perfect for potlucks! You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a dessert-like treat that brings joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or as part of a regular family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress with its sweet and nutty flavors. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate the magic of Ruth’s Chris in your own kitchen. The comforting taste of the creamy sweet potatoes and the crunchy pecan topping will make this casserole a favorite in your household for years to come.

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