Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (2024)

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If you love Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, you can now have it at home! This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a fantastic side dish for your holiday dinners. It’s creamy, delicious sweet potatoes are topped with a crisp, pecan streusel topping making for an amazing side or dessert to any holiday meal!

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Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (1)

If you’ve ever dined at a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you’ve likely had, or at the very least, heard of their famous Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. I must say, it’s pretty awesome!

Their patrons have been known to order this rich side for dessert and have it topped with vanilla ice cream. I decided as soon as I enjoyed this decadent side dish in the restaurant that I must figure out how to make it at home!

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (2)

There are two aspects to this dish that make it extraordinary! The creamy, tender sweet potatoes and the crisp, pecan topping. It took a while for me to get both of these components the right texture, but I think I finally got it spot-on to restaurant quality!

What do I need to make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole?

Here’s a quick-reference checklist of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious sweet potato casserole recipe. I’ve linked all of my preferred ingredients that I shop for at Target, where you can place a quick pick-up or drive-up order:

  • Sweet Potatoes – I don’t recommend buying canned yams or sweet potatoes. Buy fresh sweet potatoes from the produce section. They will make a huge difference in the quality and texture of your potatoes.
  • Brown Sugar – you can use light or brown dark sugar. If you’re looking to reduce the refined sugar content, I recommend using Swerve Brown Sugar alternative, which is great for baking!
  • Half and Half – Half and half consists of half cream and half milk. This will make your potatoes wonderfully creamy.
  • Butter – either unsalted or salted butter is helpful in creating creamy sweet potatoes.
  • Egg – the egg will provide the necessary binding to help the potatoes hold their shape and not be runny when baked.
  • Vanilla – good vanilla extract is great for the flavor of the potatoes.
  • Salt – salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavor of the potatoes.
  • Chopped Pecans – you can purchase pre-chopped pecans or buy pecan halves.
  • Flour – flour is a necessary ingredient for your crumble topping.
  • Cinnamon – cinnamon is an excellent addition to the pecan crumble topping flavor.
  • Nutmeg – nutmeg is also great for the flavor of the topping.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to reference the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Thanks!

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (3)
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (4)

How do I make sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble topping?

First, being by peeling and dicing sweet potatoes. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1″ cubes and place into saucepan. Cover with water and boil the potatoes until fork tender. You could also steam the potatoes.

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (5)
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (6)
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (7)

How do I get sweet potatoes creamy and fluffy?

To achieve creamy, fluffy sweet potatoes start by adding butter, half and half, brown sugar, an egg and vanilla. Mash together with a manual potato masher. The egg sounds a little unconventional, but it actually works as a binding agent for the potatoes.

Using a regular potato masher to get the sweet potatoes to just the right, creamy (but not over processed or gluey) texture. If you were to use a hand-mixer they would become a little over-processed. I would recommend sticking to the potato masher. It’s much easier to gauge the right texture this way.

From here, spread the creamy sweet potato mixture into the bottom of a medium-sized baking dish. The baking dish I’m using here is 7 x 10″, but any medium sized oval or rectangular baking dish will work well. You could also use a 9×9″ square pan

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (8)
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (9)

How do I make brown sugar pecan crumble for sweet potato casserole?

To make a brown sugar pecan crumble topping for sweet potato casserole, you’ll need brown sugar (or Swerve brown sugar), flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg and melted butter. Mix all of these together in a bowl until the mixture becomes crumbly and gravel-like.

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the top of the sweet potato mixture. When baking, make sure to cover the baking dish loosely with foil. This will allow the casserole to bake evenly without overbrowning the pecans.

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (10)
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (11)

Once the dish comes out of the oven, it will look and smell incredible! This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole will be the most popular side on your holiday table.

You’ll want to forget the turkey or prime rib, and dig right in to this! The beautiful bright orange potatoes underneath the crisp, golden pecan topping will be a show-stopper for any holiday dinner.

FAQ’s about making Sweet Potato Casserole:

Is sweet potato casserole a dessert or side dish?

Both. (That’s the safe answer.) This is a hotly contested question. Ingredients for sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole are identical. One is considered a side and the other a dessert. Both pie and casserole contain quite a bit of sugar and sweetness, therefore making it a reasonable contender for a dessert.

How do you reheat sweet potato casserole?

If you’re reheating the entire casserole from being refrigerated, do it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and cover loosely with foil. Reheat in the oven for 25-35 minutes or until heated through completely. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top crust.
If you’re reheating an individual serving of sweet potato casserole, I recommend simply reheating in the microwave. Heat on 30 second increments until heated through completely.

Can Sweet Potato Casserole be frozen?

Yes, sweet potato casserole can be frozen. This is a great way to save some time when cooking your holiday meals. Create the sweet potato casserole and assemble in a baking dish or pan. Without baking, wrap tightly with well-sealing plastic wrap (I like press-and-seal wrap). Freeze for up to a month in advance.
When ready to bake before your dinner, allow time for thawing. Take out of the freezer the night before to ensure the casserole is thawed. Bake as directed before your dinner.

Can I make sweet potato casserole in advance for a holiday meal?

Yes, sweet potato casserole can be made in advance. For best results, make the sweet potato mash and add to the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap. Make the pecan crumble and store in a separate container. This will ensure the crumble topping doesn’t become mushy. Refrigerate. Before your meal, add the topping to the casserole, cover with foil and bake as directed.

What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

Sweet potatoes will have a reddish skin and bright orange flesh. Yams have a dark brown skin and have a lighter beige colored flesh. Yams will also grow much larger in size than a sweet potato.

If you loved this fantastic sweet potato casserole with pecans, be sure to check out some of my other holiday favorites:

  • Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Topping
  • Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
  • Healthy Green Bean Casserole
  • Everything Thanksgiving Stuffing
  • Cranberry Fluff Salad
  • Pumpkin Meringue Pie
  • Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
  • Apple Cider Turkey Brine + How to Brine a Turkey
  • How to Dry Brine A Turkey
  • Citrus Turkey Brine

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (14)

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Erin Indahl-Fink

If you love the famous steak house Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, this recipe is for you! This delicious sweet potato casserole with brown sugar pecan crumble topping is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Salad and Sides

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 503 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup butter melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Topping:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium baking dish, spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

  • Wash, peel, and boil the sweet potatoes, over medium high heat. (Depending on how large or small they are cut, this takes 14-18 minutes.) To test the potatoes for doneness, pierce with a fork or knife. If the potato piece breaks apart easily, they are done.

  • Transfer the cooked potatoes to a mixing bowl, and add the brown sugar, half and half, butter, egg, vanilla and salt. Using a potato masher, combine the ingredients and mash until mostly smooth. Small lumps are okay. Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish.

  • In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir together to combine. Pour the melted butter into the brown sugar mixture, and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the top of the potatoes, covering completely. Garnish with some pecan halves, if desired. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.

  • Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to allow the pecans to toast. (Total bake time is 45 minutes.)

  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Baking dishes and pans: baking dishes oven vary widely in size. For this recipe I used a 7 x 10" rectangular baking dish. Feel free to use an oval baking dish of comparable size. You could also use a 9×9" square pan or baking dish.

Making in advance for a holiday meal: For best results, make the sweet potato mash and add to the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap. Make the pecan crumble and store in a separate, resealable container. This will ensure the crumble topping doesn't become mushy. Refrigerate. Before your meal, add the topping to the casserole, cover with foil and bake as directed.

Reheating Instructions: If you're reheating the entire casserole from being refrigerated, do it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and cover loosely with foil. Reheat in the oven for 25-35 minutes or until heated through completely. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top crust. If you're reheating an individual serving of sweet potato casserole, I recommend simply reheating in the microwave. Heat on 30 second increments until heated through completely.

Storage: store any leftovers in the baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap. You can also store in resealable, airtight container. Will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 503kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 250mgFiber: 7gSugar: 44g

Keyword Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole, Ruth Chris Sweet potato casserole recipe, Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole, sweet potato casserole with brown sugar pecan crumble

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (15)

You Might Also Like These Recipes

  • Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
  • Beef Enchilada Casserole
  • Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
  • Garlic Herb Roast Beef
  • Pumpkin Meringue Pie
  • Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole
Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole {The ULTIMATE sweet potato casserole recipe!} (2024)

FAQs

How do you make sweet potato casserole not runny? ›

Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes). Make it as smooth or chunky as you like!

Why do you put eggs in sweet potato casserole? ›

A really good sweet potato casserole filling should be light and moist, not dense. If it's dense, then you may not have added an often overlooked ingredient—an egg. An egg adds lift, structure and volume and makes the filling more custard-like.

How can I thicken my sweet potato casserole? ›

However, if you prefer a really thick sweet potato casserole, you can add about 2-3 tablespoons of flour to your sweet potato batter and this will help the mixture to thicken. This is an especially good idea if using fresh sweet potatoes.

What is sweet potato casserole made of? ›

It is made of cooked and mashed sweet potatoes combined with sugar, butter, vanilla, milk, and eggs. In this recipe, the sweet potato mixture is topped with a buttery pecan crumble topping and baked until golden brown. It's a traditional southern favorite for Thanksgiving and other family meals and holidays.

How do you know when your sweet potato casserole is done? ›

Bake for about 40 minutes, uncovered, or until the topping is nicely browned. Let cool slightly before serving. If you'd like to break up the preparation of this dish a bit, feel free to make and refrigerate the streusel a few days ahead.

Is sweet potato casserole supposed to be runny before baking? ›

I prefer to roast my potatoes, but feel free to boil them or cook them in a slow cooker if that is easiest for you. The filling will sometimes look runny before it it baked, but will firm up some after cooking in the oven.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The cold water bath helps rinse the starch off the sweet potatoes so they're a bit more crispy. That said, if you do not have the time, you can still get crispy baked sweet potato fries by using high heat and a little drizzle of olive oil.

Can diabetic eat sweet potatoes? ›

You can still eat sweet potatoes if you have diabetes, assures Huff. The fiber content in sweet potatoes, especially if you consume them with the skin on, can help reduce spikes in your blood sugar. Plus, how you cook your sweet potatoes can also help reduce the extent to which your blood sugar rises.

Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›

While both are sweet sides, they are different. Sweet potato casserole involves mashing the potatoes, turning them into a custard of sorts, and then topping them with marshmallows and/or pecans before baking. We don't do any of this when making candied sweet potatoes!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh? ›

Canned or frozen sweet potatoes may be substituted for the fresh form in any recipe calling for cooked sweet potatoes as the starting point. Canned sweet potatoes are generally smaller in diameter because of their better canning qualities.

What is the best way to thicken a casserole? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

How do you thicken potato casserole? ›

Whisk together equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Use one tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of liquid you would like to thicken. Stir out all the lumps. A few minutes before your casserole is done, add it a little at a time until you are happy with the thickness.

What variety of sweet potato is best for casserole? ›

Jewel. With copper skin and deep-orange flesh that's moist and tender when cooked, the jewel is a go-to potato for traditional baking and casseroles.

What's the difference between sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole? ›

The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping.

What's the difference between canned yams and sweet potatoes? ›

No, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. Yams have rough, dark brown skin that is often compared to tree bark, and their flesh is dry and starchy like a regular potato. Sweet potatoes have smooth reddish skin, softer flesh (when cooked), and a sweet flavor.

How do you make a casserole less liquidy? ›

10 Tips To Fix Or Prevent Watery Casseroles
  1. Prep Vegetables Ahead Of Time. Vegetables boiling on a stove - Solstock/Getty Images. ...
  2. Add A Starch. ...
  3. Experiment With Pasta Or Grains. ...
  4. Take The Lid Off. ...
  5. Drain Fat From Meat. ...
  6. Choose A Dry Or Low-Fat Cheese. ...
  7. Sprinkle Seeds Into Your Bake. ...
  8. Remove Excess Liquid.
Oct 29, 2023

How do you fix a watery casserole? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry for a fast and easy thickener.

Use one tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of liquid you would like to thicken. Stir out all the lumps. A few minutes before your casserole is done, add it a little at a time until you are happy with the thickness. Then, let the casserole finish baking.

What do I do if my potato bake is too runny? ›

Try letting the dish rest for 10 minutes or so to let the water get absorbed and let the sauce thicken. Try cooking your recipe longer.

Should sweet potato casserole be firm? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

References

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