Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at the legendary steakhouse and found yourself smitten by its iconic side dishes, you know why people rave about Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. With a velvet-smooth sweet potato base and a crisp, nutty pecan topping, this casserole brings an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors to your table. Whether it’s a star on your holiday spread or a comforting addition to Sunday dinner, this classic recipe always delivers a cozy, crowd-pleasing moment that tastes like home yet feels just a little bit extra special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is surprisingly simple—every ingredient has a role to play, from the lush sweetness of potatoes to the buttery crunch of pecans. Gather these basics, and you’re halfway to magic.

• Mashed sweet potatoes: Freshly cooked and mashed (or baked for deeper flavor), they define the casserole’s creamy texture and rich color.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base and pairs perfectly with the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes.
• Salt: Just a touch sharpens all those flavors and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic depth and warm, cozy notes to the base.
• Eggs: Essential for setting the casserole and helping everything hold together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, butter goes into both the base and the topping for full flavor.
• Light brown sugar (for topping): Brings out a delicious caramel undertone in the pecan crust.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the topping its irresistible crumble and slight crunch.
• Chopped pecans: Add signature crispiness and nutty flavor for the classic finish.

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until perfectly tender—baking or boiling works, but roasting brings out even more sweetness and depth. Once cooled enough to handle, peel and mash them to a silky consistency. You want about three cups, which is usually three to four hefty sweet potatoes. This step is your foundation: the smoother and more luscious the mash, the better your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole will be.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Stir until completely smooth and well blended—you’re aiming for a custard-like texture. This is the heart of the dish, so make sure everything is fully incorporated for the creamiest, dreamiest base.

Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep anything from sticking. Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Taking a moment here ensures every bite of your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole has that signature silky consistency with just the right structure.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. It should resemble a chunky, crumbly mixture. The aroma alone will reassure you that this is going to be something special—the topping is where the texture and nutty, caramelized flavors truly shine.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, making sure every inch is covered in that decadent, crunchy blanket. Slide the casserole into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Once lightly cooled, all those layers will hold together, making for a showstopping slice every time.

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole is already a beauty, but for a touch of elegance, try a final sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A swirl of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream transforms each serving into an unforgettable treat, especially at festive gatherings.

Side Dishes

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole loves good company. Pair it with classic mains like prime rib, honey-glazed ham, or garlic-roasted chicken. On the side, tangy cranberry sauce, sautéed green beans, or a fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette create a balanced and memorable meal everyone will savor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique spin, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, or drizzle with spiced honey for a gourmet touch. At potlucks, mini muffin-tin servings make it easy to share. Even a simple scoop into elegant china can make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole feel like the star of any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often meld and deepen, so don’t be surprised if you find it just as irresistible reheated (or even cold with a cup of coffee the next morning).

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the topping) for up to two months. Wrap the dish well in plastic and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the pecan topping before baking as usual—it will emerge just as crisp and golden as ever.

Reheating

Warm leftover casserole in a 300°F oven, lightly covered with foil, until heated through—about 15–20 minutes. For single servings, a quick microwave zap will do, but the oven keeps the pecan topping extra crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sweet potato base and store it (covered) in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the pecan topping just before popping it in the oven for the freshest crunch.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

As written, the topping includes all-purpose flour, but you can substitute your favorite gluten-free blend with great results. Every other ingredient in Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is naturally gluten-free.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! If you prefer a slightly less sweet casserole, reduce the granulated sugar in the base to 3/4 cup and the brown sugar in the topping to 2/3 cup. The casserole will still taste rich and delicious, letting the natural flavor of sweet potatoes shine.

What’s the best way to mash the sweet potatoes?

For the smoothest texture, mash your sweet potatoes with a potato ricer or food processor, especially if you like a silky base. If you prefer more texture, hand-mashing with a fork or potato masher works just fine too.

Why use roasted rather than boiled sweet potatoes?

Roasted sweet potatoes develop deeper, caramelized flavors and a drier texture, which makes the base extra rich without being watery. This slight extra step is one of the secrets behind the restaurant-level taste of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you love crowd-pleasing, soul-warming comfort food, Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is exactly what you’ve been searching for. With its luscious sweet potato filling and irresistible pecan topping, it earns a permanent spot on any festive or family menu. Whip it up and watch it disappear—your guests might just request it every time you gather!

Print